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Hiplife makes waves in the home of hiphop, the Bronx

The Bronx, birth place of hiphop, is gradually gearing up for the sound of hiplife as some stalwarts of this uptempo sound that echoes Ghana’s jazzy highlife music and American hip hop, continue to break barriers. Felix Sarpong, a Bronx public school teacher by day and music producer by night, is bullish on hiplife becoming […]

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The Bronx, birth place of hiphop, is gradually gearing up for the sound of hiplife as some stalwarts of this uptempo sound that echoes Ghana’s jazzy highlife music and American hip hop, continue to break barriers.

Felix Sarpong, a Bronx public school teacher by day and music producer by night, is bullish on hiplife becoming the next American nightclub craze and a source of empowerment for African immigrants. Here are excerpts from a feature he did with New York Daily New:

Since 2003, he has persuaded a small army of young men from a heavily Ghanaian area of the Bronx, nicknamed Little Accra, to trade the dangerous street life for hiplife.

“These kids in the Bronx are talented,” said Sarpong, 36, who was raised in here and in Ghana. “We want to be a voice for the kids.”

A fusion of hip hop and the West African music highlife in both name and in substance, hiplife was born in the 1990s when Reggie Rockstone, a Ghanaian living abroad, began rapping in Twi, his native tongue.

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When Rockstone returned to Accra, Ghana’s capital, his songs thrilled African kids gaga for hip hop yet loyal to the mellow tones of highlife and tribal music.

“Ghanaians by nature have a swagger,” said Sarpong, who hunts for talent at import stores on McClellan St., north of Yankee Stadium.

Hiplife matured in Ghana, where the bulk of the music is still produced. But total African immigration to the Bronx has exploded, with 25,000 here in 2000 and 43,000 in 2008, according to census reports known to skew toward the low end.

Because some 20,000 Ghanaians now call the Bronx home, the borough has become a big producer of and market for hiplife.

“The producers are in Ghana, but the artists are here,” said Bronx hip-lifer Kwadena Agyemang, 26.

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Ghanaian hiplife legend Kontihene lives in the Bronx and sells tens of thousands of albums here, said Mark Naison, a Fordham University professor who researches Bronx Africans.

Even Bronx Africans from Senegal and Nigeria listen to hiplife, said Fordham student Kojo Ampah, 34.

“Drive on Fordham Road and chances are you’ll hear hiplife playing from a car,” he said.

“When I first heard the music, I was blown away,” said Naison, who expects a hiplife group to follow in the footsteps of Aventura (a Bronx band that blended Dominican bachata and American R&B) and gain global stardom.

“I know that someday the American music industry will discover this gold mine. It’s only a matter of time before hiplife penetrates the mainstream.”

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Sarpong puts on shows at tiny Bronx nightclubs, pushes mix-tapes and plans to launch America’s first hiplife radio station.

The goal: to see hiplife and his Bronx protégés succeed.

“It won’t be easy,” said Kwaku Nsoroma, 24, who left Ghana in 2003. “To have a chance, we need to work hard. But that’s why we came to America.”

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“COVID-19” inspired my “Aseda”single – Michael K. Okyere recounts

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Versatile musician Michael K. Okyere has recently released a single titled “Aseda,” which was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article explores the meaning behind the song and how Okyere found inspiration during this challenging time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably affected people’s lives across the globe. From the devastating loss of lives to the economic downturn, it has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. However, amid the chaos and uncertainty, many individuals have found solace and inspiration in unlikely places.

One such person is Michael K. Okyere, a talented and versatile musician known for his ability to captivate audiences with his unique fusion of various music genres. When the pandemic struck, Okyere found himself reflecting on the prevailing circumstances and sought a way to channel his emotions into his art.

The result was the creation of his latest single, “Aseda,” which means “thanks” in the Akan language spoken in Ghana, Okyere’s home country. The song serves as a tribute to the resilience and gratitude of individuals during these challenging times.

Okyere shares that “Aseda” was born out of his desire to express his deep appreciation for life and the strength of the human spirit. He witnessed people coming together, supporting each other, and finding joy in the simplest of things despite the hardships they faced. The song aims to inspire listeners to focus on gratitude and appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed.

The upbeat and catchy melody of “Aseda” mirrors the message of hope and positivity that Okyere intends to convey. By merging traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary sounds, he manages to create a musical fusion that resonates with a wide audience. The song’s infectious energy invites listeners to immerse themselves in the celebration of life and their ability to overcome adversity.

While the pandemic has presented numerous challenges for musicians and artists, Okyere has channeled his creativity into creating meaningful and inspiring content. He believes that music has the power to uplift souls and connect people, even in the toughest of times.

Through “Aseda,” Michael K. Okyere hopes to remind listeners that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is still much to be grateful for. The song serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of gratitude in finding solace and joy even in challenging circumstances.

As an artiste, his ability to find inspiration in difficult times demonstrates his dedication to his craft and his commitment to spreading positivity through music. “Aseda” is a testament to his versatility and talent, showcasing his ability to merge different musical styles to create a vibrant and captivating masterpiece.

Enjoy the song below

https://youtu.be/vInPF-NKMic?si=mFS0mfw8CAX0YEtd

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Pizza Inn the Bridge at Adjiriganor is giving free Pizza Pies this Christmas season

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Arnold Asamoah Baidoo goes hard at eShun, labels her untrustworthy and a liar

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