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First Impression of Soorebia’s ‘Bag of Rocks’ Album

Published

2 years ago

March 22, 2022

Bag of Rocks, Soorebia’s debut album, is a dedication to form. It is a unique project conceived and shaped by hurdles as he navigates his way up to stardom. The album is an ode to his birth city and mirrors the diversity of culture and artforms that shaped his worldview and the variety of genres he dabbles.

Think of Bag of Rocks as a sealed bag containing minerals of a different kind, each with its unique richness. For Soorebia, the album is a collection of moods that he dealt with while recording the album. “After winning the Next Rated Act at the 2020 edition of 3Music Awards, there was a lot of expectations from my fans and friends to breakthrough, and that never happened. Although COVID affected the industry so much then, I still felt I could not use the award to propel myself because of the limited financial muzzle. So, I began blaming everything on money that was when I wrote the verses for monopoly”. This, Soorebia revealed during his Album listening. Monopoly is a dancehall jam, where Soorebia turned his emotions to music speaking to the money and wealth as power distributors, which shapes the success of people in society to a more significant extent.

There is no emotion without love, and I’m Ready with One Nira is an appreciation of the friends and loved ones who stuck by him through thick and thin. His storytelling ability that weaves in the sultry vocals of One Nira on the hook establishes the work as not just an album but a life at play.

Through ebbs and flow performance on an Afro-Trap beat by long time in-house producer AzkonnBeatz, Soorebia talks about nightlife and the vibe that comes to light when he is with his clique in Voole. AzkonnaBeatz magically infused traditional African two-stringed guitar, referred to as Kologo in Local parlance, into Hip Hop sub-genre Trap beats. But the magic did not end with Voole. In Feeling, AzkonnaBeatz repeats a similar algorithm. This time, Brooklyn Inspired Drill beats, thereby pioneering new sub-genres as Afro-Trap/Afro-Drill. “Feeling” is a celebration of emotional and mental vitality.

In this project, Soorebia is selfless in recording an album that does not target just one sect of his fanbase as rap heads who want it. “There is a rock for everyone”, he said when asked about the type of music the album is made of.

In celebrative moods, Soorebia shares a toast to life with the young, celebrated Rapper/Singer Fad in One Toast. The song sees Soorebia looking back at life whilst being optimistic about the success that awaits him. “I have been there and done that, like a wheel on the street I still run that, all day all night not redundant, it’s rampant, I work till I need me an accountant.”. This lyric portrays Soorebia’s current mindset as he continues his career. In this song, he goes spiritual, leaning to God to do the rest.

On track 6 tilted Star, Soorebia decided to go south, not figuratively, but literally as he hops on South Africa bread Amapiono music. In this song, Soorebia delivers about 90 per cent in Frafra, a Ghanaian language. In fact, some historians trace the origin of the Frafra people to South Africa. Cultural Similarities such as tone of language, traditional hunting and funeral practices have been cited by some historians as what connects the two cultures. Star, therefore, fits perfectly into a typical Amapiono music although the song contains elements of Afrobeats.

The Album can also be perceived as an ode to his birthplace, and this is manifested in track 7 All Yours. Performed on traditional Kololgo rhythms, Soorebia sums up the important theme of the Album in this love song.

The choice of songs in this album departs from Soorebia’ s typical aggressive rap that he is known for. But this did not come as a surprise as he has experimented with several genres and styles over the years. It also fits perfectly into the story told in the album and matches the diversity of cultures and experiences he has had growing up. The richness of the sound, its representation of Africa and the sonic quality is a mark of maturity and investment that Soorebia and AzkonnaBeatz have witnessed over the years. Bag of Rocks is an essential album for the growing Ghanaian/African Music and a true sound of Africa for the continent and global audience.

Links to Album

All in one link; https://hypeddit.com/soorebia/bagofrocks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/12vxfKrGrMTJ5duxqCGVr5?si=qRHVf5NfSMeBAg71428gcA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gh/album/bag-of-rocks/1607063150

Boomplay: https://www.boomplay.com/albums/39524250?from=search&srModel=COPYLINK&srList=WEB

Direct Download: https://Soorebia.com/bagofrocks

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TIWA SAVAGE RELEASES ‘LOST TIME’, THE FIRST SINGLE FROM THE OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK FOR DEBUT FEATURE FILM ‘WATER & GARRI’

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

TIWA SAVAGE RELEASES ‘LOST TIME’, THE FIRST SINGLE FROM THE OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK FOR DEBUT FEATURE FILM ‘WATER & GARRI’

Singer, songwriter and actor TIWA SAVAGE has today released LOST TIME, the first single taken from WATER & GARRI – THE SOUNDTRACK album. ‘Water & Garri’ is a feature film from Everything Savage and Unbound Studios and is set for release on May 10, 2024 on Prime Video with the full soundtrack also released on the same day through EMPIRE. Watch the trailer HERE.

Produced by Khari ‘Needlz’ Cain (Bruno Mars, Drake, Cardi B) and Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, TY Dolla, Usher), Lost Time is a captivating, stripped back guitar-led mid tempo record which sees Savage reminiscing of a past love and the yearn to re-live happier times.

The immersive soundtrack album was curated by Savage and includes ten original songs from Tiwa alongside featured artists from the worlds of Afropop, R&B and Hip Hop. Giants such as Grammy nominated stars Olamide and Ayra Starr, respected Nigerian singer- songwriter ASA, Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist and singer Richard Bona, gospel artist ZacardiCortez as well as newer talent Black Sherif, Young Jonn, Mystro Sugar and The Cavemen all feature on the album.

The Water & Garri film and its accompanying soundtrack marks a pivotal chapter in Tiwa’s artistic journey as she embarks in the world of film taking on her first lead role in a feature movie as well as its Executive Producer. The ‘Water & Garri’ film sees her play the role of Aisha, an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her native home ‘Eastside’ after 10 years away living in the United States following a family bereavement. At home, Aisha finds that things have drastically changed, violence has escalated, and tensions are high. As she reconnects with family, old friends, and her past love, she must learn to live with her scars and confront the guilt she left behind.

Lost Time is out now on all streaming platforms. Listen Here

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Listen Up: Sofie drops new bouncy heartbreak anthem “Party Pooper”

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2024

VJ Scaro

Afro R&B artist Sofie has released her latest single Party Pooper on Friday 3rd May 2024. (more…)

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

Published

3 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

4 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.