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MUSIC REVIEW: “Conqueror” by ICGC Gospel Diva, Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah, will certainly make you conquer the unconquerable
Minister Yvonne, known as Yvonne Asamoah Tawiah — a supremely talented UK-based Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and minister whose star may rise as quickly in Ghana as it is in the UK is rocking our gospel screens with a tantalizing spirit-engulfed gospel music.
The gospel diva cum military woman currently works with the British Armed Forces as Human Resource Specialist. She is a staunch member of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) UK.
Last year, she began releasing her maiden singles, comprising “Unchangeable God” which got listed on the UK Gospel Music Chart for weeks, and “Besuka” which infused the melodic sensibility of African pop with flashes of afrobeats and R. & B. which lends an extraordinary sweetness to the songs.
In August 2020, her Besuka gospel video won the Best International Video of the year award organised by WWGMVA UK.
Minister Yvonne is reshaping the acceptance of Ghanaian gospel music across the world.
Her latest, “Conqueror,” is yet another proof that she is fully prepared for the mandate ahead.
“Conqueror” is one of the best bodies of work Ghanaian music has seen in 2020. Released on 30th October 2020, and available on all the major digital streaming stores, the song makes room for empowerment as a key to survival in this era of COVID-19.
THE REVIEW
Excellent song I must say!
The genre of the song is reggae. According to the Jamaican based Reggae Plus Radio, Gospel Reggae is the fastest growing segment of reggae music at the moment. It is therefore really homecoming of sorts for Minister Yvonne as songs like “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” by Justin Hind became a worldwide hit because it demonstrated a major Gospel influence.
Content: The title of the song, “conqueror” is an intoxicating mash of mental revolution as it empowers listeners.
The title “conqueror” according to the English Dictionary means one who subdues and brings into subjection or possession by force or by influence. In the strictest sense, it means one who conquers, vanquishes; a victor.
With inspiration from Ephesians 6:10-17, Minister Yvonne uses the word “conqueror” to minister and tell the world that we are conquerors despite the challenges we are confronted with. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked nations and economies. Individually, it has drained people financially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The song therefore offers the perfect prescription for people from all walks of life to conquer their fears in this era.
There is no way you would listen to this song without feeling you are a conqueror! You would instantly be mentally revolutionised and be pushed to accept yourself as a conqueror. This song from beginning to the end is spirit-filling especially that chorus part where she chants “among all conquerors oh…oh I am a conqueror”. I was lost in the spirit as I sat to review this song.
Vocal Strength: From her two previous projects, “unchangeable” and “Besuka”, Yvonne has exhibited impressive vocal capacities in her delivery and live performances. I am not surprised at all her vocals on “conqueror” is faultless.
Yvonne’s voice is honey-sweet without being saccharine, and the song is incredibly dreamy while still maintaining a strong rhythmic focus. Her notes are clean as she sings comfortably within her range. One characteristic that will certainly make the song a favourite for all is the witty kind of playful ad-libs to the inner fabric of the song’s DNA.
Song Arrangement: The song comes in one verse. The pre-chorus “Lion of Judah He roars with power and might” was taken twice. The main chorus, “I am a conqueror” was taken twelve (12) times. The post-chorus predominated the song. The hook “Great I am, great is in me” was sung six (6) times while the bridge “You’re sovereign” came once.
The lyrics are well arranged. The verse, chorus and the bridge relate to the entire theme of the song which is “conqueror”. The lyrics of the song is simple to assimilate and in her honesty is a subject that cannot be over flawed. She keeps the message pretty simple and very easy to understand.
In the verse, she exhorts us to be courageously “fitted in readiness” for every situation with the “shield of faith fearlessly” like a soldier because there is no more time to wait. She urges us to “Shout it out” by saying “I am a conqueror” if you believe you are one.
Instrumentation/Production: The major instruments used to compose this song include drums, obviously to keep the timing and to maintain the integrity of the one drop beat. The natural sound of a milked piano with the keyboard adds freshness to the lyrics, making it a classic riddim.
Additional instruments used are electric guitar and mellow strings, metronome, light percussions. It is a mid-tempo song laced with powerful vocals and rhythmic switch of instruments with backed up soothing harmony that works perfectly on “conqueror” song well – it is very interesting to the ears.
The rhythm is spirit filling, the melody is spirit filling, the lyrics are spirit filling, the video is spirit filling, the artiste is spirit filled, the backup singers are spirit filled; the entire song is spirit filling.
The song producer, Samuel Ababio Yeboah of X-Tee Muzik Lab did a great job on this project.
