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AJAEZE: The Man, The Mask and The Music

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Aja When a creative mind gets boxed into a shell, then it loses the power to be imaginative, but when a creative mind roams outside the box, it reaches beyond limits. This foreword tells the story of the budding International Afropop star Ajaeze (Ah’jez-ay). His silky smooth vocals combined with the artist’s fierce determination is contagious and transmits through his music as he pursues the path that creates his happiness – Creating Music. The love affair with music started as a young kid influenced by the likes of Sunny Bobo, Bob Marley, Fela, Michael Jackson, Prince and James Brown. “Their music gave me emotion, and when you feel emotion it lets you know you are alive”, he declares. The youngster imitated his heroes performing in the shower and imagining accepting Grammy awards in the mirror. He subsequently formed a singing group with his friends in secondary school called Ax’ent. “We did not last but my first few performances broke my stage fright”, he quipped with a wry smile. A man of many experiences who finds expression in his music, he calls his music , world music and the world is bound to feel the mystery packed in his over 6 feet frame and voice. Being exposed to Western and African culture breeds his natural versatility in Afrobeats and American Pop hence his genre is “Afropop”. “Music is art and art is intended to make us feel emotion”, according to Ajaeze and if a vibe doesn’t cause an emotion for him then the creative process stops. His music making process begins with feeling the vibe , the emotion and the creative juices start to flow. His recently released single “Jeje” literally came of out of nowhere. A normal day in the studio, then he gets a message from his personal DJ MixMasterChu informing him that Danny, one of the producers at ISEKOLife Musix LLC (Ajaeze’s record label) has got a record ready. A few clicks later he had the beat playing from his email. “I immediately envisioned myself at a pool party or riding top down cruising the streets on a beautiful day”, he recalls as he began to spit vibes on the rhythm. In about 45 mins , the pieces had come together and the melodious tune “Jeje” was born.aja2 Ajaeze believes Afrobeats is growing vastly globally and it is no coincidence that American artists are hopping on collaborations with Afrobeat stars. The super talented singer is working on a project that will feature super producers like Kenneth “KFam” Fambro (Grammy Award winning Producer) and Matserkraft along with artists like Mayorkun and Danagog to mention a few. His signature mask has got the music world talking about why he wears it, what it means, and what it might signify. The singer himself lifts the lid on the mystery of the mask. “ The mask is an expression of rebellion. A commitment to being undefined, unlimited, and uncontrolled. In short, I felt like a slave to my profession and the company I contracted to in financial services and investment management when I graduated college. I managed people’s life savings in the stock and bond market for 8 years of my life. I did very well and reached complete financial freedom from the revenue streams I built in my practice.You would think that reaching financial freedom is what life is all about right?? Well for me the answer was no. I was so committed to the financial services industry that I lost myself in it. He continues, “One day I looked in the mirror and noticed that I was at least 25 pounds over weight. I had formed dark circles under my eyes from the stress. I had no real personal life outside of work and then going to drink loads of alcohol to ease the stress after long days at the office. And the various activities that defined me as a person I no longer participated in. I had truly lost myself. I wanted to make a change. I began to grow my hair on the top to change up my look. I even began to sport a beard just to try something new. Well the company I contracted my practice to felt I was damaging their personal brand and began to advise me on how I should carry myself in order to represent them properly. The company gave me a final demand to make their suggested changes to my appearance or they terminate the contract. I was angry that after all the years of effort and success I brought to their company name through my own practice it could come to this ultimatum.” This is when the Ajaeze mentality was born. He said “NO” to being managed and marginalized by society and people’s expectations. The crooner walked out of the corporate world and into his passion, where he finds expression and freedom- music. “The mask is a part of going rogue. Being rebellious. Nobody can tell me what to do. I am my own person and I am undefined by anyone’s expectations. Eat your fkn heart out”. he concludes. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/je-je-feat-ajaeze-single/1380280129 With so much music and talent out there, Ajaeze’s story defines him. The mask is a product of his unique story. The image is a product of the story, edgy with a big heart that fills the art. In his words “My strong suit is creating ballads. I really want the Ajaeze Klan to feel my emotion in the ballads”. Ajaeze’s single “Je Je” with his personal DJ MixMasterChu is now available on all digital platforms. It is silky smooth and gaining popularity quickly in the United States! Also, Ajaeze is set to drop a Choreography short film in a couple of days featuring his message to the world “1Life” (as in you only get one life to live.) which features some amazing dance moves showcasing his edge and personality. Fiercely, determined and focused, Ajaeze is on the verge of conquering the world with music and the revolution will be televised. Sign up as a witness to greatness, hit the play button and enjoy your initiation to the Ajaeze Klan ( Ajaeze Supporters). …And as Ajaeze would say: “EAT YOUR FKN HEART OUT”. Listen on iTunes https://youtu.be/50FX9oE4544]]>

