Coming off the heat of several hit singles, Sultan Incorporated signee, he isn’t yet satisfied and wouldn’t be quitting anytime soon as he injects another certified hit single, No Devil.
Over here on the West side of Africa, the Amapiano wave which emanated from the South all the way to the East of Africa is fast gaining grounds and making its way into the hearts of music lovers.
Hence, it wouldn’t be a complete endeavour if the gifted crooner, doesn’t cement the process with his dope vocal skills and versatile flair as displayed on this tune.
Creating No Devil
Produced by the hitmaking music genius, Streetbeatz, the Amapiano infused instrumentation is just right for the message that No Devil carries.
The Cassette hitmaker is simply sounding a fair warning to all haters and enemies who wish to double-cross him on his level but he specifies that he is far gone and no devil can destroy his success.
This could quite be the story for every hustler out there striving to make ends meet and ascend the ladder of wealth!
Ingenious Dr. Pushkin, known in academia as Paul Azunre is a certified stunner par excellence. Having chalked immense success as an AI Prodigy, the Texas-based Ghanaian rapper employs his passion and area of study to further our civilization. Well-known for his contributions to advancing the state of Optical System Design Optimization Algorithms, the release of Khaya is a switch in direction.
Paul Azunre aka Dr. Pushkin
What is Khaya?
Khaya is a mobile app that runs on Android,iOS and web. Its functionality amounts to preserving indigenous African languages. The App mainly allows for easy translation between mother-tongues. It also has a voice recognition feature that can do a voice-to-text transcription flawlessly.
While Dr. Pushkin and his fellow team members that developed the App strive to collect more data to facilitate the addition of more languages, the App currently carries out translation from English to Ga, Ewe, Twi, & Yoruba. It also allows translation between the aforementioned languages and English. Since the release of Khaya, many philologists and linguists have expressed the joy of an African seeking to preserve African languages. For the Khaya team made up of Algorine Inc and the Ghana Natural Learning Processing group, this is a dream come alive. The rare opportunity to give people an opportunity to learn, understand, and even speak an African language is beyond exhilarating.
Clearly, Dr. Pushkin intends to keep his being grounded in using AI and Music to change the social order.
Dr. Pushkin’s Book – Transfer Learning for Natural Language Processing
Nerdy Dr. Pushkin is probably a case worth studying. True hip-hop aficionados know that the ability to compose songs and verses with the kind of Dr. Pushkin’s depth does not come easy. Couching a theme, piecing the lyrics together, and arranging every aspect of the song to exude finesse and social consciousness is a defining factor for all respected rappers. If that’s not challenging enough, his work as an Artificial intelligence authority should take up all his time. However, the former Brilliant Science & Maths Quiz winner made time to finish another ground-breaking Book. The book is titled “Transfer Learning for Natural Language Processing”.
Obviously, his interests expressed through Khaya have an influence on this latest book. According to Dr. Pushkin, it’s been two years of hard work, but he finally received the first Hardcopy of “Transfer Learning for Natural Language Processing”, defining the experience as “surreal”. The always-smiling scientist made a post via his Facebook profile page.
“The book “Transfer Learning for NLP” is about the machine learning techniques for processing human speech currently taking the world by storm. Personally, I use them in my work with Ghana Natural Language Processing and Algorine for translation, speech transcription, etc, in my business analytics work, and even in my music. The number of applications is truly mind-blowing.”
Get a copy of Transfer Learning for Natural Language Processing
Hard copies and eBooks are available from Manning. The book will also be available on Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble starting August 31, 2021, with pre-order available now.
Subscribe to the YouTube channel for video lectures, and other related content aimed at helping more young people starting out in these fields to take on the upcoming decade with confidence. Several other relevant links can be found via https://solo.to/azunre
As the man behind the development of an algorithm that can guarantee to find the “best possible design” to an optical design problem, Dr. Pushkin is definitely on a growth trajectory that satisfies the soul and enhances life.
