ENTERTAINMENT

The Plight Of The Ghanaian Lost Sound And The Bright Way To Make Amends 101

Published

2 years ago

05/03/2022

Lionel

Last Saturday, I was a pundit on Asempa 94.7 FM’s ‘Showbiz Review’ Entertainment show hosted by Obidombie Adu Kumi and produced by Prince Johnson yesterday and amongst the topic dealt, one which was most interesting to me was the, Do we have a unique identifying sound (genre fits in other contexts) that we can easily be identified with in the music world?
The likes of Uncle D’Hammer of Last Two and Uncle Fred Kyei Mensah (who actually mentored both Appietus and Jay Q) have shared their candid opinions on the subject. Producers like Appietus, Jay Q, MOG Beatz, etc have touched on it too. Industry gatekeepers like Abeiku Santana, Andy Dosty can not be left out of the issue.

The Ghanaian Music Industry does not have a unique sound of our own to sell to the world? Hmm…The issue is somehow dicey to attack. But let’s take a look at other countries’ if they have that? Nigeria’s music Industry is famous for Afrobeat which was invented by Fella Kuti (inspired by Ghanaian highlife music, precisely Uncle Ebo Taylor’s type of music).

South Africa is known for the current craze genre Amapiano, USA for Hip Hop, and the list goes on and on….What of Ghana? Some will say we are famously known for Highlife music. No it’s hiplife, or rather Azonto. Anyway the focus of this piece is to stress on the fact that we have lost our sound (a unique genre that we should be identified by). How did this come by?
Music is dynamic, like they say. South African music changed from Kwaito to Gqom, down to House and to Amapiano. Although there are changes in sound of the above, the core patterns(tempo range, hi hats, kicks, basses, etc) are similar or the same. American Hip Hop metamorphosed into Trap music and infectious drill music now.

The change happened to Ghana too. Our glorious highlife changed to burger highlife, to hiplife, then got infiltrated by foreign genres like crunk, hip hop, etc. Somewhere along the line, we caught up with our uniqueness and birthed Azonto, which short lived. So, what is our general sound/genre the world can easily identify us by? Not long ago Shatta Wale touched on the topic but he was taken out of context. The name of the genre whether highlife or hiplife does not necessarily matter but the ability of our music producers, sound engineers and musicians to roll up their sleeves to give us that unique sound.

Just recently, Hammer shared a song dubbed, “Kate” which he did for Edem featuring Joey B. Damn, that was a banger right there. Jay Q, also shared a track he did for H.E Pascal AB Rois back in the days. Those are the sounds that we want back. No matter what type of musician you were, you would surely fit in the sounds. Appietus also put together highlife and hiplife and gave us good songs all in the array of the ‘sound’ I am referring to. Most of our producers have lost their touch of the ‘sound’ and they are pursuing trends instead of setting them through our uniqueness that has been since time immemorial.

Well of course, this may make sense to some people and sound foolish for others.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Unraveling the Myth: Joseph Matthew Says Dreadlocks Don’t Equal Sin”

Published

3 days ago

04/25/2024

Lionel

“Pioneering the Afro-gospel music genre in Ghana, Joseph Matthew is breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes in the Gospel music industry.

In a recent interview with Metro TV, the talented artiste boldly shared his thoughts on the rigid expectations placed on Gospel musicians in terms of dressing and music style. He argued that it’s limiting and demeaning to condemn artistes who don’t fit the traditional mold, simply because of their appearance or sound.

Using his own experience as an example, Joseph Matthew revealed that some gatekeepers in the industry have rejected him due to his dreadlocks and unconventional sound, which deviates from the typical ghanaian Gospel music norm. He emphasized that what truly matters is the message of hope and redemption, not the messenger’s appearance or style.

Joseph Matthew hinted on a virtual concert and a new album on the horizon.

Watch what he said at the interview from below.

Also, be sure to check out his latest single, “Promise Land,” a soul-stirring anthem that embodies the essence of Afro-gospel music.

ENTERTAINMENT

Meet Budding Afrobeats Artiste, Big Rain Who Is Spreading Love With His Music

Published

4 days ago

04/25/2024

Lionel

As a rising star in the Afrobeats scene, Big Rain is spreading love and positivity through his music, leaving a lasting impact on fans and critics alike.

Christined Paul Raymond Osemudiame, Big Rain was born on June 12th, 1995, in the vibrant city of Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. His early life was filled with the sweet sounds of jazz, reggae, and gospel music, courtesy of his music-loving parents, who encouraged his passion for music. He spent hours listening to the likes of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Michael Jackson, studying their craft and learning from their legacies.

Big Rain’s musical journey began in the church choir, where he honed his vocal skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of music to uplift and inspire. As he grew older, he began writing his own songs, pouring his heart and soul into every lyric and melody.

After exploring the world of business, Big Rain returned to his first love, music, in 2023, and the result was nothing short of magic. His debut project, “Lifestyle,” released on November 12th, 2023, was a resounding success, garnering impressive numbers and earning him a loyal fan base. The song’s catchy beat and inspiring lyrics resonated with listeners from all walks of life, cementing Big Rain’s place as a rising star in the Afrobeats scene.

Since then, he has released five more songs, each one a testament to his creative genius and dedication to his craft. His music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that speak to the human experience, love, and self-empowerment. With his unique sound and style, Big Rain is poised to take the music industry by storm.

Inspired by the legendary likes of Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley, Big Rain believes that music should be a powerful tool for spreading love and goodwill. With this in mind, he has pioneered a sub-genre under Afrobeats, dubbed “Afrolove,” aimed at sharing love and positivity through his music. His mission is to use his platform to inspire and uplift others, promoting unity and togetherness through the universal language of music.

As we eagerly await his next release, “Sere,” dropping on 1st May, 2024, we can’t help but feel excited for what the future holds for this talented artiste.

Join the movement and connect with Big Rain on the following social media fora to stay updated on his latest releases, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive contents.

Instagram – Big Rain

Facebook – Raymond Paul

Twitter – @BIG_Rain

Tiktok – @big.rain