Entertainment
I love Sarkodie for the creative freedom he gives me – BNXN
According to Nigerian music star BNXN, Ghana’s Sarkodie encourages the spirit of experimentation that resulted in the creation of Afrobeats and its current rise toward global dominance.
It is for this reason that he loves the rapper and businessman.
BNXN, visiting Ghana, said this on the Accra-based 3Music’s Culture Daily TV programme, Monday, April 3, 2023.
“I love Sark[odie] because Sark just lets me do what I want to do,” he declared.
He said the Ghanaian rap legend, anytime they have made music, “didn’t come to me to say, ‘This is the dynamic I want you to follow’ or ‘This is the pattern I want you to follow’ or ‘This is the kind of music I want you to make’.”
Sarkodie, he added, “would just say, ‘Omo [child; buddy], do [what] you like’.”
BNXN also indicated that Sarkodie would listen to different beats from producers like “Guilty[Beatz]” with him and respect his choice, simply saying, when they have a consensus: “Do it! Do [whatever you want to do with] it.”
It is this creative freedom, he held himself back from saying, that, generally, Ghanaians are “missing” and not taking seriously much to their detriment.
It is the secret to Nigeria’s dominance in the music business, the 25-year-old insinuated.
It is all about “fusion,” he said, “And pay attention to what I mean by fusion.”
Explaining, he cited “a Nigerian producer going to the UK – the initial plan is to study or go to school. He goes there and listens to the sound,” and noticing the different styles, for instance, “Grime,” with “a Reggaton bop,” he starts making “Nigerian beats,” that have the influence of the aforementioned styles and sends it to a Nigerian artiste like Wizkid.
“Maleek Berry did that [such a fusion] and literally sent it to Wizkid,” he said, eyes bulging with emphasis. “That’s ‘The Matter’,” from 2013 thereabouts – “blows up in the UK.”
“It’s the same thing [creative fusion] with Burna [Boy],” he added, arguing that “those changes;” the Afrobeats revolution took shape not with “2Face [Idibia],” and his contemporaries, as some believe, but rather “Wiz[kid], Burna and David[o].”
He evoked ‘Ye’ by Burna Boy as a buttress.
He called attention to “the very moment” the Nigerian artiste “decided to tone down,” on heavy lyrics and “just vibe,” and the fusion done “on the beat, as well.”
A Phantom-produced global hit, BNXN argued that such revolutionary sounds are created by “people that listen to other [diverse] stuff and try to make the best of it,” in their cultural context.
“Hiphop was a force before but now, we’ve tweaked it,” the sensational vocalist pointed out, still in reference to Afrobeats in general, and ‘Ye’ to be specific. “We’ve tweaked it so well.”
“Now you hear it and you say that’s Afrobeats, but tell the producer to break down the beat for you,” he stressed. “Literally, you’ll hear how everything comes together to form what it is.”
It was at this juncture he spoke about the perceived Ghanaian outlook on music.
“What Ghanaians, kind of… I would never even say missing,” he said. “It’s just that… You just have to realise that, ‘Okay, this is how I want to go about it’.”
To him, Sarkodie exemplifies and encourages this spirit of experimentation, freedom, and fusion.
On Friday, November 11, 2022, when Sarkodie released his latest album ‘Jamz’, BNXN was featured on the curtain closer, track 11 ‘Better Days’.
Gospel Singer Joe Mettle Donates and Fellowships with Flood Victims of Mepe, Volta Region
Joe Mettle has extended his support to the victims of recent devastating floods in Mepe, Volta Region. This benevolence act, which serves as a beacon of hope in these challenging times, is part of his annual “Love Gift” initiative, where he visits communities, fellowships with them, and makes generous donations.
The renwoned gospel artiste, known for his soulful music and philanthropic efforts, donated essential relief items and spent quality time in fellowship with the affected individuals. The donation included camp tents, food items and provisions, clean water, clothing, and medical supplies, aimed at providing immediate relief to the victims who have lost their homes and belongings in the flood following the Akosombo Dam spillage.
In addition to the material aid, Mettle also spent time in fellowship with the victims, offering words of comfort and encouragement. His visit brought smiles to many faces, as he shared prayers and sang gospel songs, lifting the spirits of those present.
