Entertainment

A KiDi Reign, Kuami “feature” dominance, Gyakie Queendom and a Blacko Entry

Published

1 year ago

January 14, 2022

Ghanaian Music is alive, and so are we. Over the last two years, as Covid-19 kept us largely at home, entertainment gave us some respite, but sweet holy sound—music—gave us somewhere to go. It transported us, mentally, into the pits or peaks of our emotions; to imagined escapes and unimagined adventures.

Some Artistes churned out some of their best work yet in 2021. There has been plenty fare ready for the dance floor, be the rave at home or at work, from chartbusters like Kuami Eugene through to singers like Abiana to Dj’s like Nektunez and some amazing new entrants into mainstream Ghanaian Music.

In 2021, Ghanaian music charted a new course, broke into world charts, filled event venues, and created household names. Last year saw KiDi follow up the success of “Say Cheese” with an amazing international breaking release – Touch it. Amaarae set and broke all sorts of records last year, “Chic” has simply been on fire. Yaw Tog caused a stir with his collaboration with Kwesi Arthur and UK International – Stormzy and toped it up with a BET Amplified feature as did Amaarae.

The year 2021 was an eventful one of releases, milestones, and recognition of Ghanaian music. As established talents like Sarkodie and Stonebwoy kept the pace with releases, new names like Black Sherif & Gyakie did enough to stake their claim with critically-acclaimed projects that shot them right atop the echelon.

Below is a list of the top 10 songs released in 2021 which had the most airplay. Do note that there are songs which might have done better than those which made it into the year’s chart but were released the year before.

10. Praise – Fameye

Praise is easily one of the best records of 2021 and perhaps the best Fameye has delivered in his entire career. The song is simply a masterpiece, so well composed and arranged. If any tune could bring the dead back to life it would be the wonderful coral harmonies and melodies of this song doing the trick.

It is a song you cannot stop listening to, it’s a Praise of Fameye’s career, it is as though the rapper/singer sort to showcase his writing skill and exhibit all the music in him.

Praise shares the story of his life and could but for a few words pass for Gospel song of the year.

9. Biibi Besi – Kwame Yogot ft. Kuami Eugene

Biibi Besi is an absolute euphoric jam. Listening to the song, it seems almost criminal that Kuami Eugene and Kwame Yogot had never collaborated before. The ease with which two of today’s most revered songwriters share this track is astonishing—their voices the perfect complement in tone, timbre, power, and style.

The beautiful reggae tone track blends an afro and dance vibe which is off the hook. Yogot delivers his comic rap in a flawless manner. I’m convinced that they’re just trying to tie our brains into knots. There are tempo changes and random style left turns.

8. Echoke – S3fa ft. Mr. Drew

The Queen of Black Avenue Muzik, S3fa, served a hot dance dish with Mr. Drew on the ones and twos. This song was the party in itself as it became the heart of the dancefloor. Easily S3fa’s biggest hit and arguably the most successful song of her label, the song took her places and saw the singer dominate charts for weeks.

The song had an attention grabbing video and a beautiful dance to it. This song put S3fa on the music map and has had her chocked with shows.

7. Dollar on you – Kuami Eugene

Kuami Eugene reclaims his place as a bona fide hit maker with “Dollar On You”. His first release of 2021 was on steroids. He sings about treating his lover to nothing but money. In an Interview, the ‘Rockstar’ said “Dollar on you talks about the Significance of Sharing”.

The song quickly became a regular feature on radio, street corners, pubs and parties. Kuami’s showing after his “Son of Africa” album was strong and impressive. The song has a captivating afro dance vibe and was accompanied by an amazing star studded video.

It would certainly be safe to put your dollar on this outright banger.

6. Yeeko – Okyeame Kwame ft. Kuami Eugene

In the hay days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah there was a popular phrase used to describe him; “Nkrumah Never Dies” – This best describes Okyeame Kwame’s spell in the Ghanaian Music Industry. Most rappers ascend and over a decade and half lose their hold significantly. Kwame has been the exception to this rule. For over two decades, Okyeame Kwame has been relevant and churns out a huge hit every 3 years or so. 2021 was no different as he teamed with Lynx Entertainment’s Kuami Eugene to produce an outright street anthem

Anytime one has felt that the hot air balloon of confidence that accompany Kwame’s timely records seem to be deflating, the eccentric rapper pulls his magic wand and boom – a hit.