Away from artificial intelligence and academic work, Dr. Pushkin has readied a music album for Hip Hop lovers. Having brought to the fore a kind of music that seeks to transform, and bring change, the Outlandish Dr. Pushkin album definitely promises to be a full bouquet of unique music experiences, and it is one to look forward to.
About the “OUTLANDISH DR. PUSHKIN” Album
Akin to his music persona, this album features artistes whose prowess transcend entertainment. Call it an array of well-curated musicians with a touch of social awareness, and you won’t be faulted. Amongst the list of featured musicians are Ghana’s rap contortionist Budukusu, emerging Ghanaian silky voice Teri Wiizi, the ever-present Ataman Nikita, Muphasah, Kwadjo Spiri, Aggie, Kromanteng and AZA The Messenger.
Listen to the OUTLANDISH ALBUM
Paul Azunre aka Dr. Pushkin, Nikita Tolkachev, Azkonnah and IV produced tracks on this artful collection of music. The album title speaks volumes – in an era where rap and hip hop has been criticized for being shallow and unoriginal, Dr. Pushkin promises to deliver something unique and special to us. The carefully crusted album has a track to touch each of us, to inspire and sustain us. That has always been the true nature of hip hop & rap.
The first track from the album – Rapinho – drops September 9th. It features a cameo from Loyaltexn. The second track – Hear Me Out, with Palermo-based Ghanain rapper Muphasah – is slated for September 23rd.
Dr. Pushkin is a Ghanaian Artiste of Gurune extraction currently based in Austin Texas, United States of America. He holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
2017 has been a good year for Quata Budukusu, the magnum opus nature of his numerous releases attest to only one thing – SUPREMACY.
Africa-Cry- Quata Budukusu
Even though his relevance in the game continues to be a matter of controversy, his talent and skill cannot be debated. Having been around since 2004 as a rapper, Quata has perfected his art by dabbling in numerous genres often with a finesse that can only come from a dedication to duty. His forte still remains rap, though he jumps on any genre and owns it.
Quata Budukusu approaches this song with a new philosophy
On the subject of duty, Quata Budukusu believes music can be used in several ways, from entertainment to education. This has informed the release of “Africa Cry”, a song that details the canker of slavery currently booming in Libya. The slave markets in Libya are selling Black Africans for as low as $400. A situation described by the UN Security Council as “heinous abuses of human rights.”
The situation has been condemned by many, and as a rapper with a conscience it is only proper Quata adds his voice.
The details of this song
The emotion-laden song brings to the fore issues of rape & torture, racism, intra-racial crimes, classism, and the seeming silence of African leaders when ordinary Africans are served anguish in foreign lands as slaves. The “animosity” is “unimaginable”, he says, but the reactions of the West in such situations clearly expose the weakness of African leaders.
Quata is undoubtedly one of the most prolific lyricists of our time. His upcoming 25-track album from a single riddim will definitely send tails wagging. An objective media is the only way major talents like Quata will get their due, until then the talent won’t rest.
Will it match the ingenuity employed in the 13-Track “Quantum Riddim”?
A Ghanaian Travel Blogger Akesse Sanza in a <a href=”http://akesse.com/the-weakness-of-the-paris-security/” target=”_blank”>post on his blog Akesse.com</a> stated that he traveled through the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport without being asked of his passport or any form of ID.
According to Akesse Sanza, the recent attacks on France are attributed to the ‘weakness of the France security’ and terrorists can easily exit the country even without an ID or passport per his experience.
In January 2015, gunmen shot dead 12 people at the Paris office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. In November 2015, gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously – and left 130 people dead and hundreds wounded.
The latest is an Egyptair Flight MS804 which left Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris at 23:09 local time on 18th May, 2016 (21:09 GMT) and was scheduled to arrive in the Egyptian capital soon after 03:15 local time on Thursday has been reported missing.
Though France authorities report that the flight has crashed, Akesse Sanza believes it is an act of terrorism.
