Talented Ghanaian Artiste Showtyym has finally released his much-awaited inspirational song, “So High” on all streaming platforms. The newest addition to the musician’s packed catalogue explores the challenges faced by young people navigating life’s many hurdles all over the globe.
On “So High,” Showtyym highlights the reality of mental stress and the appeal of psychedelics as a coping method with unadulterated sincerity. This, he conveys with the line:
i’m so high, and I can’t feel my face but I’m smoking this last joint to clear the shit out of my brain.
Showtyym
His personal experience and struggles are laid bare, and entwined with societal realities as the insightful lyrics reflect a narrative of resilience. The Solosbeats produced track is an andante Afro-Pop masterpiece that is pensive yet danceable to and has all the potential to be a chart-topper.Showtyym does impressively well to align these elements to produce an invigorating record, mixed and mastered by Drillyx.
“So High,” is a timely record, energizer and sonic eiderdown in a deranged world.
In her latest single, ‘DISSRESPECT’, Ghanaian-Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter, Haeven fearlessly confronts injustices plaguing the creative industry. The track resonates deeply with anyone who has felt undervalued, undermined, sabotaged, or marginalised in their pursuit of artistic expression. Haeven’s raw and provocative lyrics cut through the noise, demanding recognition and respect for creators across various fields, from emerging talents to established names. With infectious rhythm and undeniable energy, ‘DISSRESPECT’ promises to resonate with audiences worldwide from its release.
“Don’t be trying to undermine me, – pay me my dues. Because I’ve never been a theory, I have nothing to prove.”
Haeven
The song’s defiant lyrics assert Haeven’s value and call for accountability within the industry. Drawing from her personal experiences and observations, Haeven sheds light on systemic issues such as exploitation, lack of recognition, and the prioritization of profit over integrity. It serves as an unapologetic rallying cry for change, advocating that creators be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Haeven’s haunting vocals and introspective lyricism, showcased in earlier releases like “ERA,” have captivated audiences and set the stage for her evolving artistic journey. Emerging from Accra, Ghana’s vibrant music scene, Haeven has also gained recognition for her genre-bending style and electrifying performances. From commanding stages at prestigious events like Jameson Connects and Afrofuture f.k.a Afrochella, Haeven consistently delivers a powerful message through her music. ‘DISSRESPECT’ marks a significant progression in her narrative, shining a spotlight on the realities faced by creatives today.
Altè Rap muse King Kerby is gearing for another scintillating music drop this Friday. The cut “Leeches” off his upcoming ‘Saba Deluxe’ LP will be unveiled (with a music visual shot by RETROGOD on 17/5). Tapping South African beatsmith Zino D who is revered for his eclectic production style, famed for producing rapper Nasty C’s smash hit “SMA” featuring Rowlene – King Kerby showcases his diversity with the sonic choice he adopts for this particular record.
According to King Kerby A&R Philip Koth who is acclimated for his astounding work with Nairobi drill faction Buruklyn Boyz, he champions Kerby’s brazen style and ambition to try new sounds.
“The song is a funk-influenced tropical house anthem, but there are tonal shifts that seem designed to showcase King Kerby’s range as a singer and a rapper” Philip Koth mentions.
He adds that “the record employs strings swirling around his stop-and-go flow that will have you reflecting on how people can use you for their own benefit” he continues.
Additional production comes from frequent collaborator LD Beats who has been a pertinent force in the production of the entire album, and a conductor in orchestrating King Kerby’s contemporary ear-worm-esque sound.
King Kerby pays homage with the record’s production that captures the atmospheric House Music synonymous with producer and Grammy Award winner KAYTRANADA.
“The album is an audiovisual journal of how life has been. The sights, sounds, smells and experiences all together. The scenery and environment was perfect, so was the musical palette. The song was inspired by a lot of what I was currently listening to. I’m a huge Kaytranada fan, I really wanted to explore different bounces and drum patterns. I would play some of my favorite songs and then we’d pick a tempo and create around it. The words came naturally to me and the feeling was also natural. I’ve experienced friendships where I felt that people were leeching on me” King Kerby affirms.
