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Guest Blog: Why the New Kumerica Wave (Asakaa) Should Not Be Dismissed

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Kumerica

The ‘’Kumerican’’ wave or “Asakaa” is gradually sweeping across the hip hop landscape despite its rawness. The new wave which is gaining massive attention from hip hop lovers around the world should be allowed it to run its course.

A legacy of Pope Smoke, the American rapper who was murdered on February 19, 2020, during a home invasion was helping bring the drill sound to mainstream hip hop. The 21- year old Brooklyn native broke through the mainstream with his single “Welcome To The Party”, a highly infectious record released in April 2019. Unlike his fellow rappers who continued to tap into the Atlanta inspired trap sound, Pop Smoke found inspiration across the pond- the UK Drill scene – thus becoming the face and voice of that genre in the US.

Drill Music, according to Wikipedia” is a style of trap music that originated in the South Side of Chicago in the early 2010s. It is defined by its dark, violent, nihilistic lyrical content and ominous trap-influenced beats”. The article continues to state that “a regional subgenre, UK drill, emerged in London, particularly in the district of Brixton, beginning in 2012. UK drill rose to prominence by the mid-2010s and has influenced the creation of other regional scenes, such as Australian, Irish and New York drill”.

The second single ‘’Dior’’, off Pop Smoke’s “Meet The Woo” mixtape heralded a new phase in the global growth of drill music. His untimely death and the subsequent release of his posthumous album “Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon” thus cemented his name and the sound for which he had grown his stature.

In Ghana, the hip hop scene is embracing the drill sound, incorporating it in the new wave of hip hop music. The epicenter of this new wave is Kumasi, where some young rappers are owning the sound. Labelling the new wave as “Asaaka” or “Kumerica”- a fusion of the words “Kumasi” and “America”, these rappers, through the use of social media are growing the width of the sound.

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Kumasi has always been a hotbed for new trends especially music. Tracing the history of music or entertainment in Ghana, Kumasi has always owned a stake in its propagation, in terms of financiers and talents. As some have observed, the only advantage Accra has over Kumasi in the entertainment sphere are the perks that comes with Accra being the capital of Ghana. That is, almost all the major stakeholders and infrastructure supports are found in Accra, meaning some key players in Kumasi have to either settle in Accra or keep trekking to and fro Accra for business.

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O’Kenneth & Reggie are among rappers leading the Kumerican wave

In addition to the above, Kumasi has always been ahead of Accra in embracing new cultural waves. In simple terms, Kumasi serves as the trial ground for trends. Accra picks what happens in Kumasi and perfect its raw endings. The emergence of the “Kumerican” wave has thus injected new energy into the Kumasi rap scene. Led by Reggie, Kawabanga, Kwaku DMC, O’Kenneth, Rich Kent, these rappers have adopted the drill sound, adding their own style – fashion, lingua, lifestyle – into the overall emerging music culture.

The mainstreaming of the new wave began with Dead Peepol’s street anthem “Otan Hunu”. Other street anthems have since been released, all geared towards propelling the impressionable hip hop sound. The release of “STRAIGHT OUTTA KUMERICA”, a 6-track EP by O’Kenneth and Reggie encapsulates and validates the new hip hop breeze. Songs like “Ya Parke”, “Ain’t Shid”, “M.O.B” balances braggadocio missives with commentary about living in Kumasi.

The drill wave, like many other trends – notably the crunk wave that awashed the scene a decade ago- has been considered by some as a passing fad; that the world would move on to the latest trend, leaving the propagators who could not roll with the new trend in the ditch. The conversations that has begun in some quarters is underpinned by criticism of the wave. What is of the essence now is the fact that, these “kumericans” (drill rappers in Kumasi) have found something that they can call their own; something that is illuminating their talents without any support from mainstream channels.

They have succeeded at pulling the mainstream towards their orbit. It was thus refreshing to hear ”Kumerica” references being made at the just ended Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, witnessing some mainstream artists riding the wave and radio stations, which traditionally would ignore such music featuring Kumerica tunes in their playlists. (Manny, co- curator of this blog couldn’t hide his surprise when he heard “Otan Hunu” on Joy FM. Yes, Joy FM.) That’s the endorsement or support that the Kumarica movement needs if it is to run its full course.

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This country has a notoriety for suffocating unique, emerging genres before it even gets widespread acceptance. So-called hip hop ‘purists’ are often dismissive of trends like “Kumerican drill”, describing it as inferior. It can’t be just a mere coincidence that any wave that is spearheaded by those at the ‘fringes’ (uncool kids) are often shot down by the ‘cool kids’ before it even grows its own legs and walk its own path (Hello Azonto). The “Kumerica” wave is bound to suffer the same fate. Admittedly, this wave is still raw, unpolished and the players need to improve their rap game. That’s the more reason why the genre needs room to grow.

