VMA Artiste of the Year Jah Phinga Releases new song ‘Push”
Fresh off after winning the Volta Music award artiste of the year 2020, Music star Jah Phinga has released a new song.
The versatile act that recently signed a deal with American based 360-entertainment company Native World Entertainment has released his debut single under the label titled Push.
Ashiaman-based producer Awaga known for producing countless hits for Dancehall act Stonebwoy produced the song and video directed by Mobeatz BangR
Jah Phinga’s music is a million in one with a diversified style because he is the truest extension and expression of himself. He believes in originality and blends his lyrics with words from his mother tongue; Ewe, so people will be aware of where he hails from, the Volta Region of Ghana.
A US.-based Record label, Cymatic Audio has recruited DreKing, DeyeS and Ko-Jo Cue for a new musical project titled “Island Love”.
Ko-Jo Cue, born Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, is a Ghanaian Hip-Hop/Afro-Pop artiste who over the years has won the hearts of music lovers worldwide with his unique rap style, thus, making him part of the top ten rappers in Ghana.
He is best known for songs like; “You Alone, “Wo Nsa Be Ka” featuring Ayisi and “Dzo” which features Worlasi.
Andrae Michael Jackson aka DreKing is yet another multi-talented Jamaican musician who is gradually carving a name for himself in the music industry.
Since his entrant into the music scene, he has thrilled Jamaicans and Ghanaians with good music with his powerful voice.
He is well known for songs like; “Choppa Lifestyle” and “Never Change”.
DeyeS, born, Dwayne Donald Smith, on the other hand, is also another talented Jamaican act to watch out for as he is determined to do wonders in the music scene.
He is best-known songs like; “Intoxicated” and “Good List”.
Having DreKing, DeyeS and Ko-Jo Cue on the same song “Island Love” is unfathomable and powerful.
The collaboration is projected to be one of the biggest projects to happen in 2020 in the face of COVID-19.
“Island Love” is a real masterpiece that is expected to make it on some of the big global charts including Billboard.
Kindly stream, listen and watch “Island Love” below
He is currently the only local Ghanaian at Berklee’s Boston Campus in the USA. Hailing from the Ashanti regional suburb of Obuasi, Shadrack “Shaddy” Oppong has fought his way to the top of his musical field of drumming.
He is the third Ghanaian to ever be 2 years closer to bagging a degree in Music Business and Music Production from the globally-acclaimed top-ranking Berklee College of Music in America.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, it’s the largest independent private music college of contemporary music in the world known for the study of jazz and modern American music.
It also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including rock, hip hop, reggae, salsa, heavy metal and bluegrass.
Berklee alumni have won 294 Grammy Awards, more than any other college, and 95 Latin Grammy Awards. Other notable accolades for its alumni include 19 Emmy Awards, 5 Tony Awards and 5 Academy Awards.
In summary, it’s a big deal for a local Ghanaian kid obsessed with drums to shoot straight out of Obuasi, make a name for himself within the music circles in the nations’ capital of Accra, bag a B.A in Psychology with Philosophy from the University of Ghana, Legon, be ambitious enough to apply into Berklee & gain admission after months of going on a money hunt for sponsorship to embark on this history-making and record-setting educational journey in music.
Need I say more that Shadrack “Shaddy” Oppong is a national asset and must be protected and supported at all cost.
Detailing his musical journey he narrated, “It all started when I joined Ebenezer Methodist Brigade in Obuasi, where I was one of the few young snare drummers in the band section.
Around that same time, I found myself playing African traditional drum, “Atumpan” in my primary school even though no one taught me how to play it.
I didn’t know how but I could just finesse my way through anything percussion when I was growing up. I had the drive, passion, I just loved to do it, even till now.
I represented my school, Kwabena Fori L/A Primary & Junior High School in Obuasi, on many “African drum” competitions as at that time through to Junior High school, 2004-2008.
At the age of 15, I started playing the drum set. I had no teacher at that time but kept meeting some good cats in Obuasi to learn from.
Fast forward, the internet, Komissioned Incorporated & Aki Ola exposed me to contemporary music. To me, that was the major turnaround for my drumming”.
Having carved a niche for himself as a solid yet skillfully versatile multi-genre professional drummer, he has been privileged to have performed live and recorded with several top shots in the Gospel music fraternity and many other artists and producers both in Ghana and abroad.
