Man No Be God By G-Kliff Ft King Raph is a thought-provoking track with King Raph. It delves into the limitations of humanity and the strength of the divine. G-Kliff’s music demonstrates his talent for exploring more profound themes.
Smock Rhythms is your weekly journey through the vibrant sounds of Northern Ghana. Every weekend, we handpick a fresh selection of tracks from the heart of Northern Ghana. From traditional rhythms to modern beats, this playlist is designed to keep your weekend energised and full of life. Each track is carefully numbered and linked in our blog post to ensure smooth listening and avoid copyright issues. Vibe with the music, explore new genres, and let thesavanna weekend pulse be your go-to soundtrack for every weekend!
No. Smock Rhythms is not limited to new releases. It is a selection of some of the finest songs we hear from artists in the North of Ghana. Language and genre are not primary determiners. Our discretion is absolutely down to the quality of the sound, the song’s universal appeal, and the vocal performance. The listed songs are not based on a hierarchy.
No. thesavannaonline acknowledges the battle with appreciating the varied regions and ethnicities of Northern Ghana. However, the North of Ghana refers to the three traditional regions of the Upper East, Upper West, and Upper East Region. This implies that we now cover the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, and Savanna regions.
We do not prioritise any region or set of artists. We curate based on what we can access or see online across multiple platforms. However, we invite artists and their management to share links with us whenever they have some releases. It is not a guarantee that we will feature it on a particular list. However, it adds to the rich database we would be cutting. At 1 point or the other, we may feature some of the songs.
We seek to augment the selection process of Deejays and show hosts for their playlists. We also believe music lovers can add songs to their own playlists through these weekly updates. It becomes a win-win for fans and artists.
Our first list goes out on May 9, 2025. It will consist of a blog post and an audiovisual representation of the selections.
We anticipate that this initiative will be embraced, and once again, www.thesavannaonline.com will highlight the music from Northern Ghana. thesavanna jam of the week will also make a return to radio soon.
You can reach www.thesavannaonline.com via svmediagh@gmail.com or 0244918560 / 0203100346
Northern Ghana’s music sensation, IsRahim, has unveiled the tracklist for his second studio album, Back In White. The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement as fans eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated album.
The album features 16 powerful tracks. A blend of Afrobeat, Highlife, and contemporary sounds. Complemented by IsRahim’s signature soulful voice. It also boasts a star-studded lineup, including collaborations with Fancy Gadam, Maccasio, Strongman, Nanky, Ceekay, Ayra Orb, and more. Each track brings something unique, creating a vibrant and diverse listening experience.
From “Packaging” featuring David AJ to the fun “Body No Be Firewood” with Ceekay and the heartfelt “Mama” featuring Fancy Gadam, Back In White is packed with songs that showcase IsRahim’s growth and versatility as an artist. Tracks like “Million Dollar” with Ayra Orb, “Leader,” “Photocopy,” “Pain,” and “Beauty” dive deep into relatable and emotional storytelling.
To celebrate the release, IsRahim will host an epic album launch concert on May 24, 2025, at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. The event is expected to be one of the biggest of the year, bringing fans, fellow artists, and music lovers together. With IsRahim’s electrifying stage presence, this concert promises to be an unforgettable night filled with high energy and fantastic music.
Bolgatanga is the capital of the Upper East Region of Ghana, located near the border with Burkina Faso. It is a bustling commercial and cultural hub known for its vibrant local traditions, including the production of handwoven baskets, leather works, indigenous traditional smocks, which are famous for their quality and craftsmanship. Bolgatanga can also boast of notable attractions like the Tongo Hills etc. However, Bolgatanga is gaining notoriety as that fine mix of modernity and tradition. The same transcends into the musical culture of the fast-developing town.
With its wide array of musicians of varied influences, it has become a major source of impeccable talent. One such enigmatic artiste is Ataman Nikita. Only premiering his musical career in 2024, he has proven to be a vocal – powerhouse of unmatched quality. With a slight peculiarity to his sound, he’s honed the skill of infecting every song with that uniqueness. Thus, on each song, he stands out.