Created in Cape Town, the creative process featured everyday life in Cape Town while bouncing around Air BnB’s to complete the project. King Kerby shot numerous music visuals to accompany the music effectively. With the scenic Camps Bay in Cape Town as his muse, King Kerby was able to express himself fully without prejudice or creative bloc – creating an offering that can manifest in safe spaces, connecting people over intentional music from personal chronicles.
Dan Mwale, the multitalented lawyer, singer-songwriter, rapper, and music producer with Zambian roots, is gearing up to release his latest single, “Under The Sun,” at midnight. Infusing elements of hip-hop and trap, Mwale’s upcoming track promises an electrifying blend of sound that is bound to captivate audiences.
“Under The Sun” delves deep into Mwale’s personal narrative, touching upon themes of introspection, past relationships, and the profound loss of his beloved dog, Alex. With the resonating refrain “there is nothing new under the sun,” Mwale offers listeners a message of resilience and optimism, promising a return to love despite life’s adversities.
Featuring infectious beats and Mwale’s trademark style, “Under The Sun” is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene. The track’s emotive storytelling and authentic expression further solidify Mwale’s position as an emerging force in the industry.
Fans can anticipate the release of “Under The Sun” on all major streaming platforms at midnight, marking another milestone in Dan Mwale’s illustrious career.
Add “ Under The Sun “ by Dan Mwale to your playlist.
This groundbreaking album transcends borders, seamlessly merging the vibrant sounds of the underground music scenes in Abuja and Accra. Listen Here.
“SEX” Features Two Distinct Sides. Side A, with an electrifying and upbeat rage, Side A pulsates with energy, showcasing the raw intensity of the underground scene. Featuring a lineup of talented artists including L1trendsetter, Ya ROE, Kwelit, Jaleel Thomas, Usan-JT, Danny Montanna, Javan Santana, Trap KYD, and Siient Parker, Side A immerses listeners in a whirlwind of captivating beats and impassioned lyrics.
Side B: As the journey unfolds, Side B offers a tranquil and mellow atmosphere, serving as the perfect counterpart to the high-octane energy of Side A. Artists MASK MO, Kwelit, Micky wrecks, L1trendsetter, KOMÉ, Tyler-Leigh, Rezzyvfm, and Ruch Sensei contribute to this soothing sonic landscape, inviting listeners to unwind and reflect.
Adding to the album’s allure is a bonus track from the esteemed Ghanaian group AD20. Their contribution enriches the album with authentic Ghanaian flair
“SEX” was executively produced by the talented Kwelit and curated by Jodye SDL, ensuring a seamless fusion of musical styles and influences from both cities. It marks a historic moment in music, as it becomes the first album to merge the underground scenes of both Abuja and Accra. Soundsbysdl invites music enthusiasts worldwide to join in the celebration of this unprecedented fusion of cultures and sounds.
Divine Wayne and Kashcpt, two of the most dynamic voices in contemporary hip-hop, electrify the music scene with their latest collaboration, “Free Dem Boys”.
This highly anticipated single, promises to be a rallying cry for justice and empowerment. In “Free Dem Boys”, Divine Wayne and Kashcpt harness the power of their lyricism to shed light on pressing social issues, particularly the unjust incarceration of individuals within marginalized communities. Through thought-provoking verses and a captivating beat, the duo delivers a message of resilience, solidarity, and the unwavering quest for freedom.
This song is more than just music; it’s a movement, “We’re using our platform to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced by systemic injustices.
Divine Wayne
‘Free Dem Boys’ is a call to action, urging listeners to join us in the fight for justice and equality.”Kashcpt echoes this sentiment, stating, “Music has the power to ignite change and inspire hope. With ‘Free Dem Boys’, we aim to spark conversations, raise awareness, and drive positive transformation in our communities. This is more than just a song—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.”
