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MUSIC REVIEW: “Conqueror” by ICGC Gospel Diva, Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah, will certainly make you conquer the unconquerable

Published

3 years ago

November 11, 2020

Minister Yvonne, known as Yvonne Asamoah Tawiah — a supremely talented UK-based Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and minister whose star may rise as quickly in Ghana as it is in the UK is rocking our gospel screens with a tantalizing spirit-engulfed gospel music.

The gospel diva cum military woman currently works with the British Armed Forces as Human Resource Specialist. She is a staunch member of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) UK.

Last year, she began releasing her maiden singles, comprising “Unchangeable God” which got listed on the UK Gospel Music Chart for weeks, and “Besuka” which infused the melodic sensibility of African pop with flashes of afrobeats and R. & B. which lends an extraordinary sweetness to the songs.

In August 2020, her Besuka gospel video won the Best International Video of the year award organised by WWGMVA UK.

Minister Yvonne is reshaping the acceptance of Ghanaian gospel music across the world.

Her latest, “Conqueror,” is yet another proof that she is fully prepared for the mandate ahead.

“Conqueror” is one of the best bodies of work Ghanaian music has seen in 2020. Released on 30th October 2020, and available on all the major digital streaming stores, the song makes room for empowerment as a key to survival in this era of COVID-19.

THE REVIEW

Excellent song I must say!

The genre of the song is reggae. According to the Jamaican based Reggae Plus Radio, Gospel Reggae is the fastest growing segment of reggae music at the moment. It is therefore really homecoming of sorts for Minister Yvonne as songs like “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” by Justin Hind became a worldwide hit because it demonstrated a major Gospel influence.

Content: The title of the song, “conqueror” is an intoxicating mash of mental revolution as it empowers listeners.

The title “conqueror” according to the English Dictionary means one who subdues and brings into subjection or possession by force or by influence. In the strictest sense, it means one who conquers, vanquishes; a victor.

With inspiration from Ephesians 6:10-17, Minister Yvonne uses the word “conqueror” to minister and tell the world that we are conquerors despite the challenges we are confronted with. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked nations and economies. Individually, it has drained people financially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The song therefore offers the perfect prescription for people from all walks of life to conquer their fears in this era.

There is no way you would listen to this song without feeling you are a conqueror! You would instantly be mentally revolutionised and be pushed to accept yourself as a conqueror. This song from beginning to the end is spirit-filling especially that chorus part where she chants “among all conquerors oh…oh I am a conqueror”. I was lost in the spirit as I sat to review this song.

Vocal Strength: From her two previous projects, “unchangeable” and “Besuka”, Yvonne has exhibited impressive vocal capacities in her delivery and live performances. I am not surprised at all her vocals on “conqueror” is faultless.

Yvonne’s voice is honey-sweet without being saccharine, and the song is incredibly dreamy while still maintaining a strong rhythmic focus. Her notes are clean as she sings comfortably within her range. One characteristic that will certainly make the song a favourite for all is the witty kind of playful ad-libs to the inner fabric of the song’s DNA.

Song Arrangement: The song comes in one verse. The pre-chorus “Lion of Judah He roars with power and might” was taken twice. The main chorus, “I am a conqueror” was taken twelve (12) times. The post-chorus predominated the song. The hook “Great I am, great is in me” was sung six (6) times while the bridge “You’re sovereign” came once.

The lyrics are well arranged. The verse, chorus and the bridge relate to the entire theme of the song which is “conqueror”. The lyrics of the song is simple to assimilate and in her honesty is a subject that cannot be over flawed. She keeps the message pretty simple and very easy to understand.

In the verse, she exhorts us to be courageously “fitted in readiness” for every situation with the “shield of faith fearlessly” like a soldier because there is no more time to wait. She urges us to “Shout it out” by saying “I am a conqueror” if you believe you are one.

Instrumentation/Production: The major instruments used to compose this song include drums, obviously to keep the timing and to maintain the integrity of the one drop beat. The natural sound of a milked piano with the keyboard adds freshness to the lyrics, making it a classic riddim.

Additional instruments used are electric guitar and mellow strings, metronome, light percussions. It is a mid-tempo song laced with powerful vocals and rhythmic switch of instruments with backed up soothing harmony that works perfectly on “conqueror” song well – it is very interesting to the ears.

The rhythm is spirit filling, the melody is spirit filling, the lyrics are spirit filling, the video is spirit filling, the artiste is spirit filled, the backup singers are spirit filled; the entire song is spirit filling.

The song producer, Samuel Ababio Yeboah of X-Tee Muzik Lab did a great job on this project.

“Conqueror” is a must-listen song and already looks a strong contender for Best Reggae and Gospel Song of the Year, locally and internationally.