With the above as Hindsight, Ataman Nikita has travelled to the US of A to exhibit that unique sound. He will be hitting the SXSW Music Festival stage with Dr Pushkin, CJ Biggerman, Quata Budukusu, Aza The Messenger, Aggie, Wyldthang and Dj Selecta Rah for his first musical performance outside of Ghana. Performing at the SXSW Music Festival is one of the few opportunities’ talents get to interact with the other creatives, press from across the world, and music executives, as well as influencers. A performance at this event is a rare gem in the bag.
Through the years, Ghana has featured on the SXSW Musical stage, and artists like Stonebwoy and Efya have all taken turns to thrill the gathering of international audiences at this novel event. However, in 2025, Ghanaian musicians set to make an impression and raise Ghana’s musical flag are Dr. Pushkin, Ataman Nikita, CJ Biggerman, Quata Budukusu, Nektunez, and Darko Vibes. With this impressive line-up, Ghana is showing up to wow the crowd.
Ataman Nikita will join Dr Pushkin, CJ Biggerman, and Quata Budukusu, as well as American musicians Aggie, Aza The Messenger, Selecta Rah, and Wyldthang for what is expected to be the wildest musical exhibition to ever happen on the SXSW Musical stage.
The SXSW (South by Southwest) Music Festival is an annual event held in Austin, Texas that has become one of the largest and most influential music festivals in the world. It spans several days and features thousands of artists from diverse genres, including rock, hip-hop, indie, electronic, and more. SXSW not only offers live performances at venues across the city but also serves as a platform for music industry professionals to network, showcase new talent, and attend conferences on the latest trends in the music business. Known for its mix of up-and-coming acts and established artists, SXSW has become a key event for both fans and industry insiders, shaping the future of music and entertainment.
In all certainties, Ataman Nikita is bringing that Bolgatanga vibe to SXSW this year. Yes, on the 12th of March 2025, he will be taking the international hip-hop stage at the Cuato Gato venue at 11 pm alongside the artists mentioned above to make a statement through impressive vocals and bars unmatched over killer beats. The international Hip Hop stage of SXSW 2025 is a soiree of the best performers. Right after the Bolgatanga dominated performance, Nigeria’s MI Abaga will be next on stage. Its operation impresses or be depressed, and Bolgatanga has an impression of a chokehold.
Rock on Champ.
The SXSW Music Festival 2025 is here again. Few Ghanaian artists are making efforts to thrill festival audiences. Most are obsessed with their events while failing to realize the golden opportunities of showcasing at events like the SXSW Music Festival. With no cursory search, assumptions abound. But a critical look will reveal ushering into an immersive world of networking and opportunities. That is one of the gains Dr. Pushkin has always sought to drive at every event venue he’s honoured to be at. The fantastic musician shares the same stage as Nigerian superstar MI Abaga this year.
From curating amazing tunes in the last two years, Dr Pushkin of Isolirium Entertainment goes back to SXSW Music Festival 2025. In 2023, Dr Pushkin was at SXSW with Aggie and Budukusu to thrill music lovers. This year, he returns with new bangers and fresh energy to wow the crowds that patronize the event.
SXSW, sometimes referred to as South-by-SouthWest, is an annual Arts and Culture Festival in Austin, Texas. It is a gathering of greats from within technology, film and television, music, and comedy. The Key highlights of this novelty are the conferences and showcasing of varied arts and culture elements such as music, films, comedy, etc.
As a festival, it has served as a major thought changer and launchpad for many creatives. The standout factor for this enigmatic event is the fact that it draws participants and creatives from across the world. Most of these creatives see SXSW as an opportunity to network, perform, and also expose their craft and thoughts to the several thousands who descend on the American City.
From art writers to documentary filmmakers and industry executives to regular art enthusiasts, the event is often flooded with many.
For this article, the concentration is on the music-showcasing aspect of SXSW Music Festival 2025. Notable artists who have graced this world-class event include Billie Eilish, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Cardi B, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, James Blunt, legendary Slick Rick, and several other top-tier artists with incredible talent.