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Kobby Carter and Big Jay of Bando Boyz Unleash “Bad Boy” – A UK Afrobeat Sensation

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The music scene is about to get a major shake-up with the latest single “Bad Boy” from the dynamic duo Kobby Carter and Big Jay, members of the renowned Bando Boyz. This new track is a tantalizing teaser off their highly anticipated upcoming EP, showcasing their unique blend of UK afrobeat rhythms and Ghanaian flair.

“Bad Boy” isn’t just a song; it’s an auditory journey. With its smooth, sweet vibes, the track promises to transport listeners straight to a world where the beats are rich and the melodies are lush. Kobby Carter’s signature style meshes seamlessly with Big Jay’s vibrant energy, creating a synergy that’s undeniably infectious.

The collaboration is a testament to the power of partnership. Kobby Carter and Big Jay, both hailing from Bando Boyz, have come together to create something that’s more than just a song – it’s a statement. A statement that they’re here to stay and they’re not playing by the rules.

Produced with a slick, polished finish, “Bad Boy” is set to be the anthem of the season. It’s that track you play when the sun is setting and you’re gearing up for a night out. It’s the song that you turn up when you need to feel like, well, a bad boy.

As fans eagerly await the full EP, “Bad Boy” serves as the perfect appetizer. It’s a glimpse into the future of UK afrobeat, a future that’s bright and bursting with talent. Kobby Carter and Big Jay are leading the charge, and if “Bad Boy” is any indication, we’re all in for an exhilarating ride.

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Stream “Bad Boy” now on all major platforms and follow Kobby Carter and Big Jay for the latest updates on their music and the upcoming EP. The Bando Boyz are not just making waves; they’re making a splash – and the world is ready to dive in.

links to the song

Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/kobbycarterr/song/bad-boy?share-user-id=8773134

other platforms : https://tiememusicdistro.lnk.to/218738BadBoy

Kobby Carter Socials

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Instagram : @Kobbycarterr

twitter: @KOBBYCARTERR

Big Jay Socials

instagram: @bigjay0_

twitter: @jayissbighttps://tiememusicdistro.lnk.to/218738BadBoy

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LEONARDODDJ X IYKE PARKER X KORSHI T AND NEL: PIECE OF ART

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LEONARDODDJ X IYKE PARKER X KORSHI T AND NEL: PIECE OF ART

Ghana’s new favorite music duo, LeonardoDDJ and Iyke Parker, kick off 2024, where they left off with their first song of the year. After two successive singles, the duo teamed up with vocalist Korshi T and Disk Jockey Nel on the song they call Piece of Art.

There are moments when your eyes fall on someone, and for a brief period you are lost for words because you are caught up in the amazement of the beauty before your eyes. Caught with his eyes on the prize, Korshi T takes his time as he serenades the “work of art” before him. He highlights not only her physical attributes but her entire being as what has caught his attention. 

Life is very short, so when you see someone who tickles your fancy, it is only right that you walk up to them and express yourself to them. The song also doubles as an appreciation of one’s self and body. 

Produced by Iyke Parker, the song is a mid-tempo blend of Afrobeats and Amapiano and embodies the mood of the song and the message it conveys. 

“Piece of Art” is available on all major streaming platforms :https://easternchild.fanlink.tv/PieceOfArt

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Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio this Friday with Josiah De Disciple

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Josiah De Disciple

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Josiah De Disciple, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Nandi Madida’s Favourite Track of the Week!

Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, April 26th 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

Cover Star Interview
South African amapiano DJ and producer Josiah De Disciple joins Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest single, the Omit ST collab “Show Me (feat. Murumba Pitch & Lioness Ratang).” He also discusses his new album, ‘Satori,’ and how it helped him return to his roots—plus, he reveals the track that resonates with him the most.

