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BLESSED Shares Debut Mixtape ‘Music Is The Medicine’ Inbox
It is my prayer that this information enlightens and inspires you for the next time you lose yourself in your favourite tunes.’ – BLESSED
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Years in the making, today African-Australian rockstar BLESSED shares his debut mixtape Music Is The Medicine – out via his own label GODSPEED / 404HUMAN. Having released countless singles and collaborations since he burst onto the scene in 2016, the mixtape is an incredible body of work, well worth the wait, but also just the start for the prolific artist.
Music Is the Medicine features new tracks that encapsulate everything that makes the Sydney-based artist so unique. His collaboration with Ghanaian-American rapper Amaarae, ‘Count On Me’, shows a more breezy side to his song writing, while the mixtape’s feature track ‘Rosalía’ – an homage to the Spanish pop-star which features an approved sample – is anything but, full of deep vocal builds and powerful guitar riffs.
MUSIC IS THE MEDICINE
OUT NOW via GODSPEED / 404HUMAN
Stream / Purchase
Tracklist
1. 27 Club 2. Bonnie Killed Clyde 3. Rosalía 4. Bled Me Dry (featuring LENGHOCK) 5. Otherside
6. True To Me 7. Follow Your Heart 8. Mr Nobody 9. Count On Me (featuring Amaarae)
10. Something To Believe In 11. Nothing Lasts Forever 12. Well At Least We Tried 13. Antidepressant
The mixtape is a testament to his ability to transcend genre, but also one that has a deeper meaning for BLESSED, who explains; ‘The concept of this project is based on the philosophy that music not only brings one entertainment, but solace, comfort and healing on a metaphysical level. Music is a universal language with no barriers, no limits but a limited understanding of what really goes on in the mind, heart and soul of the consumer. We play songs to soothe our sadness, songs to celebrate our successes and songs to motivate and push us to our furthest heights. In this mono experience we call life, music is the soundtrack. With all its variations from era to genre, from culture to taste, we as human beings all share one extremely powerful thing in common. That is the indescribable feelings and emotions that music brings.
The news comes alongside a moody video for key single ‘Rosalía’, one of his favourite artists and an inspiration for BLESSED ever since he first found out about the Spanish pop-star. ‘I fell in love with her contemporary rendition of flamenco music. Her vocal tone both soft and powerful, feels as if she channels her ancestral roots to the point of being possessed. Hauntingly beautiful, I have never heard anything like her.’ The video and selected items that BLESSED wore will also be available on droppTV (@dropptv). Touted as ‘shoppable Netflix’ for hip hop-loving hypebeasts, BLESSED will be the first artist to launch the product on Australian shores
Since releasing his debut single as BLESSED in 2016, Ghana-born, Western Sydney-raised Blessed Samuel Joe-Andah has been challenging the ideals of a traditional rock star with his multifaceted talents in songwriting, production and creative direction. Aside from his own overflowing catalogue, BLESSED has an impressive inventory of collaborations, including his ongoing relationship with 404HUMAN, a French production-house known for their work with artists like Migos, Young Thug, SAINt JHN and Kojey Radical. Other close musical-confidants include the likes of Manu Crooks, the Kid Laroi & Milan Ring, while he’s also lent his considerable talents to the likes of Bikini Trill and COL3TRANE. With his production influences spanning across hip hop, punk rock, RnB and folk, he spends his days perfecting his craft inside his studio. BLESSED has built a music world that encourages creative expression, imparting his influence on not only his collaborator’s releases and his own, but the wider musical landscape.
On the live front, BLESSED has played Field Day Festival and supported Matt Corby on his national tour last year. Under his previous moniker Miracle, BLESSED toured with Tyga, Rick Ross, Childish Gambino, ASAP Rocky and ASAP Ferg. He also sports some impressive credits; having three songs featured in Netflix’s On My Block as well as his track ‘Superfly’ featuring on the NBA 2k20 video game. Outside of his musical feats, BLESSED is making himself known in the fashion world, recently signing to highly regarded agency KULT. He’s already featured in shoots for i-D, VICE as well as RUSSH/AFTERPAY‘s recent Australian Fashion Week collaboration.
To celebrate the mixtape release, BLESSED will be playing a special SOLD OUT one-off show (2 x sittings) in Sydney, his first ever stand-alone performance.
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Listen Up: Class In Session, Ajebo Hustlers drops “Bad Boy Etiquette 102”
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
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!”
Read Also: Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel
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/
Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs: https://apple.co/
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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’
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
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
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-
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.
Instagram: livnorthmusic
Twitter/X: @livnorthmusic1
Facebook: Liv North
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