“Free Dem Boys” will be available on all major streaming platforms
South African rapper Yung Ricky just released a visually stunning music video for his latest single 27 featuring Portuguese rapper Black Chanel, shot against the breathtaking backdrop of Lisbon Portugal, the video is a visual masterpiece that perfectly complements the infectious energy and raw emotion of the song. The “27” music video takes viewers on a cinematic journey through the streets of Lisbon, capturing the essence of Yung Ricky’s artistic vision and Black Chanel’s captivating presence. From the vibrant colors of the city to the intimate moments between the artists, every frame is a work of art that reflects the passion and creativity behind the music.
The “27” music video is now available on YouTube and all major streaming platforms. To watch the video and stay updated on Yung Ricky’s latest releases and performances, follow him on social media @yungrickyromeo
ArmstrongWW, a Cameroonian born musician known for his slick cadence and combining elements of Soul, HipHop & Jazz is looking to shake the music scene with new single Autopilot. This release, composed by seasoned Jazz-hop producer Knowsum, radiates feelings of a night ride through the city with a sprinkle of unsolved mystery.
A young musical alchemist, ArmstrongWW has been drawing attention and critical acclaim since the release of his debut single Je T’aime in 2020. Usually, the DIY independent artist cherishes involvement in all aspects of his releases including engineering, video editing, cover art creation, and on numerous occasions, production. On this special occasion, after an email to producer Knowsum in early January, a seed was planted that would soon grow into Autopilot, a track that gives the best of both worlds for fans of Hip-Hop/Soul and Lofi/Jazz.
Autopilot Video directed by Luz Castilla & ArmstrongWW
As chefs often give instructions on how to best enjoy a dish, Autopilot is a dish best served when the sun begins to set. Though blasting this Jazz-HipHop fusion during the day is also encouraged as the polyphonic chorus pairs well with all settings.
Listening to Autopilot makes me feel like I’m on the run, but in a James Bond meets Miles Davis type of way. I don’t know if that makes sense, but it just does
ArmstrongWW
Who is ArmstrongWW – A self proclaimed musical alchemist, ArmstrongWW is a multi-genre artist born in Cameroon, Africa and raised in the creative grounds of Houston, TX. Beginning his songwriting journey at the young age of 6, his sound has long evolved to showcase flexible lyricism and now signature euphonious vocal layering. In recent times, ArmstrongWW’s unique take on Hip-Hop/Soul has garnered attention from industry powerhouses including BBC Radio 1, Rinse FM, and some appearances on Spotify editorial’s Jazz Rap & Mellow Bars. Coupled with performances at Rice University (Houston), The Phoenix Theatre (Petaluma), and Space 333 (Chicago), the sky’s the limit for Houston’s very own independent vigilante.
GRAMMY® Award-winning, Oscar nominated, Lagos, Nigeria-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tems announced her highly-anticipated debut studio album Born In The Wild, set to release this May via Since ‘93/RCA Records. Pre-save HERE.
Tems made her Coachella Music Festival debut where she delivered a show stopping performance with special appearances from Justin Bieber and Wizkid to perform their smash hit “Essence.” Tems is set to blaze the Coachella stage once again on April 21st.
Ahead of her debut album release, Tems recently released 2 new songs “Me & U” and “Not An Angel,” notably marking her first full-length releases since her ‘If Orange Was A Place’ EP in 2021. Since its release, “Me & U” has amassed over 45 million streams and spent more than 7 weeks in the top 5 of the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart. Tems was also recently honored with the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s 2024 Women in Music Awards, where she delivered a stunning live performance of “Not An Angel” – watch HERE.
Tems has been a seminal figure in the rise of Afrobeats following her recent successes. From her record-breaking record “Essence” alongside Nigerian pop sensation Wizkid becoming the first Nigerian record in history to chart in the Billboard Hot 100, to remaining on the charts for 52 consecutive weeks, Tems has grown leaps to become an international artist hailed from Nigeria.