“I have never believed in France’s security after I traveled through Paris without being asked of a passport. The missing Egyptair flight MS804 has to do with another negligence of the France security” – He said in a facebook post.
John Q had this to say…“I was however inspired at the age of 12 when I heard Bob Marley’s “One Drop”, but the truth established now is that music is the closest thing to God for me”.
Table of Contents
Early Life of John Q.
Every now and then Ghana becomes a centre of attention – mainly because some sons and daughters of this great nation are making massive inroads into all sectors of the world economy especially showbiz and academia. It is therefore noteworthy to officially introduce to you one such fine personality currently makes waves with his brand of reggae music in New York and Jamaica.
Born John Kwesi Quansah in Accra – Ghana, John Q was sent to Rev. John Teye Memorial Institute at age 4; a school noted for producing excellent musicians like Kwame Yeboah. As a pupil of Rev. John Teye Memorial Institute, one was obliged to learn to play the piano, write poetry and sing Mathematics. Even though John Q admired the job of a serviceman, music gradually took over is heart, making him resolve to one day pursue music as a career.
After his basic school education at Rev. John Teye Memorial Institute, he proceeded to Accra High Senior School and migrated to the United States of America to join his mother – this happened just after completing his senior high school education.
Typical of an African in America, he first bagged a bachelor’s degree in biology and food science.
Life in America
The “hassle and bustle” of New York eventually led John Q to meet with the late Gersham Nembhard of Jamaica a great lead guitarist, and also Jerry Anokuma Hanson another great lead guitarist who worked with legendary AB Crentsil Ahenfo band. These two individuals taught John Q to play the guitar.
With the ability to play the piano and guitar, one would assume John Q was gearing to take up music with ease, the realities of life as an emerging artiste taught him to be diligent, patient and also be willing to team up with other musicians. This led to the formation of a band in the Bronx with his two guitar teachers.
As young as John Q was, he had so much to look forward to as his two other band mates where very optimistic of his success as a musician. With the band, they performed at almost every opportunity and young John Q was picking up all the attitude and demeanour that characterizes a successful artistes persona. Unfortunately, he needed a new approach when both his band mates passed away untimely.
At this point John Q decided to write and compose more original songs whilst serving as an executive producer for Jamaican gospel singer Mellow Wayne.
While John’s mother battled Cancer, John Q would help his mother deal with the crisis by talking about music and sometimes sing to her. The pain of an early divorce also forced John Q to take a consolation in music.
“Music has always been my consolation when I encounter challenges in life. My mother Rev. Juliana Solomon Sackey was a schoolteacher and a devoted pastor in Ghana for 30 years, and 20 years in New York; so, her words of encouragement regarding patience and hard work in his pursuit of a successful music career stayed with me every step of the way”…John Q.
A Musical Turn Around
In early 2016 John Q encountered Mr. Sidney Mills, the keyboardist for Steel Pulse Reggae band; Sidney Mills encouraged John Q to visit Jamaica with him, this trip proved extremely beneficial because it provided an opportunity to record John Q’s “Feel Good Reggae” album at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong studio.
“Recording at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong studio was a dream come through… Jamaica is the Mecca of Reggae Music and the enormity of what I seek to unleash musically came to bare during my visit, especially my first day at Tuff Gong which coincided with Martin Luther King’s birthday. The various artistes I met whilst in Jamaica took the business of Reggae so serious – I realized I had big shoes to fill in if I want to be a Reggae Star.” …He said.
Being a Reggae music aficionado, John Q puts in a lot of live instrumentation to give his music the grit needed to haunt the conscience of reggae lovers into the “Feel Good” mood.
Notable amongst musicians John Q has worked with are Dean Fraseron a saxophonist, Flabba Holt a Bass guitarist, Squidly Cole and C sharp both drummers, Mike Chung a guitarist, Alvin Smith a percussionist, as well as Bubbler and Sidney Mills both keyboardists.
