When it inspires, I call it art for humans; Sal Pawuni is one such song. One 9ra, the Boss Family singer is here again with something best described as awe-inspiring. This masterpiece of a song can only be attributed to amazing acts.
Despite the fact that One 9ra has lived in Tamale for years, I never really thought he had such command over Dagbanli. The sultry singer veered from his usual lovey-dovey songs to caution the youth.
About Sal Pawuni
Stating the obvious fact that man isn’t God; he reveals the wicked nature of evil friends who feign love but in actual fact seek your downfall. Relating such people to money, he states that “If man was money, he doubts if one could spend”.
The rhythmic song beautifully lets out the message, of tactfully living with man, and allowing God to truly be your source of wisdom and direction.
One 9ra aka “Son of the North, Son of Africa” is enjoying the ride to stardom with ease. His concentration on what I call good and quality music is preparing him for a peerless stand when he eventually earns his place.
Sal’ Pawuni is a beautiful Dagbanli song for every minute of your life.
She is arguably the most prolific female musical gem blessing the Tamale music scene; her energetic, and animated performances continue to serve as a thrill wherever she performs. With a laudable vocal strength, she matches her male counterparts with frequent releases.
Diva 1
Her consistency in the industry exudes the characteristics of a focused individual. One might attribute her resilience to a formidable team, but the enigmatic performer is yet to land a record deal – if you are looking to manage or produce an artiste whose skill and commitment to the art is peerless, then you should reach out to her.
Life & Music of Diva 1
She remains one of the most consistent female artistes from Tamale. Not only is she consistent, but she is also respected as the foremost talent amongst her peers in contemporary music. Joggling between rap, dancehall, and rap, her versatility makes her one of the best musicians from Tamale.
Diva 1 Goes for Beef
In an obvious display of temerity, the high-energy performer has dropped another song titled “drop that sh*t”. Unfortunately, the lyrics and tone of the song professes insecurity. The song makes her appear to be threatened by the emergence of a particular new artiste. Performed in Dagbani, English & Pidgin, Diva 1 jabs an unnamed person she referred to as “Local Girl”.
Diva 1 doesn’t seem to rest on her oars, a demeanour that has got her performing different genres effortlessly. However, her recent singled titled “drop that sh*t” may cast a dent on what she represents as a brand; Diva 1 appears to have thrown caution to the wind and launched an unwarranted attack on another artiste.
Even though goes at her target without explicitly stating who it is, one doesn’t need a soothsayer to detect the animosity deeply enshrined in “drop that sh*t”.
Tamale has been saddled with so much musical “beef”, a situation that transcends the loyalty of fans. Whilst “beef” has culminated into success for some artistes, it’s also led others to an abyss, an oblivion beyond redemption.
For the budding industry to truly become a huge economic success, tact and strategy must dominate the actions or inactions of artistes. To survive a religiously polarized society, one needs to employ a lot of thought into all they do.
Whilst many might jump to an explicit and raunchy song, they will rather patronize music that entertains and educates them wholly in a very creative way. So, the release of “drop that sh*t” is not only a deviation from the fun-nature of Diva 1’s songs but an attempt at confusing some of us who have fallen in love with what she brings to the musical buffet.
As one of the few ladies giving the male dominated music industry in Tamale a true taste of what a lady-musician brings to the table; shifting focus from entertaining music to war-like music is not in your best interest. The gangster posturing of artistes in the name of appearing street comes with a price, and if that’s the path she has chosen to travel, she should state that explicitly.
Tamale’s Diva 1 has made a significant shift in her music, opting for a more confrontational approach. The artist’s recent discography and collaborations showcase a departure from her previous style. However, it is important for Diva 1 to explicitly acknowledge the implications of this new direction, as it involves adopting a street persona. Controversy continues to surround Tamale’s music scene.
The story of Feok is one premised on a cultural celebration of bravery and a bountiful harvest. The nostalgia surrounding it is not confined to merry making and the pouring of libation. It is more centred on a unified celebration of one festival by 13 autonomous towns; though linked by lineage, language, locale and similarities in cultural practices.
The Warriors of Builsaland
Characterized by a massive influx of indigenes from all over Ghana (the world). Many simply come to Sandema to witness the famous war dance/march believed to have been a major tactic used to repel & defeat slave raiders in colonial times.
Whilst the dance/march is a sight to behold, the nostalgia from the beautiful Smock apparel fitted with talismans of different sizes and different spiritual efficacies speak volumes of the traditional nature of the celebrations.
Warriors who double as hunters hang several animal skins & bones as part of their regalia.
The majestic back and forth strides in semblance of a marauding bull is said to have re-enforced the camouflage tact adopted by Builsas in times of war. The horned hats, the sharp axe, as well as the bow and arrow (often laced with poison in true war situations) remain a Builsa warriors toolkit.
Builsa Warriors In Accra
Archery Competition
The Archery competition often held a day after the grand durbar of the Chiefs and people is proof of our superiority in using arrows as weapons during war. It has been said that some of our great warriors were master archers on horseback.
Even though music drives the entire celebrations, there is a lot of spiritual exercises to commence and ensure a peaceful and successful celebration. The spirituality of the celebrations is however not entirely open to the public.
Feok in its truest form is therefore the spirit of Buluk.