Tems, 27, was also bestowed with a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance last year for her contributions on the single “Wait for U” by American superstars Future and Drake.
Nominations across prestigious awards such as the Oscars for Best Original Song “Lift Me Up” with Rihanna for the 2022 film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ among other accolades has propelled her to unrivaled success.
Written by St. Bervon powered by Vibelab for Hiphop Africa
The Kenyan music industry is in safe hands now more than ever. In Hip Hop, the industry is experiencing a new world order spearheaded by artists and key players who have embraced art churning out timeless music. There is no better time to consume Kenyan music and at the center of the circus, pulling the strings is the group Wakadinali, under an entertainment outfit called ZOZANATION.
What we are witnessing now is Wakadinali’s music avalanche to peak levels after more than a decade’s worth of work.
Board this train with me and I will tell you all you need to know about Rong Rende. Forgive me if I decide to go wax lyrical about Wakadinali but in the words of Socrates “all I know, is that I know nothing” and one thing I know is, well, nothing.
Wakadinali history lesson
Fueled by passion and talent, four young men from the city of Nairobi joined talents and started the group Wakadinali in the streets of Umoja. Domani Munga (David Ramadhan), Sewersydaa (Slim Tangut) , Scar Mkadinali (Churchill Mandela) and Okenno (formerly) derived their rap name from the word “Cardinals” which in lay man’s language means “belong to the very nature of a thing, something you can’t replace”. In the music context Wakadinali are Umoja and Umoja is their music, they rap about the environment they grew up in and the experiences that fellow “Eastlanders” fully relate to.
This ground connection has endeared them to hoodlums and upstate fans alike who want to have an idea of the hullabaloo of living in the ghetto. Wakadinali met individually in school, each being a mutual friend of the other and immediately understood the connection among them. Rarely do you find a music group of three artists that you can not rank in any form since each of them is insanely talented.
In Kenya, it last happened during the Kleptomaniax era of Nyashinski, Collo and Roba. In my mind, God gave us Wakadinali for the years Klepto disappeared from us. They began making small-time music but their initial break came when they DM’d Khaligraph Jones on Facebook pressuring him for a collaboration. Khaligraph Jones had just hit commercial status so marketing wise, a collab with Wakadinali was not his biggest concern, but as the OG he is, he took them to BIG BEATS AFRIQUE to a producer by the name Ares 66 and paid for their first studio session, Ares had been Khaligraph’s producer for years before he switched to Motif on the beat with the Blu Ink Corp – a record label founded by Khaligraph Jones himself.
Building the Body of Work
Ares gave them a chance and I know this is what you expect me to write but “the rest is history”.
My class is still in session so I will teach some history. Wakadinali released their debut album “Ndani Ya Cockpit 1” which unsurprisingly was not a national hit immediately, but the songs grew on us. Scar Mkadinali showed traits of a superstar in the cypher “Khaligraph Jonespresents” . So much was the belief in their hustle that Domani said “tunachill tukingoja scar atupeleke commercial” which is exactly what he did.
Ares went on to produce a major part of Wakadinali’s catalog ,which he still does to date. In a conversation I had with him at his studio, he said Wakadinali were not only easy to work with but having been born and bred in Umoja himself, they are related in life experiences which helped comprehend their music and how they wanted it produced.
Through the years ,Wakadinali spread a message of defiance and misfits, they did little marketing of their work because most of their fans were on sight. After getting a little experience, they started the RYM GYM cypher where artists would showcase their raps skills monthly in Umoja.This move endeared them with ground fans and brought in more fanatics to the fold.
In 2020 scar released “Kovu”, a song that broke all the chains holding Wakadinali back. It became a household jam and artists jumped on the challenge to try and outshine the star boy.