These include being the official drummer for Akesse Brempong (2015-present), Daughters Of Glorious Jesus (Jan 2014- Dec 2014), Royal Chris (2016-present), Darksuburb (Jan 2017-Dec 2017), among several others just to mention a few.
As a proud member of the Tribe of Judah – official band for the multiple award-winning Gospel Reggae/Afrobeat Kingpin, Akesse Brempong, he views the years of experience gathered while working with Akesse as one of the biggest things that has ever happened to his music career and for that, he is eternally grateful.
He worships at the Empowerment Worship Centre where Prophet Gideon Danso and other patrons have been of a great impact to his life and music journey so far.
It is on record that his power drumming delivery while he played during church services was one of the iconic and anticipatory features of the youth oriented gathering before his flight to Berklee.
Speaking on his course of study and aspirations afterwards, he revealed, “I’m a Professional Music Major with concentration in Music Business and Music Production. Technically, I’m the only Ghanaian here but there are other two Ghanaians who are first generation Americans.
I aim to set up an educational center to train young musicians and producers, as well as upgrade existing producers to help solve the problem of sub-par music productions. I also aim to establish a record label to manage artists, create new music and unearth talent”.
The prospects are high for such a rare talent as this and Ghanamusic has got an eye on him to update you on all the amazing things he has coming up in plunging the Ghanaian music industry unto the global markets.
World renowned Pastor, Dr. Medina Pullings, at a visit to EWC where Shaddy plays, confessed in a live interaction on social media to the originality and passion with which Shadrack plays as evidenced in the video above.
Emmanuel Bludo, Francis Osei, among several other global greats are a few of his role models.
Get interactive with Shadrack “Shaddy” Oppong across his social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and Subscribe to his YouTube channel also to be updated on his new drum video uploads
The emotive chanteur, who labels his versatile music styles as simply, “Feels,” admits that allowing outside opinion to permeate his relationship could strain the union. However, he posits on the joint—co-produced by Erby and Jaysynths—which a pair bonded by unconditional love, cannot be broken.
The sentiment is prominent in every line of the song, particularly in the following promise:
“Baby there’s somethings ago do till I die/ Like say ago dey by your side for life.”
“For Life,” is the maiden submission from the La Meme Gang star since signing with Twist Entertainment Legacy, the imprint that is also home to Afrobeats crooner, Kweku Afro.
It is unclear whether the number heralds a forthcoming project. Nevertheless, for RJZ’s ever-growing fan base, this is a welcome addition to his impressive catalogue, and a needed boost to quarantine playlists.
“For Life” is available across all major digital platforms.
Emerging Ghanaian versatile artist, Kay Twist born Badu Mensah Kwadwo also known as Afrobeat Prince says it in his new single ‘You and I’ that ladies should stop leading guys on especially when they are aware of the guy’s intentions.
According to him, ‘You and I’ is off his yet to be released album dubbed ‘Trust the process Vol.1” and is dedicated to all music lovers especially people who are in the friends’ zone.
In the song, Kay Twist seem to fall in love with his friend who is not paying attention to the artist feelings, she is rather focusing on being a good friend than a lover, and this is making Kay worried and confused.
The song was released under Trust the Process Records on Kay Twist’s birthday yesterday, April 17, 2020.
The young artist aspire to have collaborations with Samini, Mugeez, Jah Cure, Popcaan, Stonebwoy, etc “because I feel I I’m on the same journey with them, he said. “Describing the music I do, I’m more into The Afrobeat, R&b-Pop, Reggae, and Dancehall. Growing up listening to Shaggy, Shabba Rankz influenced me into Dancehall, Listening to the Samini, Bob Marleys, Jah Cure, Buju Banton, Sizzla, and UB40 influenced me on the reggae side and also I chose those genres because of their style and Instrumental selections”
“I look up to many famous musicians but the one particular artist I really admire so much is Jay Z because of how he’s business-minded with his music just like Mr. Eazi helping out emerging artists through Empawa”, he said.
He encourages music lovers to support his craft, “They should stay with me in this Musical Journey and keep supporting my good music.”
‘You and I’ is available on all music streaming sites.
G-West is a lover boy, an artiste who loves love and everything it comes with. He is a singer/songwriter and and afrobeats recording artiste. With his soothing voice, it comes as no surprise that love is his go-to narrative; he sings his way into our hearts on this new track titled ‘IDK’.