Artistes from Africa who have also showcased their amazing talent at SXSW in the past include Dr Pushkin, Camidoh, Bisa Kdei, Sinkane, Cassper Nyovest, Simi, Black Sherif, Juls, Davido, Maleek Berry, Jojo Abot, Adenkule Gold, Efya, Mayorkun, Victoria Kimani, AKA, Diamond Platinum, Reekado Banks, Teni, Wire, and several others.
SXSW Music Festival 2025 would feature an impressive list of performers. Dr Pushkin will be joined by CJ Biggerman, Quata Budukusu, Aza The Messenger, Aggie, Wyldthang, and Dj Selecta Rah. After the performance, MI Abaga will mount the stage to ring the Nigerian energy. Dr Pushkin is not the only Ghanaian performer at this year’s event. Darko Vibes and Nektunez will also be at SXSW 2025. However, they are billed to perform on a different stage. Dr Pushkin’s performance will occur at 11 pm on March 2025 at the Cuato Gato venue in Austin, Texas.
The benefits that come with participating in SXSW Music Festival 2025 are enormous. They include the following:
Exposure: You’ll reach a diverse audience, including music industry professionals, fans, and other artists.
Networking: It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with industry insiders, including labels, agents, and promoters.
Performance Opportunities: Playing at SXSW can lead to additional gigs and tours, as many talent scouts are on the lookout for new acts.
Media Attention: The festival attracts significant press coverage, which can lead to interviews, reviews, and increased visibility.
Learning: Attending panels and workshops can provide valuable insights into the music industry, helping you to hone your craft and navigate your career.
Community: You’ll be part of a vibrant community of musicians and artists, which can foster collaboration and support.
Potential for Discovery: Many artists have gained major followings after being discovered at SXSW, making it a valuable platform for launching your career.
“South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas. It began in 1987 and has continued growing in both scope and size every year. In 2017, the conference lasted for 10 days, with the interactive track lasting for five days, music for seven days, and film for nine days. “…Wikipedia
Dr Pushkin Recently released a song with one of Ghana’s finest multi-talented musicians Gingsen. The song titled No Easy also features the incredible King Ayisoba. Click the link below to access the song.
Beauty Queen is Ataman Nikita‘s latest; it is also his first solo song.
Check out the lyrics below.
She’s a beauty queen.
Thats what they call her
She’s a super star
And I’m her lover
She’s a beauty queen
Bow down before her
She’s a super star
That’s why I love her
Biggest hall, centre stage.
She is strutting her tail.
She was born for the fame.
Yeah, she’s made for the game.
Oh, she loves the attention.
And the toll that it takes.
She will smile all the way.
Cause there’s pictures to take.
She’s a beauty queen.
Thats what they call her
She’s a super star
And I’m her lover
She’s a beauty queen
Bow down before her
She’s a super star
That’s why I love her
I think that what she wants she got it
Nothing in her way
The way she moves it is amazing
I have got to say
I think that what she wants she got it
Nothing in her way
The way she moves it is amazing
I have got to say
She’s a beauty queen.
Thats what they call her
She’s a super star
And I’m her lover
She’s a beauty queen
Bow down before her
She’s a super star
That’s why I love her
I think that what she wants she got it
Nothing in her way
The way she moves it is amazing
I have got to say
I think that what she wants she got it
Nothing in her way
The way she moves it is amazing
I have got to say
This year’s Dagaaba and Frafra friendly games will come off on Saturday 7th of September 2024, at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra. The gates will open at 8 am and close at 5 pm for all revelers, cultural enthusiasts, and especially people from the two ethnic groups. However, Adults will pay 15GHS, while children pay 5GHS for entry.
The Dagaaba and Frafra friendly games is a cultural soiree born of a cordial relationship between two ethnic groups. It is an event which promises to be yet another fun-filled edition. With participants from across the Greater Accra Region and beyond, it remains that rare gathering of people from the two unique ethnicities.
You may be interested: Do you know there is a mobile App that translates Gurune (Frafra) to several languages?