5. 1st Sermon – Black Sherif

Black Sherif has released 1st Sermon to the elation of an eager audience. The 3-minute drill project formed part of his “Road To The Tape” series. Several top entertainment personalities drooled over the progress of this fast-rising act. The release satisfied the thirst of music lovers as they waited impatiently for its release after leaked footages were extensively shared and greatly admired.

The song amplifies daily hustle, the need for loyalty and survival in the music business. Sherif got his congregates so drunk on his sermon that he became a house hold name overnight.

4. Sore Remix – Yaw Tog ft. Stormzy & Kwesi Arthur

Yaw Tog hit a huge milestone with the remix of his chart-topping single ‘Sore’ featuring South London-based rapper Stormzy and Kwesi Arthur. With over 3.4 million streams on music streaming service Spotify by July, the song was the second behind Sarkodie’s biggest commercial hit song – Adonai which featured Castro with 17 million streams. This was the story until KiDi “Touched it”.

The music video for the song which was shot in Kumasi and directed by KooPoku Studios has over 5 million views on Youtube.

3. 2nd Sermon – Black Sherif

Black Sherif’s introductory hit ‘First Sermon’ was only a sequel to the singular 2021 hit before, on and after arrival song – Second Sermon. The song depicts a raw and fearless street spiel, that blasted him to the status of a viral sensation.

The song was produced by Stallion and is ferried in aching desire and rebellious glamour. This proper hustlers anthem got the streets crazy and turned “Angels” to Blog Breakdown analysts.

The self-styled leader of Sad Boys Country – Kweku Frimpong has a delicate responsibility; thus far, he has kept to his promise of delivering nothing but trouble. The song has attracted the attention of several local and international artistes culminating in a remix with “the African Giant” – Burna Boy

2. Forever Remix – Gyakie ft. Omah Lay

This is perhaps the most criticized remix in 2021. “Forever” was doing great and I dare say loved by foes of the young talent. To many a pundit, it was unnecessary and thus energies and resources should have been directed towards another project.

However, months down the lane “Team Gyakie” has been proven right with the tune blowing the tightly shut and closely guarded Nigerian Music market wide open. It is one of the most Streamed foreign songs on the Nigerian Market. The video did awesome for the young talent and the original video is about 10million views shy of the remix which has some 23million views.

By September, the song had been Streamed some 5million times on Spotify alone. By end of year, she had become the most Streamed Ghanaian Female Artiste on Spotify. The song has “forever” opened doors for the talent.

1. Touch it – KiDi

This song was simply untouchable. It became the most Streamed Ghanaian song ever on Spotify and set all sorts of records after only a few months of release.

It is easily the most decorated song of the year. At the VGMA’s when KiDi said he would be back, little did we know that comeback was of a song and the height it would conquer. Touch it is back and in style. Here are a few records the song blessed the industry with…

21 million + streams on audio platforms

16.9 million+ views on YouTube

125+ million views on Tiktok

It’s #11 on Billboard World Digital Sales

It’s #7 on UK Afrobeat Chart

It’s #61 Global Shazam Chart

Trending in over 28 countries on Shazam

Charting in over 51 countries on Spotify

Charting in over 49 countries on Apple Music

By:

Richmond Adu-Poku

Ghana Music Live

Savanna Music

Dr. Pushkin’s ‘Forgive Them’: A Inspirational Journey of Self-Belief and Empowerment”

Published

2 months ago

January 26, 2023

thesavannaonline_admin

Forgive Them by Dr. Pushkin features Aggie, a Texas-based American rapper. The song is more of a story an overcomer with a pure heart would chant. While being people, we often misunderstand ourselves to be God. But, when we acknowledge our beliefs by appreciating what we can and what we can’t do, in the sincerest of prayers, we would ask God to show mercy on all who have offended us. Expressing thoughts like the above in music, particularly rap, has always placed the genre at the front of activism.

Forgive Them By Dr Pushkin

Being different has always come with being unappreciated, unwanted, and sometimes outright hatred. However travailing it may seem, as we desire to break through in life, the results can be most fulfilling. Forgive them By Dr. Pushkin is an expression of how he overcame the stereotypes, bullying, and several human attitudes that could have tampered with his views on life. However, like the good adage, “make lemonade when lemons are thrown at you,” the rapper has gone on to win for himself in several spaces.

In all of the struggles, Dr. Pushkin, like most people, can know the very things people did, said, or wished for them. To avoid playing fake God, the Bonsam Mc rapper chose to offer a prayer for all naysayers.

As we grow and encounter the realities of life, we are faced with understanding detractors or paying back. But “Forgive Them” by Dr. Pushkin reminds us that we cannot waste energy on hate; we should win by chasing for us.

