Listen

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

Listen

Larry Vibez transports us into his universe in “Diary of Vibez” EP

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2024

VJ Scaro

Afropop Newcomer Larry Vibez is set to make his mark in the burgeoning Afrobeat music space as he unveils his highly anticipated EP “Diary of Vibez.” The project was released via Big Larry’s Record. (more…)

Listen

CAKES DA KILLA releases ‘Black Sheep +’ album

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Last month, New York rapper Cakes da Killa released “his most refined work to date” (DJ Mag), Black Sheep, and today, Cakes shares Black Sheep + out now via Young Art Records. With five new tracks and fresh album art, the deluxe version of Black Sheepexpands on his “most danceable album yet” (The FADER) and showcases more of Cakes’ “rapid-fire flows, clever punchlines and old-school ‘rapper’s rapper’ mentality” (RANGE).

Black Sheep is inspired by seeing the world, by embracing the nightlife and building community. Cakes’ critical and communal acclaim precede him: in the past two years, he’s played Glastonbury, Governors Ball, Sonar, and Whole Festival. He’s worked with everyone from Honey Dijon to Injury Reserve to RyeRye. Whether holding court, going through customs, or crushing competition, Cakes stands firm as a seasoned vet who knows his role and knows the game.

Reuniting with long-time collaborator Sam Katz, the producer behind 2022’s Svengali, Black Sheep finds the duo at their most comfortable and confident: Cakes wrote every bar, Katz did every beat. Over the course of the album, Cakes guides us through a spiritual trip from the clubs of Manhattan to the back blocks of Brooklyn. Black Sheep is a work of survival and sees the decorated emcee fully aware of his power, his place, and no longer settling for less than he deserves.

Featuring his sharpest writing and most electrifying performances to date, Black Sheep is a coronation of his graduation to foremother: a figure who spent his 20s hustling alongside his peers, focusing on the work, and paving the way for the generation we see today. He’s a rapper’s rapper, a girl’s girl, and he’s ready to be a superstar.

Stream/Purchase Black Sheep +

Listen to “Black Sheep”

Watch Video for “Mind Reader” (ft. Stout)

Listen to “Do Dat Baby” (ft. Dawn Richard)

Listen to “Cakewalk” by Cakes da Killa

Watch Cakes da Killa perform “Cakewalk” on COLORS

Black Sheep + Tracklist

1. It’s A Luv Thang (ft. Wuhryn Dumas)

2. Mind Reader (ft. Stout)

3. Make Me Ovah

4. FourPlay

5. Do Dat Baby (ft. Dawn Richard)

6. Global Entry

7. Downtown J

8. Cakewalk

9. Crushin In Da Club

10. Problem 4 Problems

11. Ain’t Sh*t Sweet

12. Black Sheep

13. Chain Gang Pimpin

14. Fly Trap

15. Not Da One

16. Standing Ovation

Cakes da Killa Tour Dates:

Sat. June 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Ladyland Festival

Sat. July 6 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival

Sun. July 21 – Ghent, BE @ Boomtown Gent Festival

Sun. July 28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Milkshake Festival

Fri. Aug. 2 – Amsterdam, NL @ Dekmantel Festival

Praise for Cakes da Killa and Black Sheep

“Cakes Da Killa is a rap icon…” – Mixmag

“Black Sheep stands as one of the emcee’s best works to date, continuing his genre-defying style with renewed panache — jazz, house, R&B and rap all meld into one sound throughout the project — while his writing game reaches yet another career-high.” — Billboard

“[Black Sheep] is a confident compendium of breathless performances, bombastic personality, and thrilling genre collages.” — Pitchfork

“[Black Sheep is] an impressive display of pure rapping ability and irresistible grown and sexy grooves” — Bandcamp

Listen

WOTOWEI! Quamina MP & Kofi Mole drops first single off their debut joint EP

Published

5 hours ago

April 26, 2024

VJ Scaro

Ghanaian music sensations Quamina MP and Kofi Mole have sent waves of excitement through the music scene with the release of their debut joint single, “WOTOWEI” Produced by MPZ, the track is the first single off their upcoming collaborative EP, set to take the industry by storm. (more…)

Listen

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

Published

15 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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.

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

Instagram : @Kobbycarterr

twitter: @KOBBYCARTERR

Big Jay Socials

instagram: @bigjay0_

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

Listen

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

Published

16 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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

Listen

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

Published

16 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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.

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.

***

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.

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.