Characteristic of previous editions, the one-day program is packed with exciting activities for people of different ages. Notable activities for the day include volleyball, sack race, tug of peace, and the ultimate decider, football. Each activity will have a Men and Women edition.
On the cultural side, the Dagaaba and Frafra friendly games will feature a heavy dose of cultural display. The display will span musical performances, traditional drumming and dance sessions, and a variety of traditional cuisines from the Dagaaba and Frafra groups. There will also be an exhibition of artifacts and regalia peculiar to the two groups. Notable among the artifacts will be Smocks, the xylophone, and other items made of leather and smock material.
The bond between the two ethnic groups is said to be borne of the fact that they have one ancestry. However, due to migration, one group moved to the Upper West Region of Ghana and the other to the Upper East. There is also a story of two brothers going on a journey; at a point, hunger sets in, and the only choice is to make a meal of their companion dog.
A disagreement, however, ensued over when to boil or roast the meat; they eventually divided the carcass into two, leaving the head for later. Somehow, the head went missing. That quest to find the head led to the cordiality they currently enjoy as two ethnic groups. Also, the loss of the head created a teasing situation which has led to this cordiality. The Dagaaba and Frafra are believed to represent either of the brothers who shared the dog-meat.
The Dagaaba are sometimes referred to as the Dagaba. They are an ethnic group in the Upper West Region of Ghana. They are mainly from Nandom and Lawra districts. The Dagaaba are a part of the Mole-Dagbani cluster of ethnic groups. Dagaare is the language spoken by the Dagaabas.
The Frafra are also an ethnic group from the Upper East Region of Ghana. However, some communities are extending into Burkina Faso. They speak Gurune, sometimes referred to as Frafra. Notable towns include Bolgatanga, Bongo, Tongo, and several others.
The two ethnic groups are believed to have come from one ancestor.
Through the years, the Dagaaba – Frafra friendly games have had a unique prize on the event. The ultimate winner is always given a Puppy. The prize has sparked several controversies amongst animal lovers and cultural enthusiasts. While Animal rights activists think that using a puppy as a trophy is barbaric, cultural enthusiasts advocate tolerance for different cultural practices. However, since the prize does not break any laws, it is safe to say sentiments haven’t succeeded in chastising this age-long tradition of a puppy prize at this novel event.
The Dagaaba – Frafra Friendly games have become a mainstay for most indigenes of the two ethnic groups in Accra. It presents a unique opportunity to enjoy the culture and fraternize with relatives. It also enhances the cordial relationship the two ethnicities have enjoyed for centuries. Because these two groups are from different regions in Ghana, the solidified friendship is exemplary.
Kundivi Mahama, formerly Zazzy, has released yet another beautiful composition. The song, Afara’nga, furthers his agenda to dominate as a live performer with an enviable repertoire. Afara’nga is currently available to stream across all digital music platforms.
The song is off his yet-to-be-released album, scheduled for late 2024.
Kundivi Mahama, who resides and operates from the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga, is one of the top five vocalists in the region. His stature is undoubtedly high. His dexterity as a lyricist, vocalist, and live band performer remains peerless. His consistency as a stellar musician remains his call to fame.
In the last few months, he has been on a streak; he released songs that offer fans an idea of what to expect on his album. The songs released have so far exhibited the characteristics of a world star in the leagues of the Youssou N’dours, Angelique Kidjos, and Wiyaalas.
Afara’nga follows Yineme, featuring Soorebia, Sheiwuna, and Taafama, which have solidified his rise. Other songs like Pon Dem Case and Echanga also make listening unforgettable.
The Above songs marked his journey when he rebranded from Zazzy to Kundivi Mahama. The new persona came with his desire to bring back the sound and rhythms of Uppers International Band, which reigned in Ghana from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He pursues this feat with the touch of an original self; thus, fans get a feel of two worlds.
According to Kundivi Mahama, Afara’nga is a tribute to the Uppers International Band.
A more detailed profile about the life and music of Kundivi Mahama is coming soon.
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