Genres do not just blossom on their own. It takes a collective effort to entrench it. When Outkast’s Andre 3000 proclaimed in 1995 that the “South got something to say”, he was drawing attention and asking hip hop afficionados to be open minded. A decade or so after, we have seen how the “South” is influencing hip hop sound in the 21st Century. Similarly, the “Kumerican” drill like any new wave or genre would succeed if we collectively protect, support, promote and above all, offer it time to pick up. Presently, the drill sound is not even the biggest genre in America. The difference, however, is that it’s not being condemned. It’s being embraced and allowed to blossom. That’s what we have to do down here as well.

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And, just as O’Kenneth and Reggie pointed out on “Bust” off “Straight Outta Kumerica”, the “Kumerica niggas can no longer wait/All this hate, all this time, all these years/We probably shake the room with the flex as we say”.

Kumerica has brought excitement to hip hop. Let’s not kill their vibe.

CREDIT: CULART.BLOG

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OldSwat features Unsigned and Talented artist; Quame Rhymz on “Obrefour”

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Obrefour

Ghana-born Belgian music producer known as OldSwat has started an initiative to give unheard, talented and unsigned artists the platform to share their stories with the world. “Obrefour” featuring Quame Rhymz is the first single off this project. The 14-track project titled “The Discovery” album features 14 talented up-and-coming artists from Ghana. (more…)

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Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD Leads GHS 600 million Note Programme Listing for Kasapreko Co. PLC on Ghana Fixed Income Market

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IMG 20240219 WA0018

Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) in a strategic partnership as a joint lead arranger has lauded Kasapreko Co. Plc, an indigenous beverage manufacturer, for its ambitious growth plans following the official listing of the Series 1 GHS 600 million Note Programme on the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM).

The funds raised will bolster Kasapreko Co. Plc’s working capital, financing capital expenditures such as operational expansion, and refinancing short-term debts.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Accra, the Managing Director of CBG, Mr. Daniel Wilson Addo, emphasized the significance of the transaction, indicating that this is the first time an indigenous Ghanaian Bank has worked with an indigenous manufacturing company to raise funding from local pension funds in the public market. This signifies fostering strong partnerships among indigenous companies to overcome financing challenges innovatively. 

He added that the funding which is at a cost significantly lower than the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) for borrowing will cushion Kasapreko Co. Plc’s operations significantly.

He underlined the importance of addressing risks associated with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) while encouraging financial institutions and industries to develop financial structures that meet the evolving risks effectively.

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Mr. Addo stated, “This transaction is a testament to our overriding ambition to make an impact in the communities in which we operate. We stand with you in good times or in bad times”.

According to Mr. Addo, the support for Kasapreko Co. Plc highlights the economic impact of CBG’s lending philosophy.

The Managing Director of Kasapreko Co. Plc, Mr. Richard Adjei, welcomed the innovative financing source, describing it as a relatively cheaper capital and sustainable solution for business growth.

Mr. Adjei expressed his gratitude towards CBG for enabling them to explore alternatives beyond traditional Banks. With the infusion, Kasapreko Co. Plc aims to expand production capacity and enhance its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), having already exported products to Kenya and South Africa.

In attendance were Management members of the Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) including the Deputy Managing Director of Operations and Technology, Mr. Thairu Ndungu; Deputy Managing Director of Corporate Resources, Madam Nana Ama Poku and Director of Finance and Strategy, Mr. Charles Appiah and other senior executives of the Bank.

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Mr. Gregg Pitt, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Humphrey Hessel-Appiah, Finance Director; Mr. Gerald Bonsu, Commercial Director; and Mr. Isaac Adjei, a Board Member, all of Kasapreko Co. Plc were also present.

Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) is wholly owned by the Government of Ghana and operates as a universal Bank with 114 branches in 13 regions of Ghana. The Bank has strong government support, a large SME client network, and a pool of diverse talent.

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Telecel Ghana Network Update

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Telecel Launch

Telecel Ghana has multiple sources of internet services through SAT3, WACS, ACE, and submarine fibre links to other international providers.

On the 12th of March 2024, Telecel Ghana lost internet capacity provided by WACS subsea cable, and immediately switched to ACE to maintain service.

On 14th March 2024, Telecel Ghana lost internet connectivity from its remaining providers SAT3 and ACE due to a cut in their undersea cables. This resulted in the disruption of data services on Mobile and Fixed networks.