The Big 5
Nandi Madida shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Tems, Adekunle Gold, Tyler ICU feat. Leemckrazy, DJ Maphorisa, Ceeka RSA, Tiiger Tyrone Dee, Al Xapo & Jay-Sax, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan & Jeriq, and Crayon.

Africa Rising
South African rapper Nyota Parker is the latest artist featured from Apple Music’s Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features her singles, “Nobody Knows” and “Yours.”  Listen HERE.

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Nandi’s Song of the Week
Each week, Nandi Madida chooses her favourite track from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week she spotlights Swati amapiano DJ and producer Uncle Waffles and her Royal Musiq collab, “Wadibusa (feat. OHP Sage, Pcee & Djy Biza),” from Apple Music’s Amapiano Lifestyle playlist. Listen HERE.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, April 26th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

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Josiah De Disciple tells Apple Music how He Named His New Album ‘Satori’

We actually had to sit down and rethink the name, because I was actually trying to go back to naming my albums Spirit of Makoela, and the team was like, “No, now that you’ve managed to come up with this beautiful body of work, it has new elements, it’s refreshed—so let’s also refresh your name… what would you like people to know about you?”

I feel like the people know that I have this talent of making music, but I feel like it’s the minority, so I’m looking for like the whole of South Africa to actually know Josiah is actually the king of his thing—that’s the whole aim behind it.

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Josiah De Disciple tells Apple Music How His New Album Helped Him Return to his Roots

During my time of making music, I’ve also been in a place where I’ve been lost in the sound, making something because it’s trendy, etc. I had to sit down and remind myself. People also have been reminding me like, “Bro, what about that Josiah? We want that Josiah!” So when you have a group of people shouting, reminding you, you’re bound to go back to your roots and that’s exactly what I needed to do. I needed to find myself back again and come back with a refreshed mind, and I believe I did that on this album.

Josiah De Disciple tells Apple Music How the Track “Kuzoba Ncono” Resonates with Him

I kind of relate to that song because I was also at a point where I was going through a turmoil and I used to turn to alcohol for answers. It set me back, let me put it like that, and it was also evident in the music because I stopped being consistent with the music, you know? I feel like me as an artist I was just all over the place, but I had time to sit down and find myself.

I stopped drinking, and had to make sure I take care of this talent, because it’s brought me this far, and also there’s people that also depend on me and I can’t let them down, because we’ve also come this far—they’ve supported me to this far. I’m at a better place right now and everything is looking good; the only thing we do is pray for more blessings.

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Alaye Geng and Kilimore Team Up for ‘Mad Vibes’ EP

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Alaye Geng and Kilimore

In an exhilarating burst of creativity set to ignite the Afro-pop/Afro-swing landscape, the musical duo Alaye Geng, in collaboration with Kilimore, has unleashed their debut EP titled “Mad Vibes.” Originating from Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Alaye Geng comprises the dynamic talents of Bill Gucci and 2BK Savage. Renowned for their magnetic stage presence and burgeoning acclaim, these artists have united with Kilimore to craft a seven-track opus poised to enrapture audiences far and wide.

“Mad Vibes EP” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to the harmonious synergy between artists, borne out of over a year of dedicated craftsmanship. With guest appearances from esteemed artists like Ypee, Kweku Flick, and Osjeez, the EP offers a blend of sounds and styles, promising a rich and multifaceted auditory experience.

For Alaye Geng and Kilimore, this collaborative endeavor marks a significant milestone in their musical journey. Positioned as two of the genre’s most promising talents, they aren’t merely fleeting sensations but are carving out their legacy in the industry with their innovative sonic landscapes and evocative storytelling.

“Mad Vibes EP” serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and raw talent of Alaye Geng and Kilimore, underscoring their commitment to delivering music of the highest caliber. Seamlessly blending traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary beats, the EP encapsulates the essence of Ghanaian music culture while simultaneously pushing the boundaries to create something universally resonant.

Listeners are invited to immerse themselves in the “Mad Vibes EP,” now available on all major streaming platforms. Dive into a sonic journey meticulously curated over a year of passion, creativity, and musical ingenuity.

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As the “Mad Vibes EP” begins to resonate across music platforms, it’s evident that Alaye Geng and Kilimore are destined for stardom. Their ability to seamlessly merge traditional influences with modern sensibilities sets this EP apart, positioning it as a groundbreaking addition to the Afro-pop/Afro-swing genre.