The Spirit of Buluk
As the spirit of a unique people, each celebration must assume a milestone and a new phase for our forthright march towards economic emancipation.
The above has governed the celebrations since the inception of Feok by the late Nab Ayieta Azantilow. The thematic celebrations are testament to the development-oriented nature of the celebrations. Whilst we may argue about the effective pursuance of the themes that characterize each celebration, we can also re-orient our minds to adjust for a take-off. One that fully sees the realization of set targets by way of the governing themes.
Such is the nature of a spirit – oneness for growth. The direct benefits for the business community and the gains for the two Builsa districts as tourism surges remain limitless. It is therefore prudent to see the spirit of Buluk and fully adopt it for empowerment of all.
Empowerment for all
The traditional Builsa is perceived to be fearless, tactical and very resourceful. These assertions may have arisen from the many wars fought to repel slave raiders. The unconventional tactics used by Builsa warriors, which were later adopted by neighboring towns lend credence to the tactical and fearless nature of our being.
Our resourcefulness stem from our ability to turn any situation into gain and emerge victors. This may have accounted for the role of Nab Ayieta Azantilow in psyching the Ghanaian contingent drafted to fight alongside the British in Burma. It is therefore appropriate to explore Feok and its adjoining activities to open up economic opportunities for all. Opportunities abound yet we have done little to nothing in realizing the gains from those opportunities.
Who are the Bulsa Ethnic Group?
Opportunities
Feok is a celebration of culture & History. Culture & History is an intricate part of tourism. Tourism is a major economic development tool.
Evidence of the slave trade abound in Buluk; this considers the multi-pronged fight approach in defeating slave raiders; Builsa-land definitely has insightful evidence worthy of visits to all who have an interest in the history of slave trade.
The birth of Buluk is quiet interesting and ascertaining the origin of Builsa’s and the reasons behind the 13 autonomous Builsa towns is worth exploring.
The myths surrounding the giant who lived in Kadema and the speculated total annihilation of “Vari” around Bachongsa is also worth probing.
There is so much Buluk has to offer the world by way of tourism.
Relics from some battles with slave raiders still exist in Fiisa and some other places. the activities surrounding Feok is capable of attracting a huge volume of tourists when properly marketed.
When we open up by branding and marketing Feok well, a lot of jobs will be created…
I will be sharing some business ideals in my next article.
He has a unique style, he’s a daring young man almost always ready to for a battle in rap. He’s penchant for jabs remain peerless. He’s probably the only artiste who can turn a love song to a one that taunts another.
Probably drawing inspiration from his own nickname the Rap King Kong, he continues the journey to the top with battle rap. What is rap is not just another rap song from Shaban; It’s got a groovy vibe, the kind that gets hip-hop heads nodding like lizards in pants.
Though he is yet to occupy his place in “rapdom” in Ghana, we can’t take away his prowess and potential. His unique flow is something that Ghana is yet to truly experience. And in my opinion ‘What is rap’ should be seen as the intro to the world of the Rap King Kong.
Reggae Music has often been associated with conscious lyrics; the kind that effect changes and affect thoughts. It remains one genre that gives a voice to the downtrodden and vulnerable in our society. Beyond the message in reggae music lies infections rhythms, and impressive vocal delivery.
Stop-Di-War—Zyggy-Ranks
The genre has therefore been used by social activists disguised as musicians to preach for or against Causes they believe in. Stop Di War is one such song, coming from Zyggy Ranks, of the Upper East Region’s finest emerging reggae artistes.
About Stop Di War
Stop Di War is informed by persistent recurring conflicts in parts of the Northern Region as well as the protracted chieftaincy dispute in Bolgatanga. Whilst many may have never heard of conflict(s) in Bolgatanga, the indigenes are aware of the simmering dispute between two rival factions when it comes to Chieftaincy. Zyggy Ranks therefore coming in at the time where there’s calm, and significant attempts to fix the situation makes two things: a creative genius, and a man bringing social change through music.
Starting Stop Di War in a blend of languages (English & Gurune), Zyggy Ranks the affable musician who has garnered massive following for his craft delves into a creative rendition of lyrics; over a beautiful beat produced by Lion Riddims and mixed by Lighter Wan Beats.
My Experience of a Clash in Bolga
25th August 2019, I visited Bolgatanga for a Youth Convention by the Church of Christ (SM); whilst at the Bolga Jubilee park, the recurring sound of an AK47 caught my attention, I had to then inform all our security detail to be on a high alert as what I heard wasn’t firecrackers but the sound of an AK47…
True to my presumption, it was confirmed that a house had been burnt just behind the Jubilee Park leading to a disagreement which in turn led to the rapid fire of an AK47 to serve as a warning against any aggressors; and yes, it was related to the Chieftaincy dispute in Bolgatanga. It is therefore refreshing to know that a young musician like Zyggy Ranks is using music to speak to the hearts of the people of Bolgatanga; asking them to let love and unity influence all dealings.
Zyggy Ranks is signed to Lordline Label.
He previously released other singles which did creditably well in the region. Hold Di Paper & Somewae Bi brought his craft to the fore; however, due to the struggle of juggling between a music hussle and school, it has taken him almost a year to release this amazing song of influence. As a fan, I believe the wait was worth it. #StopDiWar
Zyggy Ranks is a reggae artiste from the Upper East Region of Ghana. He uses reggae music to preach positivity and entertain.
