We’d like to start off by sending our condolences to Costa Titch’s loved ones, may his soul rest in eternal paradise.
Following the successful release of her latest single, Enjoyment, we’re graced with Buzzi Lee and Costa Titch’s visuals for their high-energy, celebratory track with Champuru Makhenzo.
The rappers host a lively mansion party complete with vibrant clothing, balloons and champagne, not to mention fly gents and ladies to help drown Titch’s sorrows from a recent break up.
The Big Shark-directed visuals move from inside the house to the front yard where the gang celebrate and live in the moment while raging to the street banger.
Nigerian rapper PsychoYP was spotted recently with MAVIN superstar singer, Ayra Starr. It is believed that PsychoYP is cooking something for his fans with Ayra Starr.
The two young acts who are equally very talented are some of the most youthful minds on the African music scene. YP is an excellent rapper and is very loved amongst Gen Z.
YP is known for how creative his beat selections are. He does not just want trap instrumentals, he wants an instrumental that samples anything crazy enough to be imaginable.
PsychoYP has been referred to as many things, from being the fresh prince of the Nigerian rap industry to bringing a team of talented friends into the spotlight, but never has his talent been challenged.
However, fans are delighted to see what these two have in the works for them.
After the positive reception of their first single Kiddie Time, Ghanaian music collective 99 PHACES have released their debut project. The project unconventionally titled “SO WE MADE A TAPE”, was released on Friday March 17th, 2023.
Photo: 99 PHACES members (Freddie Gambini, Moffy, Mel & CozyPols) and Baaba J
The album is the embodiment of the individual journeys the members of the collective have taken in their young music careers. In a world burning with creativity, it can sometimes be difficult to get yourself seen or heard. Over time they have come to realize that they can achieve so much more by creating a community, a movement if you want to drive change.
This is the goal of the collective and the tape by extension. To inspire other creatives to move together as one to reach their goals and dreams. SWMAT is a tape with a little bit of something for everyone. Afrobeats, Alte and Hip-hop are some of the elements that make up the sound of the project. Just as the artistes involved in the project; Freddie Gambini, Moffy, CozyPols, Mēl, Insvne Auggie and the sole non-member featured artiste Baaba J, have diverse influences and sounds, the songs reflect exactly that.
99 PHACES is treading the path of the Ghanaian musicians before them. Collaboration has always been the backbone of the music culture and renaissance in Ghana. From groups to solo acts working with others of the same ilk, this is the way for Ghanaian music. And 99 PHACES together with Baaba J on this project look to inspire this level of collaboration and high standards.
Follow 99 PHACES for more on socials Twitter & Instagram: @99phaces
Kémi López was born in Maiduguri, Nigeria but currently lives in New Jersey. She identifies herself as an Afro-RnB artist. Her journey to becoming a music artist started at a young age when she would be listening to CDs by Mariah Carey and Whitney Huston. These two legendary artists would go on to inspire Kémi López to start a career of her own.
Her journey into the music industry would not be without its challenges. Label disputes over how she portrays herself would soon surface after she signed a record deal. Before she knew it, Kemi would later find herself in the church leading a worship team without a deal.
It seemed as those her heart was set on not wanting to make music ever again. However, her passion for music was soon rediscovered as she began to find her feet once again. This time, however, Kemi believed that whatever she would do going forward God had to be in it. Through prayer, Kemi rediscovered her love for music and plans to reintroduce herself as an artist.
For more on Kémi López read our interview below:
The following interview has been lightly edited for context and clarity
Daniel Young: So tell me why music?
Kémi López: I guess because it’s therapeutic, it’s healing. It connects a lot of people with their emotions.
Daniel Young: What is your earliest experiences with music?
Kémi López I started singing at a young age. I was a teenager to be exact. I remember auditioning for American Idol. I made it to go to Hollywood, I chose not to do it. After that I had a record deal with this independent record label which went “well”. Things started to go well at the beginning then just went things started to pick up the label and myself didn’t see eye to eye. They wanted me to be someone that I’m not. After that I took a break and stopped doing music and now I’m back to making music again.
Daniel Young: what was your thought process when you were going through those situations?
Kémi López: I always asked myself am I making the correct decision. Honestly, I just didn’t feel comfortable with the direction the things were going. I felt like I wasn’t properly represented and that’s why I quit the label in the end.
Daniel Young: After this situation, what was then the next step for you?
Kémi López: I actually just quit. I got married. I was singing at church. I was a worship leader for a few years. I just recently decided to give music another try.
Daniel Young: Was there any challenges when you started making music?