John Q’s influences come from Reggae music greats like Peter Tosh, Joseph Hill of Culture, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, MutaBaruka, Jacob Miller, John Holt and many others. For him, the African ancestry of Jamaicans make it easy to fill up the shoes of the above listed artistes with a seamless integration of music as an art form and his Ghanaian culture especially the element of language.
“What makes my reggae unique is that it is a mixture of African and Jamaican vibes sung in 4 languages – Twi, Ga, English and Spanish.”… John Q said.
New Music from John Q
His recent music video was filmed in Portland inside Jamaica and according to John Q, the director/producer of the video Ariff Buttler decided to choose the venue to show the world some of the beautiful scenes that adorn Jamaica. The song is titled “Give Me Love”.
Give Me LOVE
John believes Reggae music is superior to other music genres due to its reliance on positivity and consciousness; giving it the ability to uplift the spirit of many in difficult situations especially the downtrodden.
“Reggae stands as a sign of hope to the poor and weak.” He added.
His latest album titled “Feel Good Reggae”, was released by VP Records in New York who also act as distributors and is currently doing very well. He remains one of the most focused representatives of Ghana Music in the Diaspora. Likened to Dr Pushkin of Isolirium Entertainment, winning is the formula.
Coming on the heels of an honor from the People’s Celebrity Awards is Dagomba Girl by Maccasio. A song that has garnered for the young rapper a huge amount of respect and following. Regarded as Northern Region’s best rapper, in the past year, he has made major music moves with collaborations meant to add significant value to his brand.
Maccasio
He’s worked with Kofi Kinaata on “Work”, Kawastone on “No Puncture”, Zeal on “Inside” and now with Mugeez on “Dagomba Girl”.
In all fairness, I can state emphatically that Maccasio is putting in the work.
All About Maccasio’s Dagomba Girl
Dagomba Girl features one half of R2Bees, Mugeez; originally from the Northern Region but more known as a musician from Tema in Accra. His performance on Maccasio’s Dagomba Girl will finally lay to rest his ethnicity as he effortlessly sings in Dagbanli.
Maccasio-3
The seamless synergy between the two performers makes listening to Dagomba Girl easy. The song is performed in Dagbani & English, giving it a wider appeal. Call it a Dagomba connection and you won’t be wrong. The beautiful tune has a rhythm that fits the current trends and can easily make it unto any deejay’s playlist. The rapper has clearly found his beat, as it works perfectly for his style of rap and music. The video for Dagomba Girl compliments the song, simple setting and story, with sweet visuals.
Other Songs
Last year he collaborated with several artistes. Some of the songs depicted the true artistry of revealing his stature, and others just passed as songs he released. With the release of Dagomba Girl, he can now do a comparison between the successes of his various releases and lean on a style that will project him better.
The artiste recently emerged the Social Media Personality for the year 2017 at the People’s Celebrity Awards held in Accra.
As a musical enthusiast with an inclination towards Rap, Reggae, R & B and very Traditional African Music, I listen to a lot of it from across Ghana. Which always leave me with many questions regarding the permeation of music made in other parts of Ghana into the rest of Ghana.
Soorebia
The argument is usually limited to quality and language, which I think is a lame excuse, but I reserve that subject for another day.
After rebranding www.thesavannaonline.com and introducing a music download feature my attention was drawn to a song making waves in the Ghana titled “Primus” performed by a Youngman, Soorebia featuring a lady by name Ayilla.
For me, I just couldn’t believe such a talent is only now being uncovered considering how rap music has taken centre stage among the Ghanaian youth and the fact that acts like Edem have been doing it so well in their native languages.
Growing up & Ambitions
Soorebia started his rap career some eight years ago in Bolgatanga where he made massive inroads with his mystical yet revealing lyrics exposing a musical prowess, which his contemporaries can only wish they had. His music is usually a blend of Frafra, Nankani & Kasem with regular punch lines in English making him appeal to a wider audience.