Mettle expressed his deep sympathy for the victims and urged others to contribute in any way they can. “It’s a difficult time for those affected by the floods,” Mettle said. “Through the ‘Love Gift’, we hope to provide some comfort and help them get through this challenging period.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for the North Tongu in the Volta Region, who received the donations on behalf of the community, expressed his gratitude. “We are deeply touched by Joe Mettle’s generosity. His ‘Love Gift’ initiative is a testament to the power of community spirit and compassion. On behalf of the people of Mepe, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Joe Mettle for his kindness and support during this challenging time.”
Meanwhile, Joe Mettle is set to hold his annual Christmas concert at the Assemblies Of God, Cedar Mountain Chapel International, East Legon on Monday (December 25).
Dubbed “Christmas with Joe Mettle & The Love Gift,” the multi-award-winning Ghana-based Gospel singer and songwriter will perform renditions of songs from his extensive and renowned discography fully backed by The Love Gift band. The one-night explosive and thrilling worship experience will also feature guest performances from other acclaimed worshipper leaders.
Get tickets here: www.joemettlemusic.com or dial *725*5050#
Rising Ghanaian musical talent Cee Levelz has released his newest single, “Confused,” produced and Mastered by Delmi Record Team.
The new Love song exemplifies Cee Levelz’s signature sound of Afrobeat, The lyrics and beat combined in a track that is sure to have you on your feet. The production of the track is bold and energetic, propelling Cee Levelz’s inspirational and Love-affirming message to the forefront.
“Confused” is a story about a guy who did something wrong to his girlfriend and the lady found it difficult to forgive him and was using silence to manipulate the guy’s feelings making him confused and didn’t know what to do to get her back.
The combination of Delmi Record Team’s production work and Cee Levelz’s catchy Loving hooks and melodies make “Confused” a must-listen Love song for those looking to get inspired and increase their Love profile. The track is sure to be an instant fan favorite.
Listen Here
Entertainment
Travis Greene announces “Celebrate Ghana” gospel concert in Accra with Joe Mettle, Phil Thompson, and Victor Thompson
Gospel powerhouse and 5x GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer Travis Greene has announced a concert in Ghana on Wednesday, December 6, at the Empowerment Worship Centre—The Prayer Factory, Dzorwulu.
Dubbed “Celebrate Ghana”, the much-anticipated concert aims to bring solace and inspiration to Ghanaians after what many have described as a challenging year while presenting Ghanaians with the opportunity to experience spiritual upliftment like never before.
Speaking ahead of the event, headliner Travis Greene said: “…. in a world filled with challenges, we firmly believe that the constancy of God’s grace and love remains unwavering. It is in this spirit that we intend to create an atmosphere of authenticity, healing, and restoration for all who join us for this worship experience.”
With over three thousand worshippers expected to gather, the night will feature the likes of Ghana’s Joe Mettle, Phil Thompson, Victor Thompson, and more, who are expected to captivate the audience with soul-stirring performances featuring some of their most celebrated songs.
Tickets for “Celebrate Ghana” are available now at Hallmark Café Dzorwulu, Achimota Shell, Mont. 19 Swaniker Street, Abelemkpe Accra, and online at celebrateghana.eventbrite.com.
Known as a raw, expressive singer and songwriter, contemporary Christian and gospel artist Travis Greene incorporates several genres into his sound. Following his emergence in 2007, Greene gained wide acclaim, topping the Billboard gospel chart with 2015’s The Hill. The album spawned several Grammy-nominated hits, including “Intentional” and “Made a Way,” the latter of which stayed at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart for 13 weeks.
With seven Stellar Gospel Awards to his name, Greene’s impact on the gospel music scene remains undeniable, earning him a fifth Grammy nomination for “Won’t Let Go” from 2019’s “Broken Record” and returning in 2021 with “Oil + Water.
Flood victims of Mepe receive relief items from Gospel Singer Joe Mettle
Rising Ghanaian artiste Cee Levelz releases new single “Confused”
Gov’t to restrict importation of rice, ‘yemuadie’ and other products
Mahama doesn’t understand 24hr economy; don’t vote for him – Bawumia