Kémi López: I think the main challenge was trying to find the correct blend between Afro Beats and RnB. I started making RnB music at first inspired by Whitney Houston. I always asked myself if I was going to be accepted by the community. The music I was making wasn’t exactly Afro Beats it had a different dimension to it.
Daniel Young: Did you receive any backlash?
Kémi López: No thank God I didn’t, I don’t know what I would have done if that had to happen.
Daniel Young: How do you deal with self-doubt?
Kémi López: I remember someone gave me this advice once, just fake it. Just know that when you are experiencing self-doubt then you’re lacking self confidence in whatever you are doing. In times like that I pray. I am deeply spiritual. A lot of times we don’t feel that we are up to par with that what we need to do. But the important thing is to not give up, you have to keep going at all times.
Daniel Young: Having gone through so much, did you ever think that you would accomplish the stuff that you did so far?
Kémi López: Yes, I did. I always felt something was bound to happen. I just didn’t know when or how it was going to take place. I just wanted balance to the point where I didn’t want to put so much pressure on myself. At the end of the day everything is up to God. Before I start any project I take a moment to pray and ask God to be in everything that I am about to do. Again if it doesn’t work out or it does that is up to God and I wouldn’t want to be outside of God’s will.
Daniel Young: What type of benefit would you say being in the worship team had on your writing skills and overall creative process?
Kémi López: It helped me to be more in touch with my emotions. I become more in touch with my God-given emotions and being able to express that a bit better
Daniel Young: Has there been any difficulty making songs recently?
Kémi López: All the songs that are on the ep actually came really easily. I’ll just hear the melody in my head and then start writing. Most of the time I just sit down by the piano and within an hour I would have a whole song done. And then sometimes I really struggle with certain songs. If I see that I’m really struggling with it and it’s not really coming together, I just put it down and I move on. I’m more inclined to focus on the ones that come quickly.
Daniel Young: Explain your writing to process to me?
Kémi López: So sometimes I’ll just hear a melody in my head. I’ll just write it or I’ll think about an experience that I’ve had and then write something about it. I’ll start running with that idea and then the music will come afterwards.
Daniel Young: What is your most favourite song that you’ve made?
Kémi López: It probably has to be one of the worship songs that I have written in the past. Because it directly related to my wellbeing and my identity in Christ. I didn’t just make that song for me but anyone else that needed to hear it at the time. While making that song I thought who would hear this?
Daniel Young: What is next for Kemi Lopez?
Kémi López: I know everybody gets into this music thing for different reasons. My reason isn’t really so that I can be adored or to be famous and to be rich. My reason is I’ve always loved music and felt connected to music on a much deeper level. I’ve always been a creator when it comes to writing and melodies and things like that. And whenever I’m doing that is when I feel the most fulfilled and most like myself. So what I want is I would like to be recognized for that. I want to be making a living off of what I love doing, and I want to be able to touch people. It would be nice to have someone come up to me and say, your song got me through this, you know? I want to be able to touch as many people as I can around the world within the next two to five years with my music. That is what is next for me.
Blxckie is out in Los Angeles, California where he was booked to perform at the SXSW event this past week. While keeping his fans updated on his moves, Somnyama shared a couple of pictures in the studio with non-other than Canadian singer, Nelly Furtado.
His mentions are going crazy with many people excited for his future and the music they may be working on.
Blxckie’s pivot to stardom has been glorious to witness as a music fan because of the work he puts in. He’s currently one of the most featured artists in the country. Somnyama appeared twice in AKA’s Mass Country, featured in K.O’s hit song, SETE, and recently collaborated with songstress, Elaine in Loving You.
Just last year at the South African Hip Hop Awards, Blxckie had over 10 nominations, six of which were in a single category – Song of The Year, where songs such as SETE and Kwenzekile appeared.
He can only go up from here and we look forward to seeing him take the country to new heights. Let’s go!
Sjava and Imali Eningi hitmaker, Big Zulu have joined forces to create a musical duo much to fans’ delight.
Dubbed “Inkabi Zezwe,” the rapper and singer duo last collaborated back in 2021 in Ngaqoma Ibhinca from Big Zulu’s Ichwane Lenyoka album. Their musical chemistry back then was undeniable but perhaps it was more than just music that brought them closer.
Inkabi Zezwe
Both musicians hail from Bergville, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal where we can assume they were exposed to similar experiences growing up. Their style of dress is akin; usually sandals or formal shoes, Brentwood trousers, and either t-shirts or golfers tucked in.
Not only that, but the two also make music in their native and colloquial language which brings them closer to their fans.
