On Lockdown by 2Lock was released on the 14th of February 2022, undoubtedly, the content makes it every reggae lover’s must-have EP. Encapsulating all the ideals that are found in reggaedom, the EP delivers 5 amazing songs that satisfy all fans. From those who lean towards consciousness to lovers, there is a song for everyone.
On Lockdown By 2Lock Art
Life as a journey is fully presented in Finding My Role. For the lovers, 2Lock gives them Isn’t She Nice & Caution. Those with a revolutionary mindset have Power to the People to equally vibe to. For a general feel-good mood, Lovely Day has you covered.
In an era where recording live is seen as an expensive venture, 2Lock beat the odds to ensure On Lockdown had the finest of productions. Partnering with amazing musicians, the instrumentations came out stellar. Mostly, the musicians on the project are Ghana-based, however, Grammy Award Winner Paapa Nyarko (based in DC) blessed some of the songs with his experiences from playing with the Wailers. Ghanaian legend Zapp Mallet also brought magic to the basslines. However, the ingenious 2Lock took control of the song Caution by playing every instrument, as well as delivering the vocals.
While the world grabbled with the novel Corona Virus and its variants, the enterprising nature of creatives was tested. The EP derived its title from the first major lockdown in Ghana. A week after 2Lock started the production process, Ghana went on Lockdown due to the rise of Covid-19. For about 18 months, hard work and creativity were put to the ore. While that occurred, a reflective 2Lock compared almost 7years of relative obscurity to the restrictions due to Covid-19. The title, therefore, is two ponged. So, around July 2021, On Lockdown was birthed.
On the timing of the release, the restrictions from Covid-19 have eased, new trends emanating from technology are gaining ground. More and more music lovers are turning to digital platforms for music. This presents an opportunity for every creative person to soar. 2Lock and his management, therefore, deemed it most appropriate to put out this EP.
For many, 2Lock is a familiar face and voice; and indeed, he is. Formerly known as Nana Fynn, and viewed as a Highlife artiste, many never knew his roots are reggae. In a brief conversation with him, he mentions;
“People have tagged me as a Highlife artiste; however, my roots have always been reggae”.
Despite being an amazing Highlife artist, his music back then was due to what the record wanted to promote. However, with his new label and creative freedom, he is going for the world stage cloaked as the real him, the reggae aficionado, 2Lock.
On Lockdown By 2Lock 2
With this new EP and a Change in name, many may want to know the reason behind it. Interestingly, the transition from Nana Fynn to 2Lock is borne of personal philosophy. It seeks to reconcile reality and wisdom.
According to the artist, humanity would thrive efficiently when wisdom is the order of the day. However, man has often failed to apply wisdom when faced with the illusion of reality. Greed and other negative attitudes appear to take the place of wisdom when a man is at a crossroad. He, therefore, goes by 2Lock because he desires a proper relationship between reality and wisdom.
The EP was produced(Mixed & Mastered) by 2Lock himself; however, Zapp Mallet & Francis Osei of Groove House Studio made some inputs to get it finalized.
On Lockdown is definitely an EP that is carefully thought out. From the quality of production, vocals, to content, it is worth noting that the journey to conquer the world reggae stage has started. This masterpiece is under Brand Africa Music (label).
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.
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.
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.