Once again, conscious rap scores a mark as music truly exudes a message for listeners.

The music video for Forgive Them By Dr. Pushkin was Directed and Edited by Directed & Edited by Daniel Castillo, one of the finest music video Directors in Texas. It featured Ghana’s own Budukusu in some scenes.

If you can’t forgive, ask God to Forgive Them. This song is from the Outlandish Album released on the 26th of January 2023.

Stream the entire Outlandish Album below.

OUTLANDISH ALBUM STREAM

Savanna Music

“SXSW Music Festival 2023: Ghana’s Dr. Pushkin & Crew Set to Perform”

Published

2 months ago

January 26, 2023

thesavannaonline_admin

SXSW-Music-Festival---Dr-Pushkin-Aggie-Budukusu

The SXSW Music Festival is a major event in Austin, Texas that brings together over 160,000 music fans for a variety of performances, conferences, film premieres, and other art-related events. The 2023 festival will take place between March 10th and 19th and will feature an exciting lineup of musicians, technology innovators, and other industry leaders.

One of the artists confirmed to perform at the festival is Ghanaian rapper Dr. Pushkin. He will be joined on stage by fellow Ghanaian musician Budukusu, Aggie from Texas and Aza. These artists have collaborated with Dr. Pushkin on several songs from his latest album, “Outlandish.” Together, they will be thrilling audiences with their unique blend of conscious rap and tongue-twist flow.

In 2019, the SXSW Music Festival had a special focus on Africa, with the theme “Africa to the World.” Ghana was represented by artists Jojo Abot, Stonebwoy, and Efya. Dr. Pushkin is honored to continue this tradition and represent Ghana at this year’s festival.

SXSW has a rich history, starting in 1987 with 177 artists and 15 stages. By 2019, the festival had grown to feature 1,964 showcasing artists and 94 venues and stages. Some of the notable artists and personalities who have participated in SXSW in the past include Former US President Barak Obama, Tonny Bennet, Black-eyed Peas, Cypress Hill, Jean Grae, Chamillionaire, and Lady Gaga.

SXSW is not only about live musical performances, but also includes conference sessions, film and television screenings, exhibitions, networking events, professional development opportunities, art installations, and much more. This year’s festival runs from March 10th to 19th, with the musical festival component taking place from March 13th to 18th.

Savanna Music

Ofori Amponsah Blesses Bolgatanga

Published

2 months ago

January 19, 2023

thesavannaonline_admin

Dr Pushkin & Ofori Amponsah

Ofori Amponsah has added his voice to Dr Pushkin’s Outlandish album, scheduled for release in the next week. Mr All 4 Real, who has been on a music hiatus, once again delivered his ever-captivating, infectious hooks on a song titled “you make me wonder.” Typical of Ofori Amponsah’s style, the song is a love tune, in this instance, enquiring about the lady’s loyalty. Performed by Dr Pushkin, Ofori Amponsah, and Jerry Kanjarga, an emerging artist from Tamale, “You Make me Wonder” is a representation of Highlife on the album.

Getting collaboration with one of Ghana’s finest Highlife musicians definitely would be no mean feat. Thus, for Dr Pushkin to score one with Ofori Amponsah, aka Mr All 4 Real, fate and belief in the craft would be the major.

In the last year, Dr Pushkin has worked hard to piece together an album that resonates with the realities of life. The Texas-based Ghanaian Rapper has released music based on several perspectives. From eulogizing Harriet Tubman and highlighting great men like Dr Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela to hitting at the conscience of all with “Wake-Up” and “Lies,” one would expect a slowdown. However, following the hint of an album, “Outlandish,” scheduled for this year, the artist wasn’t ready to rest.

Aside from working with Teri Wiizi and Kwadwo Spiri in 2022, Dr. Pushkin linked up with Budukusu, formerly Quata Budukusu, for a stellar love ballad, “Need You.” The song and the accompanying video received much attention and even cranked up the YouTube Accra charts. This collaboration was a major introduction to the general Ghanaian music audience.

Dr Pushkin’s Outlandish is scheduled to be in music stores on the 26th of January, 2023. Featuring several artists from Ghana and the USA, this is a good way to start the new year officially.

The work must have been arduous for a person who works as an entrepreneur, robotics engineer, author, and AI specialist.

Dr Pushkin is multi-racial with ties to Russia, Ghana, and America. However, the generous man loves to uphold his Ghanaianess everywhere he goes. In academic circles, he is known as Dr Paul Azunre.

Presave the album here.