Musical Influences
Collaborations & Features
Soorebia has an extensive list of collaborations. From his early days, the eclectic rapper opened up to other creatives. Below is a list of some of his. This list is in no particular order:
Starting his career with a Bolgatanga based record label 7ireblaze, he released several rib cracking demos and mixtapes, which earned him street discipleship leading to the invention of the word “Tumanneh,” meaning the “stacked brother.”
His dedication to the craft over the years has made him strive to attain bigger heights releasing club bangers and hot freestyles under a new movement #BBT (Bolga Boy Tins) with a very talented producer – Azkonna.
So far, he’s been a phenomenon on radio stations in the savanna regions especially around Bolgatanga, but with the release of “Primus” which enjoys airplay on YFM in Accra and radio stations as well as nightclubs across the country. I strongly believe Soorebia “the lyrical Gem” is about to be unleashed on a bigger audience.
Primus is composed of two verses with a chorus from Ayilla beautifully laced on a banging beat from a very talented producer, Azkonna. In this song, Soorebia boasts of his lyrical superiority, detailing how he killed the competition to emerge as the king of rap in his neighbourhood and the region, and his plans to conquer the rap game.
The melodious chorus from Ayilla soothes non-rap lovers and takes you to a more powerful rap verse where the rapper shows his versatility by dropping few bars in Kasem and alternating between Frafra-English. Primus is a pure rap song that can rub shoulders with ones from titans in the Ghanaian rap game.
Though unconfirmed one of Ghana’s finest Lyricists, Quata, told thesavannaonline “the song is sick, and I would really want a collaboration with him after the launch of my album”..
Kelewele is Sherifa Gunu’s newest song; a typical dance-tune with a good dose of positive vibe. The amazing singer and dancer seems to have heard the cries of fans and has therefore release a precursor to some amazing projects she’s been working on with her management. For fans, it is refreshing to know she hasn’t lost her musical prowess.
She recently bemoaned the indifferent nature of Ghana music , likening it to a stagnant if not dieing industry. Whilst pundits and music lovers blame the lackluster nature of today’s Ghana music on musicians & their record labels, Sherifa Gunu believes the structures remain the problem. As an effort to prove that the quality and creativity hasn’t dipped,
Kelewele is meant to send everyone tapping their feet and approaching the dancefloor. A sign that, music made in Ghana is still infectious. The success of Kelewele may just prove why she thinks the industry can survive if attention is paid to ensuring the structures survive.
What is exceptional about Sherifa Gunu
With dance as one of her strengths, Sherifa Gunu composes music to elicit the dance in all of us. It is not surprising, that Kelewele is fast evading the places of bad music on the dancefloor, with adjoining massive airplay across the nation.
In recent times the accentuated voices of artistes can be heard across media platforms, bemoaning the high cost of promoting their creative works; Sherifa Gunu in a bid to score more points in the promotion of Kelewele brought her comic side to life.
In an interview with the Communications director of Zylofon Media, Samuel Atuobi Baah aka Sammy Flexx, who also doubles as the host of Zylofon Fm’s “Showbiz Agenda”, Sherifa threatened to beat up any deejays and/or radio presenters who refuse to promote Kelewele. She made the fun-threat amidst laughter, and obviously endeared herself into the hearts of all in the studio. This may explain the steady but quick rise of Kelewele.
For a prolonged period Sherifa Gunu has been dormant in the release of new tunes. Despite frequently coming up in the news for other reasons, it was as if she got burnt-out with the saturated Ghana music industry. However, having emerged from a divorce, Sherifa Gunu believes the rejuvenation from the time-off is worth some spicy Kelewele.
![Maccacio - Bohasi [QUESTIONS] (Official Video)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WJaxtAdZ2Lc/hqdefault.jpg)
![Soorebia - Kiimakinna [prod. by Azkonna] - Official Video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jD-AcHwDElE/hqdefault.jpg)