I rate the song 90%.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR VICTORY BY EBEN BELOW

The writer is with the Centre for National Culture, Kumasi.
He is a Creative Arts Director, Playwright & Critic.
Email: ej.peprahmensah@gmail.com

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Listen Up: Class In Session, Ajebo Hustlers drops “Bad Boy Etiquette 102”

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

VJ Scaro

Dynamic multi-genre duo Ajebo Hustlers are back with their latest project, the aptly titled “Bad Boy Etiquette 102.” Hailing from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Knowledge (George Dandeson) and Piego (Isaiah Precious) have been steadily building a reputation for music that entertains and enlightens. Listen here. (more…)

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Apple Music Celebrates Africa Month with Afrobeats Spotlight

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Apple Music is celebrating Africa Month with a special focus on Afrobeats, highlighting one of the most eclectic and influential sounds in music today.

Apple Music kicks off the celebrations with the introduction of cover stars on its Afrobeats Hits playlist, starting with Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML who just released his new single “Everyday.”

“As the first artist to be featured on this Apple Music playlist, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful,” Fireboy DML tells Apple Music. “Since 2019 I’ve had incredible support from Apple Music and I’m sure the whole African music scene can say the same. I’m excited to see where this leads and what it will do for the culture.”

Speaking about his new single “Everyday,” Fireboy DML adds: “This new era of my career is about reconnecting with one’s roots, old self and focusing on the things that truly matter — love, family, personal health. I think that’s where success truly lies. ‘Everyday’ is a song that reminds you of the days when we used to make celebratory love songs, of simpler times. From the moment the instrumental starts playing, you can already tell what you’re in for. I’m excited to share this record with the world!”

Apple Music is also featuring “The Story of Afrobeats in 20 songs,” a written editorial feature highlighting the music and artists that helped the genre grow from a West African staple into a global phenomenon.

Towards the end of the month of May, Apple Music will also be launching a new Viral Afrobeats playlist, as well as an new Afrobeats category page that will house new releases, playlists and essential albums from the genre.

Apple Music has also released the Top Artists and Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits for the past year.

Top Artists by streams on Afrobeats Hits

Davido
Asake
Bnxn
Omah Lay
Rema
Burna Boy
Ayra Starr
Adekunle Gold
Kizz Daniel
Zinoleesky

Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits

United States
United Kingdom
France
Canada
Nigeria
South Africa
Germany
Ghana
Australia
Switzerland

Discover Afrobeats Hits here: https://apple.co/AfrobeatsHits

Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs: https://apple.co/Afrobeatsin20Songs

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Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel

Apple Music today released this month’s Africa Now DJ Mix, featuring award-winning, Nigerian DJ, DJ Joenel (real name Eugene O. Nelson-Iye), who has embodied Afrocentricity through his live performances, radio dominance, and personal style.

Born and raised in Ahoada East L.G.A in Rivers State, Nigeria, DJ Joenel cemented his status as one of the leading DJs in the country when he became the resident DJ for Cool FM, the No. 1 hit music station in Lagos. Apart from being the official DJ for Afrobeats singer-songwriter Omah Lay, he has also performed alongside African giants Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid, as well as Olamide, Phyno, Asake, Rema and Kizz Daniel, to name but a few.

Apple Music x DJ Joenel Africa Now Mix Tracklist:

1. Burna Boy – On Form

2. Rema – Dnd

3. Omah Lay – Reason

4. Sarz – Happiness (feat. Asake & Gunna)

5. Zlatan X Asake – Bust Down

6. Kabza De Small, Mthunzi – Amazwe (Ft Mawhoo)

7. DJ Stokie & Eemoh – Masithokoze

8. Kelvin Momo & Babalwa M – Amalobolo (feat Stixx, Nia Pearl)

9. Wizkid – Ololufe (Audio) ft. Wande Coal

10. Young John – Big Big Things (feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez)

11. Kabza – Imithandazo (Ft Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine)

12. Shallipopi – Cast Ft Odumodublvck

13. Skepta, Portable – Tony Montana

14. Tebza De DJ – Ka Valungu (ft. DJ Nomza The King)

15. Jaivah x Marioo – Bruda

16. TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam [Ft. S.N.E & EeQue]

17. Shakes & Les and DBN Gogo – Funk 55 [Ft. Zee Nxumalo, Ceeka RSA and Chley]

18. King Promise – Paris

19. Omah Lay – Holy Ghost

20. Phyno – Do I (Remix) (feat. Burna Boy)

21. Asake – Only Me

22. Flavour – Big Baller

23. Young Jonn- Go Hard

24. Dlala Thukzin – IPlan

25. Chiké & Mohbad – Egwu

26. Kaestyle – Egberi

27. Kizz Daniel, Davido Twe (Remix)

28. Babylon ft. Victony

29. Holy Ten – Ndotokuda (ft. Kimberley Richard)

30. Diamond Platnumz – Mapoz (Ft Mr. Blue & Jay Melody)

31. Davido – NA MONEY ft. The Cavemen., Angélique Kidjo

32. Nandy – Dah (Feat Alikiba)

33. Burna Boy – Tested, Approved & Trusted

34. Azawi – Masavu

35. Kizz Daniel – Showa

36. Qing Madi – American Love

37. Joshua Baraka – Dalilah (Ft Axon)

38. AJEBO HUSTLERS- CELINE DION Ft Odumodublvck

39. Victony – Everything

40. Tyla – Jump (Ft Gunna & Skillibeng)

41. Takura – Hazvireve Rudo Handina

42. Ugaboys – SALARY (ft. Selecta Jeff)

43. Ayra Starr – Commas

44. Bien – Ma Cherie

45. M3lon – Slow Whine

46. KJ Spio – C- Undress You (Ft Sarkodie & Oxlade)

47. Bnxn & Ruger – Romeo Must Die

Check out Apple Music’s Africa Now dedicated space, including its weekly radio show and companion playlist HERE.

Apple Music is the ultimate hub to an eclectic array of independently curated DJ Mixes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana. Apple Music’s African DJ Mix curator partners also include a wide variety of top-tier names like Balcony Mix Africa,iMullar Sound System, KUNYE, Life Of The Party, Obrigado, Pan African Music, Party In The Jungle, Soul Candi, Spin With Engage and Turntable Entertainment.

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Greykoffi drops new urban Christian music, ‘Follow Who Know Road’

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Greykoffi drops new urban Christian music, 'Follow Who Know Road'

Jerry Michelle Mishiame, artistically known as Greykoffi/ Nyeselorm is a Ghanaian – UK based Contemporary Urban and Christian musician, and songwriter. Greykoffi is a former member of a duo group “Tekyerema”.

Listen on https://audiomack.com/greykoffimusic/song/follow-who-know-road?share-user-id=2147534

Greykoffi began his recording career in 2003, where he recorded his first demo with various artistes at that time. He has performed with several Ghanaian artistes like Reggie zippy, Echo, Castro, Asase aban, Episode and many more.

In 2006, upon the death of his duo group partner, Greykoffi decided to embark on his musical journey alone. In 2016, he released his first Album titled ‘Where Grace Smile’. His career goals are to provide an atmosphere of worship for many youths to connect with God, and also to show the average artiste not to bury their dreams because of the industry standards and the challenges of life.

Greykoffi/Nyeselorm has released another single titled ‘Follow Who Know Road’. The song features one of the industry’s unique and talented musician called Kweku Afro. The song is available on all digital platforms.

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Ghanaian songstress, Elizha secures milestone feature with reggae icon Anthony B

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Ghanaian songstress Elizha is on a new dancehall adventure as she features award-winning Jamaican producer and artiste, Anthony B.

The singer/songwriter has unveiled her new single titled “Sugar” as she takes listeners on a rollercoaster dancehall ride with Anthony B, who has worked with some of the best musicians around the world.

The feature is indeed historic, as Elizha becomes the first Ghanaian female artist to feature a top Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon.

The US-based Ghanaian singer is on a mission to reassert herself as one of the budding musical stars to emerge from Ghana, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Produced by Kros, the new jam by the American-based Ghanaian musician is her first major collaboration in her career, which has sparkled over the past months.

Elizha has had a remarkable career thus far having being adjudged the Best Female Vocalist at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards USA.

The “Sugar” single is available across various streaming platforms.

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Liv North shares new song ‘Boyfriend’ featuring Kwaw Kese

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Rising Afrobeats sensation, Liv North unveils her latest single ‘Boyfriend,’ featuring renowned Ghanaian rapper, Kwaw Kese. The must-listen song celebrates love and appreciation for partners, showcasing Liv North’s vibrant style and knack for deeply felt lyrics in one scoop. ‘Boyfriend’ is in line to become a radio sensation. Listen to it here: https://fanlink.tv/liv-boyfriend

On ‘Boyfriend,’ Liv North again shines brightly. Her soulful vocals seamlessly flow into Kwaw Kese’s signature rap style to create an engaging sound that sounds fresh yet familiar. This beautiful synergy is made possible by the talented DatBeatGod, whose irresistible production captures the passion at stake.

“I’m excited to be releasing ‘Boyfriend’ with Kwaw Kese and DatBeatGod,” Liv North shares about her new release. “This song is very special to me and I hope it resonates with listeners as much as it does with me. It’s a celebration of love that I can’t wait for everyone to hear.”

Liv North has been a steady voice in the live music scene making exceptional covers, all of which are on her 2022 album, “The LivE Xperience, Vol. 1.” Her spicy fusion of Afrobeats and R&B has grown on fans over the years, with ‘Boyfriend’ set to become a resounding success and further solidify the singer as one of the genre’s favorites.

About Liv North

Liv North is quickly cementing herself as the new Afrobeats diva on the block. Known for her captivating vocals and infectious energy, Liv North has garnered massive attention among fans with a unique sound that blends traditional Afrobeats rhythms with contemporary influences. With each new release, her music pushes the boundaries of the genre while celebrating love, life and culture.

Stay tuned for more updates from Liv North and follow her on social media for the latest news and announcements.