Telecel Ghana has now secured new internet capacity and is progressively adding more capacities through local and international partners, including other Telecel subsidiaries. This, is in addition to local caching solutions which are enabling access to some content services such as YouTube, Facebook, Netflix etc.

Telecel Ghana sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding of its customers during this period. All customers will be refunded accordingly. 

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Please note that information circulating on social media platforms about the disconnection of Telecel Ghana due to debts owed is false and should be disregarded.

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SuperSport to air 13th African Games on DStv & GOtv from March 19

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2023 African Games Logo

SuperSport International have confirmed that the ongoing 13th African Games will telecast on DStv and GOtv from 19th to 23rd March 2024.

The broadcast will cover a wide range of sports disciplines. Given that this is also an Olympics year, the athletics, track, and field which began today may be the most significant sport fans across the continent would love to follow.

Currently Nigeria and South Africa, led by Egypt (first), are ranked second and third, respectively, on the medal standings.

Ahead of the live feed on your DStv and GOtv starting tomorrow 19th March 2024, SuperSport is streaming live the games on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps.  Subsequently from tomorrow the broadcast would be open on DStv 248 (Variety 4) (DStv) and GOtv channel 131 (Select 2).

The 13th African Games are already delivering unforgettable experiences, reconnect your decoder to be part of a celebration of diverse sporting talent and cultural unity live from Accra Ghana.

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Hollard Ghana Empowers Student Entrepreneurs with Second Edition of Streetwise Finance Business Challenge.

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Winner HSBC

Hollard Ghana, the country’s favourite insurer, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life, awards Jnelp Innovations, a student entrepreneur, with GHC 40,000 as funding at the just-ended Hollard Streetwise Finance Entrepreneurship Business Challenge held at the University of Cape Coast. 

In collaboration with the University of Ghana Business School and the University of Cape Coast, the grant-based program showcased ten talented student-led businesses that presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges in a bid to secure funding. Zenags Organics won the second-place prize of GHC 20,000, and Career Path won the third-place award of GHC 10,000.

Speaking on the essence of the event, Alexander Osei Mensah, General Manager of Operations at Hollard Insurance, described the initiative as a testament to the insurance group’s efforts to nurture entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among the youth.

“As a company that does well by doing good, our purpose is to bridge the gap between the corporate world and academia. Being an entrepreneurially driven company, Hollard believes in enabling its community to create better futures. Since universities are essential in nation-building and the training ground for business leaders, we focus on engaging tertiary students to ensure they are enabled to succeed in the future with Hollard’s support. In doing so, we aim to inspire more students to explore opportunities that will lead to successful employment upon graduation, particularly through entrepreneurship,” Alex added.GROUP HSBC

Portia Sackey, the founder of Jnelp Innovations, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s outcome, stating, “We are thrilled to be winners of the Hollard Streetwise Finance Business Challenge.   We are grateful to Hollard Ghana for this opportunity to help small businesses thrive. With this funding, we will expand our business by investing in research and development for our skin product and purchasing a tricycle and two extra automatic filling machines to enable us to meet the demanding markets with our products”. 

The success of the second edition of the Streetwise Finance Business Challenge reinforces Hollard Ghana’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering the next generation of business leaders. The company remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to the overall development of Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape. Student startup businesses participating in the competition include Overseas, Gamkrib, Delsoy Foods, Shuttle Track, Prifrimps Food, Geia Technology, and Firefly I.O.

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Keren Arthur, PhD, the Director of the D-Hub, urged the winners to be strategic in their decisions while remembering that entrepreneurship is an experimental process. 

“Adopt a step-by-step process for using funds and know that entrepreneurship requires a small-scale pilot before major investment. To the other businesses who competed, don’t give up. This event has added to your story, and I hope this will make you stronger and even more committed to taking the ideas forward. The doors of the D-Hub are always open to help you chart the next chapter of your story,” she added.

 

The country’s favourite insurance group is Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance. The group combines its deep local knowledge of the market, having previously operated in Ghana for 25 years as Metropolitan Insurance, with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand in 18 countries worldwide. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard offers various life and general insurance products, including funeral, personal accident, motor, business, travel, home, and more, and can be reached via 0307000599. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh, www.melcom.com/hollard-insurance and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs.

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Team South Africa withdraws hockey from African Games due to poor pitch conditions

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sa hockey

South Africa’s hockey teams have decided to withdraw from the 2023 African Games hockey competition due to concerns regarding the poor quality of the pitch at Theodosia Okoh stadium in Accra. (more…)

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