Their catalog has ballooned in the last 3 years and when you look back ,it’s just now that you realize that they are the most streamed artists in Kenya by mistake, they have put in the work and the grind is paying them now. The song “Geri Inengi” which features SirBwoy flung them into the commercial music scene, the big bucks started streaming in and the streams started paying big bucks.
God knows there is not a single act in East Africa that has the catalog of Wakadinali and ZOZANATION collectively. Their music release as individuals and as a group is unmatched relatively in the time they have been active in the game. As a group Wakadinali have; Mtoto wa Mama, Ndani ya Cockpit 1, 2 & 3, and Victims of Madness. Individually, Domani has released “Haitaki Hasira” “Exposed and Munga’s Revenge” .However Domani has a series called “Mungu 1-6” where he butchers beats with lyrics that can make a man cry.
Sewersydda is inarguably the most industrious of the three, releasing albums like “Jeshi ya Katululu, Wada, Nocturnals and Mauru Unit. Scar Mkadinali is the most commercial of the trio but he only has one album named ‘Easy’. On the contrary though, he has been the most-widely accepted member of Wakadinali as he literally took them commercial. To stress my point, that’s a total of (12+) albums as Zozanation. I can assure you there is no living artist with such a catalog in 10 years, from Timbuktu to Windhoek to Cairo back to Mogadishu. Wakadinali are them.
Growing The Brand
As beneficiaries of someone guiding them Wakadinali have gone above and beyond to create an outfit where they separate themselves from the rest of the artists and do everything in house.
There is music and there is music business, ZOZANATION is business. It is an umbrella outfit of artists, producers, directors any anything under the sun that’s art operating under a phenomenon I like to call “art attack”. The group comprises of Wakadinali themselves, Sudough Doss, Skillo and until recently Dyana Cods said “she left ZOZANATION because they didn’t match her worth”; it was most likely a stunt because she is set to release an album under Ares this month, but again Wakadinali doesn’t do stunts.
ZOZANATION the outfit
Imagine a production house that encompasses some of the most talented minds in the game, dedicated to ensuring your success as an artist, that’s ZOZANATION for you. As of 2023 , the outfit was championed by Wakadinali and Dyana Cods ,until they did the Intro Album of Sudough Doss ,S€£k in early 2023.
Again forgive my naivety or clear partiality but I want to tell you a secret, Sudough Doss is the Messiah of new generation HipHop. Think of your favorite HipHop artist; he who can sing, rap, storytell and give a hook that would easily catch Piranha in the dead seas. Sudough Doss has the hook abilities of Domani Munga, the lyrical sanctity of Scar and the conscious rap gift only Sewersydaa possess. As it’s no longer a secret, please tell everyone you know, Sudough Doss is the Messiah of Kenyan HipHop and if time has taught me anything, it’s very just.
The second wild card that was pulled by the mighty Rong Rende is a master by the name Skillo Odongo aka man a loski skillo. Now I know you have heard of a catchy rapper before, but if you haven’t consumed his debut album ‘The Rong Don’ , you don’t know what it means to be addicted to lines, other than cocaine. Skillo Odongo has been with Wakadinali for a while, but the roll out of the “ZOZANATION” blueprint was set in such a way that we only got to know his lyrical prowess in the Album ‘The Rong Don’.
This was a very busy year for Wakadinali and ZOZANATION as a whole owing to the fact that they released 3 albums in a span of 4 months. Skillo is a unapologetic gangster rapper who knows he is good at it, laid back on a beat while saying some of the most unhinged things , he literally said “ukidiss hii band unakuwa disbanded”. The fuel for Wakadinali succeeding lies in the chemistry they possess among them and the history. They have been in this kind of music business for a while and they are self aware that they’re actually miles ahead of anyone behind them. Skillo alias Mr Odongo is the wildcard in the ZOZANATION pack, I know for a fact that he’s better than 98% of Kenyan rappers ,they just don’t know it yet.