“Conqueror” is a must-listen song and already looks a strong contender for Best Reggae and Gospel Song of the Year, locally and internationally.
I rate the song 90%.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR VICTORY BY EBEN BELOW
The writer is with the Centre for National Culture, Kumasi.
He is a Creative Arts Director, Playwright & Critic.
Email: ej.peprahmensah@gmail.com
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GHANAIAN FASHION COLLECTIVE FREE THE YOUTH RECRUITS KWESI ARTHUR FOR DEBUT SINGLE “WHO DAT BOY?”
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 Orchard – LISTEN 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.
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”
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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Listen UP: Bosco Soundtrack “Up sometimes”
One of the most intriguing features of the song is its simplicity. The arrangement serves an aesthetic that is well crafted to arouse a sorrowful feeling, allowing Thank Jordan’s voice to cut deep into the heart and take centre stage. The perfect mix of rap enhances the impact of the lyrics, creating an intimate and engulfing listening experience.
While Up sometime is a motivational song, it avoids cringe and offers encouragement as well as confidence and belief in self potential. The melodic prowess is evident in every unique way to highlight a complex emotion with relatable lyrics. The song is a perfect showcase of strength and dignity in achieving dreams and aspirations the honourable way and emboldening the sense of humanity that pride the soul.
The music video for ‘Up Sometime’ aligns with the song’s storyline by providing a vivid visual representation of lyrics conveyed in the laid back instrumental. the visuals enhance the idea of the song and create a synergy between the audio and visuals.
In conclusion, ‘Up sometimes’ is a melodious masterpiece conveying an encouraging and so assertive with an expression that overlaps boundaries and speaks to the multitude.
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Listen Up: Randy N makes magic with new single ‘Can’t Stop’
Randy N, a hip-hop virtuoso and creative rapper, displays his impressive talents and skills on his latest single, ‘Can’t Stop’. (more…)
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Aklerh Out With Much-Anticipated EP, “Dancehall Queen”
Get Dancehall Queen On All Digital Stores – https://album.link/DancehallQueen
Watch Dancehall Queen Video on Youtube – https://youtu.be/ba3dcC4nClo
By Fiifi Adinkra
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Susan Augustt set to release her first single of the year, dubbed ‘Sexy Depression’
Budding Ghanaian singer , songwriter & live performance coach , Susan Augustt is slowly etching her name across the hearts of Ghanaians one soothing vocal at a time.
The singer who describes her style of music as neo afro-soul is gradually becoming a household name for lovers of good music. Susan Augustt who is known for her poignant lyrics and soulful melodies, is set to release her first single of the year titled “Sexy Depression.”
Scheduled for release on May 10th, “Sexy Depression” seeks to explore the complexities of human emotions and everyday living. Susan Augustt who is known for her ability to blend vulnerability with strength in her music, is set to deliver yet another powerful song that promises to resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Known for her authenticity and fearless approach to songwriting, Susan Augustt continues to carve out a unique space for herself in the music industry. Providing some context on the inspiration behind the song, Susan Augustt revealed the song was written at a time when she had come to a crossroads in her life. “I needed to make a decision about putting myself first and finding peace in that as well,” she explained.
“Sexy Depression” is about the contradictory and complex nature of human emotions. It also highlights the importance of taking time off life’s daunting experiences to take care of oneself. “It’s about being able to put yourself first without feeling guilty or wrong about it,” she continued.
“Sexy Depression” marks the latest addition to the singers impressive discography, which includes previous hits such as “Obaa,” Foreign Love” and “Run back home” which was featured in an NFL Africa Documentary. The song was produced by SosaWaveGod and mastered by Peeondabeat. It is poised to further solidify her reputation as a versatile artist who is unafraid to tackle topics that are generally regarded as both deeply personal and sensitive yet are universally relatable. With approximately 3weeks to the release, a presave link has been provided for fans eagerly awaiting this musical ingenuity.
An intimate listening and release party is also scheduled sometime prior to the actual release date. Fans and music enthusiasts can expect an accompanying visualizer that will carry listeners along on this unforgettable musical journey. Susan Augustt is also hoping to release a multi-genre album in August. “It’s time to showcase my versatility as an artiste through vocal and character expression,” she disclosed. Susan Augustt is a product of Benson Entertainment Production Institute led by Stephanie Benson and has performed on many platforms such as Afrofest Toronto, Ahaban Charity Festival, Library of Africa, One Beat Ghana and Black Girls Glow. She sings predominantly in English, Twi and Ga and only performs live band music.
Click to presave “Sexy Depression.” https://onerpm.link/770616372858
Story by: Maame Adwoa A. Mensah
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