Fans of the genre and music enthusiasts alike are encouraged to delve into the “Mad Vibes EP” and experience firsthand the infectious energy, heartfelt passion, and boundless creativity that Alaye Geng and Kilimore have poured into every track.

This is more than just an EP; it’s a musical journey that promises to leave a lasting impression on its listeners.

Listen to ‘Mad Vibes’ EP on all platforms here and Connect With Alaye Geng on Instagram and Spotify


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GHANAIAN FASHION COLLECTIVE
 FREE THE YOUTH RECRUITS KWESI ARTHUR FOR DEBUT SINGLE “WHO DAT BOY?”

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Today, Ghanaian fashion collective FREE THE YOUTH – who have taken the streetwear scene by storm and have been featured in VOGUE, The FADER, and NATIVE – make their first foray into music releasing their debut single, “WHO DAT BOY?”, available to stream now on all digital platforms via LVRN Records/The OrchardLISTEN HERE.

Produced by Quantum, the Accra-based, 10-person collective have leveraged their influence within the music space – collaborating with some of the hottest talent from the continent. On “WHO DAT BOY”, they enlist Kwesi Arthur for a debut single that perfectly fuses afro sound with drill to deliver what will no doubt be the soundtrack to every ‘fit check’ video on social media.

“We made Who Dat Boy with our boy Kwesi Arthur and it’s just one of those songs that we want the youth to rage to. ”

The release of ‘WHO DAT BOY?’ is not just a foray into music for FREE THE YOUTH but a continuation of their mission to empower and inspire through a unique cultural narrative. The collective expands their “selling stories, selling hope” mission into the music arena with distinctive, off-the-wall style and unabashed confidence. As they continue to challenge conservative norms that stifle creativity in Ghana, FREE THE YOUTH aims to free the youth, one beat at a time.

ABOUT FREE THE YOUTH
FREE THE YOUTH is a community, a movement led by young creatives passionate about empowering all African youth to connect through the arts and street culture.

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FREE THE YOUTH is at the forefront of the African creative and streetwear scene. Since launching in 2015, the brand has grown with its cultural influence firmly established throughout Africa, Europe and USA in particular. With cutting edge designs, annual limited edition pieces and international collaborations, the brand has built a strong reputation and loyal community.

Stream FREE THE YOUTH’s new single “WHO DAT BOY?” out now via LVRN Records/The Orchard.


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MrrrDaisy Explores Themes Of Love And Reminiscence In New Single “Echoes Of You”

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MrrrDaisy, the visionary Ghanaian-Spanish artist known for his eclectic mix of African music and modern pop, announces his highly anticipated return with the single “Echoes Of You.” Following a year dedicated to artistic exploration and musical refinement, MrrrDaisy re-enters the music scene with a track that masterfully blends dance-pop with elements of synthpop, capturing the complex emotions of love and memory.

“Echoes Of You” is a poignant meditation on the enduring impact of past relationships. The track combines evocative lyrics with a pulsating beat, creating an immersive listening experience that explores the persistent echoes of a former love. From the opening lines—”Woke up to the dawn, but your shadow’s still by my side”—to the haunting refrain of the chorus, the song uses the metaphor of an echo to illustrate how memories linger, filling the present with the resonance of the past.

The production of “Echoes Of You” showcases MrrrDaisy’s growth as an artist and his adeptness at synthesizing different musical influences. The song’s arrangement is layered with rich synth textures that enhance its emotional depth, while the rhythm drives the track forward, compelling listeners to both dance and reflect. MrrrDaisy’s vocal performance is infused with a tone of wistful longing, delivering each line with a sincerity that underscores the song’s theme of unresolved emotional ties.

Through “Echoes Of You,” MrrrDaisy continues to push the boundaries of genre, melding Afrobeat with global music trends to create a sound that is uniquely his own. His collaborations with artists like Kudjoe Daze and engagements with international talents have refined his musical palette, enabling him to produce songs that are not only technically impressive but also rich in narrative depth.

Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Echoes Of You” is accompanied by a promotional campaign that encourages fans to engage with the themes of the song, fostering a connection that transcends the typical listener-artist dynamic. This release not only marks MrrrDaisy’s return but also reinforces his status as a transformative figure in the music industry, whose innovative approach and compelling storytelling continue to captivate a growing global audience.

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