Equality would be hit below the belt if all we had in Zozanation possessed male spare parts below the belt, enters Dyana Cods aka the Female Munga. Sometimes you encounter an artist and your life is not the same again, not her though, but sometimes you do. I first heard of Dyana Cods on the HBR Trap Lab and I couldn’t believe my ears.
She is what we had been missing in the Kenyan music scene ,sorry for my profanity but, she’s a bad bitch for real. Dyana Cods can rap and sing like a parrot, her voice when she smolders on the mic can do miracles to a man.Hers is the kind of voice you record on a Walkman and carry it with you to war, the constant thrill of seeing the owner of that voice will keep you alive, true story.
Dyana Cods is the female Messiah ,she’s no Maandy Kabaya but they are on different levels and genres in the scene, but she is HER. Imagine STL if instead of Norway, she grew up in Eastlando,east kwa mabeast. Dyana is a combination of a rapper , a singer and a baddie all rolled into one talented woman. I have met her , watched her perform , had casual conversations with her and all I can say is, on all those occasions I was the bitch in the room, she sends shivers down my spine honestly.
Music wise, her catalog is not as broad as Wakadinali but she has more material than her fellow Zozanationals. Having been in Wakadinali projects from as early as 2019, her chemistry with Sewersydda is specifically exceptional as evident in “Riswa 1 & 2” , “Cry baby 2” and many more.
I could go on and on about Dyana Cods but the one thing you should do is listen. Credible sources reaching my ears is that she is about to release an album this month of March (never dropped).
Ares 66 is a bigger and more mature name in the industry than Wakadinali even, he’s been in the game since the late 10’s when they were starting out with Khaligraph Jones. What sets him apart from other producers is that the man can rap ,with two albums in his name, his first ‘Black Milk’, his latest project ‘Gangsta Points’ is a culmination of experience, pizzazz and talent carefully molded into an album. A laid back professional, Ares has been instrumental in the careers of many artists but most notable is Wakadinali and ZOZANATION as a whole having produced more than 70% of their catalog.
On albums like (Ndani ya Cockpit 1,2,3) ,he’s the main man and his Big Beatz studio has been a homeground for Wakadinali throughout the years.
It would be a big rookie mistake if I left without acknowledging their business model which involves production and distribution of albums by artists not in Zozanation. One such arrangement is the album ‘Me against Me’ by Katapilla Katavelli. In a sit down with Ares 66 , he informed me that the company would take care of everything, from production to distribution and recoup their investments in album sales, streaming numbers and performance fees. A genius move I would say, since Wakadinali have numbers, they put out the music in their official chanel but under a written agreement on profit sharing.
Another Zozanation album production is the upcoming album by KITU SEWER, a legendary Kenyan rapper who blew the scene back then as Mashifta. The chemistry between Kitu Sewer and Wakadinali in the songs they have pieced together must have fueled the decision. This will be a revolutionary album, similar to Kiswahealing 2 where Kitu Sewer teamed up with Maovete to launch a masterpiece.
If you’ve heard “HR pump hio track bana” you must wondering who the tag belongs to.
Zozanation have teamed up with other like-minded professionals in the Industry to achieve their plan for industry domination. One such genius is HR the Messenger, a Kenyan Rap-Producer with unimaginable talents. His chemistry with Sewersydaa has birthed “Healing of a Nation” a collabo album “Nocturnals” and many collaborations including production of his latest album
“Mauru Unit”. Other producers include Eyo Chinoh of the famous “Avoid those people” and Alex Vice, the man who produced “Kovu”; a song that changed their fortunes.
There may be a lot I have left out because of fact checking and because I can’t afford a real lawyer if I get sued, but I have told you a lot also. Zozanation will be a musical powerhouse in Kenya and there is nothing that can stop them. A mixture of talent and relentless hard work has ensured that their projection is only up. After conquering Kenya,the next step is East Africa and then the continent, the plan is visible and this might be actualized by their long awaited album ‘Victims of Madness 2’.
Truth is, the time is now, this is Wakadinali’s world , we’re just living in it.