On this new release, the young artiste takes us on a journey of love. What is your ideal way to meet the one? Through a friend? At a party? For the artiste this is a love which springs up on him. He tells us through the song how me meets this girl and entreats her to embark on a life journey with him. He expresses his excitement at how love whipped he is. He asks several rhetoric questioning how deep this love goes and somehow remains delighted about the fact that he’s found his ‘person’.
One may expect that G-West, with his smooth voice will be on a R&B path but the singer who refers to himself as the young Amakye Dede charts a different cause. He does amazing afro pop while channeling the highlife music legend, Amakye Dede(the Iron Boy), who happens to be G-West’s he idol. An attribute these two share aside their radiant voices, is their story telling ability. In a two minutes and thirteen second audio, G-West takes us along with him on this unexpected love journey.
IDK (I Don’t Know), is about spontaneity in the sense that no love hits you deep like a love unplanned. Picture yourself sacrificing all you have-time, money, and resources just to make another happy. Yes, you would think you’ve been charmed and that will definitely leave you asking questions. G-West asks these questions for us in this mid-tempo jam.
This piece was produced by Perry Mingle and deserves to be added to your playlist; this is a song that you take in in a serene environment so as to feel it’s message. Some songs G-West has to his name are ‘Foes’, ‘Bonto’ which features the exceptional Bisa Kdei, ‘Akosua’ which has versatile Joey B blessing it with a few verses and also ‘Oyedede’ which was recorded with Nigerias favorite, Mr. Eazi. These are songs which will help build ones love for the ‘Young Amakye Dede’. Endeavour to check them out as well.
Lockdown Live Session with Spc. Ghst. Feat Pzeefire
Vocals : Pzeefire
Keyboard : Spc. Ghst.
Creative Director : Camouflart
Mixed by MindszTheKid
Label/Publisher : Speech Production
Produced by Spc. Ghst.
Ghanaian Afro-fusion female artist, Gyakie has received her first nomination at this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in the ”Unsung” category. She was nominated alongside Imrana, Kofi Jamar, Sherry Boss, among others.
Jackline Acheampong, popularly known as Gyakie started her music career back in February 2019 after signing to FLIP THE MUSIC: a record label and music management company owned by Mr. Emmanuel Sedo aka ElectroMirror.
She released her first single, ‘Love is Pretty’ which was followed by her hit single, ‘Never Like This’. The song has garnered over half a million streams across all streaming platforms since its release and it is still making waves internationally. Gyakie in an interview with the BBC mentioned how she’s aiming for the world and is working hard with her team to get her sound across the globe.
”I’m very excited about this nomination and I was never gonna sit back a year ago to see this coming”, expressed Gyakie. With the vision she has, she pleads with Ghanaians to pay attention to her music and vote for her to win this year’s VGMA ”Unsung Artist of the Year” as it’ll be a springboard to achieving her dream and of course, to make Ghana proud.
The ”Unsung” is an initiative to project artists who are doing well, but have not had the deserved exposure.
Check out her latest single ‘Sor Mi Mu’ featuring Bisa Kdei here
Ghanaian record producer and DJ, Ishmael Kweku Yuri, best known as Dream Jay has finally outdoored his much-anticipated riddim titled ”Sweet Vibes”; featuring a great line up of artists all delivering positive, uplifting songs with a special vibe and great messages.
Being his first, Dream Jay’s riddim came with a bang – earning him his first nomination off Jupitar’s ‘Top Sheller’ song in the ”Reggae Dancehall Song of the Year” category at the upcoming Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. It doesn’t end there. The act also secured another nomination with ‘Wahala Dey’ by Epixode.
Released under the auspices of his label, GetMeOnFactory, the ”Sweet Vibes” ridim features top shelf dancehall/reggae acts such Jupitar, Epixode, Rowan, Kay Dizzle, Rola Vybz, Jah Lead, BigBwoy, Tackman, Blaq Nacha Runks, Jah Real and Jah Zo from South Africa.
Dream Jay shot up to fame after producing Manifest’s ‘god MC’ a which caused a massive stir in the country’s Hip-Hop scene, eventually winning ”Hip-Hop Song of the Year” at the 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. Prior to above, he was the sole producer of Epixode’s 2016 album ”Spar Junkiez”. He intends to extend his riddim projects internationally, targeting eastern Africa, South Africa and the Caribbean.