The term “Inkabi” gained much popularity in the past month following the assassination of South African rapper, AKA. The hit was rumored to have been performed by Inkabi (“hit men” in isiZulu) who are known to be cold and callus, and hardly miss their targets.
Upon announcing their joint venture, Inkabi Zezwe revealed that their first project (Ukhamba) is in the works and that fans can expect a new single dropping next Friday, 24 March titled Umbayimbayi. Let’s hope this will be a hit.
Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has just dropped a remix of his 2022 hit single “Philo“. On the remix he has non-other but the Ace South African rapper Nasty C to do a magical verse.
The remix that comes as a surprise is exceptional and could easily pass as the original. Nasty C rode on the instrumental to Bella Shmurda’s 2022 hit like it was made with him in the heart.
On the remix, the two superstars shine brightly, especially Nasty C. The rapper gave a spirited rendition that sees him rap about a specific love interest with so much love and passion embedded in his lines.
The song is another proof of what the coming together of Afrobeat and Hiphop is like, and also details one of the many ways, a Nigeria and South African collaboration can sound.
This collaboration has left a lot of their fans excited and super delighted. Remember the original song featured Omah Lay, another super talented Nigerian singer.
Enjoy this new smash, while we await what they each have in store for us this year.
Miguel Pregueiro and GVBRIEL team up to bring their fans “Way She Moves”. Miguel Pregueiro, the singer and content creator was tailor-made for the music industry being able to bend genres effortlessly. Since releasing his debut single back in 2018, he has made waves across South Africa and beyond with his original music and high-energy live performances opening for Mi Casa and Lady Zamar.
GVBRIEL versatile vocalist and entertainer who is famously known for his role on The Voice South Africa season 1. Where he made it to the semi-finals. Just like his good friend Miguel Pregueiro, GVBRIEL can dabble in different genres from R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop and Classical (Tenor) to Soft rock/Pop and Jazz.
“Way She Moves” is the culmination of years of friendship, something that neither of them had thought about doing until this year. “I can’t believe it took us so long to collaborate on a track,” Miguel shares. “I’ve admired Gvbriel’s talent for years and it’s been an incredible experience to create this song with him.”
Easy Freak is a Johannesburg based duo consisting of Dom Hurd and Jude Kenrick. They have been unequivocally making waves and getting crowds moving to a fresh and unique sound playing at some of South Africa’s biggest music festivals; Oppikoppi, Zakifo, Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts, 947 Joburg Day, Bacardi Holiday Club, Vic Falls Carnival as well as Swaziland’s magical Bushfire Festival.
So far Easy Freak has shared the stage with likes of the legendary Damien Marley, Riky Rick, Shekhinah, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Micasa, Sho Madjozi and so many of Mzansi’s favourites – they’ve got South Africa’s attention.
Their latest single will take listeners on a nostalgic journey back into the 2000s-era style of RnB music. The music video is directed by Avi Mack and filmed by Jared Hinde. The warm narrative is captured beautifully with the standout moment showing Langa Mavuso serenading behind the piano.
“The song came about so organically”, says Dom Hurd of Easy Freak. “We’ve always wanted to work with Langa, just listen to that voice! After Jude and I had finished writing the chorus of ‘All I Want’, we were discussing who might be a good fit for the song, and it just had to be him.”
Jay Jody is back on the streets and delivers a surprise EP, Revenge Is Sweet, for the fans to feast on for “new music Friday.”
The rapper sets the 6-track project off with a classic come-up story where he tells the tale of his younger days as a dancer and emcee, finding his feet in the game while navigating through his responsibilities as a 9-5’er. He raps; “I never stopped writing and perfecting my flows, and I never stopped learning from the Jabbas and PROs.”
— JAY JODY ‘s REVENGE IS SWEET IS OUT! (@OriginalJayJody) March 7, 2023
Revenge is sweet and Jody reflects on the times he was overlooked and mentions his motivations to keep grinding. He puts the 012 on his back and recruits president ya punyete and Sosh Plata hit maker, Loatinover Pounds to get the loot.
In many of his raps, Jody shows his undying loyalty to those closest to him and speaks on being more analytical and keeping 10 toes down. The B3nchMarQ and Wrecking Crew alumni further boasts about his flawless penmanship, his lessons, and triumphs while questioning his peers’ moves, or lack thereof.
The project ends in a celebratory fashion where The Revenge Club Records affiliate enlists younger brother, A-Reece, to speak on rejuvenation and ultimate liberation.
I guess I’m free, baby. Is it just me, baby? Revenge is sweet, baby. I’m free.
Jay Jody & A-Reece – Free
Give this masterpiece a listen and tell us what you think.