The ”Sweet Vibes” riddim is available on all digital stores globally and on iTunes right here. Bump to the riddimm and be sure to put a friend on.
Mohammed Muhi-Deen Yakubu, manager of Ghanaian rapper Strongman, has sparked a thought-provoking conversation on Facebook regarding the Ghanaian music industry’s growth constraints.
He challenged the common narrative that Ghanaian artists are reluctant to promote their brands globally, instead pointing to a lack of investment from Ghana’s wealthy elite.
“Ghanaian rich men are focused on producing alcoholic products, water, building spaces for rent, breakfast products, and politically motivated media platforms,” he noted.
Mohammed Muhi-Deen emphasized that Ghanaian artists face significant financial hurdles:
– Inadequate royalty payments
– Limited streaming revenue
– Absence of investors to finance artistic projects
“Every artist wants to get out there, but…some thumbs up will be welcomed once in a while,” he added, highlighting the need for encouragement and support.
His post sheds light on the industry’s financial struggles and encourages reevaluation of expectations placed on Ghanaian artists.
Key Takeaways:
1. Ghanaian artists face financial constraints due to limited investment.
2. Local wealth is often directed towards non-creative industries.
3. Industry growth requires supportive infrastructure.
Mohammed Muhi-Deen’s insights spark a necessary conversation about the role of investment in Ghana’s music industry.
Vekon Bakery, one of the largest bakeries in Ghana has also joined the fight against COVID-19 pandemic to donate some relief items to 2 health facilities in the South Tongu District.
The items which included sanitizers, soaps, toiletries, et al. The items were presented to the District Hospital and Comboni Hospitals which are both located in Sogakofe. The items were received by Administrators of both health facilities – Mr. Adolph Bansah (Administrator, Comboni Hospital) and Dr. Ahmed (Sogakofe District Hospital).
Vekon Bakery is located in Sogakofe in the Volta Region of Ghana. The Region was publicized to have recorded at least 7 cases of the pandemic earlier this week.
Below are some images from the donations led by Konu Delator.
Budding rapper Tunechi Wale has released his maiden EP dubbed Tunechi Wale ‘Sorry For The Wait’.
The 20-track Ep comes off as his a pre-up to his upcoming album ‘Young, Gifted & Black’.
‘Sorry For The Wait’ EP is mean to set a pace for what is to the come for the album, and also a sort of apology for those who have been looking out for the album all this while.
The EP consists of remakes of popular songs, and original songs but not limited to one genre. As an indie artiste, Tunechi Wale is looking at making a positive impact with this EP in the industry and also cement his stand a force to reckon with.
‘Sorry For The Wait’ EP features original and remade songs of artiste like Kizz Daniel, Squidy, Mr Eazi, Kobby Xi, Meek Mill, Kulli Jay, J Bixil and others.
Enjoy Below
Focus on Africa on BBC World news on Thursday reviewed the “Mama Grace” EP of Ghanaian music legend, TiC, formally known as Tic Tac on their news live programme.
Touching on why he decided to drop the Tac to shorten his name, he disclosed that it was a move to tweak his over two decades brand and refocus it.
He revealed that throughout his career, he’s been called TiC, and felt the need to make it official to spice up his reinvigorated brand.
On the choice of Mama Grace as the EL title, TiC told BBC Focus on Africa, that it was named after his mother as way to express his appreciation for allowing him to do music at a tender age and supporting him immensely throughout his music career.
” Growing up, not every woman would allow his young son do music. Considering her support, there was a need to honour her with something that i cherish, and that’s music ”
TiC further noted that he featured young-dynamic artistes and other legends to test his skills with artistes who exude dynamism. He took BBC Africa through the stories behind the titles of the songs as they listened to the EP.
TiC who already has 6 albums to his credit, recently released his maiden Extended Play (EP), after two decades of amazing contribution to the music industry.
The EP dubbed Mama Grace is dedicated to his mother for allowing him to take such a career path at a young age.
The tracklist include, Toli, Ditto, London Bridge, Nipa, Goro, Love me Now, and Wori.
The EP dubbed Mama Grace, featured the likes of hiplife Legend and member of musical duo, VVIP, Zeal, music diva, Adina, Afrobeats gem, Kelvin Boy, Nyeye hit maker, Article Wan and young sensation, Big Ghun.
It also featured Samuel Gee and Awu from Cameroon.
The songs are already available on all musical stores worldwide.
