Tag: Savanna Music

1 Don aka Fancy Gadam Screams ‘If’ in New Music Video

About Fancy Gadam’s ‘If’

Fancy Gadam has once again mesmerised fans with an impressive accompaniment to his song “If”. The ‘explicit’ song performed over an endearing beat is a danceable song through which the artiste cautions his partner against not climaxing during a sexual encounter. While the subject matter may be controversial, the musician minces no words in expressing the importance of intimacy in a relationship.

‘If’ is the latest song from this prolific hitmaker from the Northern Regional Capital of Ghana.

Who is Fancy Gadam?

This musical enigma was born Mujahid Ahmed Bello on January 1, 1988, in Gurugram, a town in the Northern Region of Ghana. He eventually picked up music as he encountered more and more of the music culture of his ethnicity. As a young man in contemporary times, a fusion of his nature and trendy sound would urge him to stand out and do music professionally. 

Fancy-Gadam—IF

The young Gadam completed both his Basic School and Secondary School in Tamale, the Capital of Ghana’s Northern Region. The hurdles associated with accessing higher education did not affect his love of music; thus, when the opportunity presented itself, he pursued it. From participating in talent shows with his dance and musical prowess, he honed his talent and became ready for mainstream music. Music Industry insiders in the Northern Region saw his potential and pushed his craft leading to a breakthrough as a musician.

Despite making Waves in the Northern Region, the release of “Total Cheat” which featured Sarkodie was the defining moment for Fancy Gadam. The amazing musician was already known to be the only artist who was filling up stadia and any venues he held events. Interestingly, most of such events were hosted and headlined by himself. 

‘Total Cheat’ coincided with one of those stadia-filling moments, making Fancy Gadam a sensation across Ghana. After riding on the back of that song to nationwide recognition, he released more chart-topping songs including “Customer,” “Concrete,” and “Sofo Moko,” and several others.

His musical style is unique. He fuses Afrobeat, Dancehall, and ethnic Dagomba vibes to offer something refreshing for music lovers. 

Fancy Gadam‘s story is one that inspires; talent, perseverance, and dedication remain the key to his success. 

This incredibly talented artiste has several songs that have dominated the airwaves. In Ghana and Beyond, some of his songs are seen as what describes his stature. Notable among them are the following;

1. “Total Cheat” ft. Sarkodie: This undoubtedly is the biggest song. It is what propelled him to the rest of Ghana and the world. Many argue, there might never be another song that big from him.

2. “Customer” ft. Patoranking: This also topped the charts, and was Fancy Gadam’s first international collaboration. 

3. “Concrete”: This song proved that the artiste didn’t always need a collaboration to prove his worth. 

4. “Sofo Moko”: This was also a furtherance of his stature as an artiste.

5. “Yaka Chana”: As an artiste whose musical influences include his cultural heritage, he used this to project and celebrate his traditions. 

Fancy Gadam has many more hit songs, however, the above standout in his career per thesavannaonline‘s analysis. 

Fancy Gadam is a renowned musician from the Northern Regional Capital of Ghana.

Just Watch & Learn How to excel as a musician

How to dominate as a musician: Just Watch

Just-Watch—Dr-Pushkin-3

Dr. Pushkin returns with another mind-buster; this time around, he recruits fellow rapper CJ Biggerman and singer Taitan. The three musicians take us on a musical swell that emanates from the heart, preaches reality, and admonishes a lacklustre attitude. Music isn’t just mumbled words; it’s melodious and creative words strung in a creative way for the purpose of communication. Just Watch

 Just Watch by Dr. Pushkin, Cj Biggerman, Taitan (isolirium.com)

The music business is convoluted; however, there remain prying eyes who are best asked to “just watch.” In this classic piece of hip-hop, three “flowrators” express what makes them stand out despite not being popular. To these artists, music is from within, and so long as the spirit stirs, bangers like Just Watch are a serving that will continue to flow for fans.

If you are a lover of rap and hip-hop, you will probably remember Game’s It’s Okay (One Blood), featuring Junior Ried.

Taitan’s Work

Taitan Melodies brings that vibe to this well-crafted hip-hop song with an impressive reggae dancehall feel. Gritty, witty, and a well-thought-out pen game performed like a master, Taitan opens the song with the words:

Just-Watch—Dr-Pushkin-2

“Ah, we dem ah watch.
Like Netflix, enuh
Watch this
Sumn fi yuh watch”.

 Just Watch (Dr. Pushkin, Cj Biggerman, Taitan) – LYRIC VIDEO (youtube.com)

More like speaking to the essence of being lyrically and musically superior in a way that warrants a “just watch.” The reggae and dancehall artist with an impressive catalog brought a new dimension to Dr. Pushkin’s music by way of style. Despite the fact that Just Watch is a hip-hop banger, Taitan’s vocal delivery complemented the awesome performances of CJ Biggerman and Dr. Pushkin. Taitan starts the song and ends it with a reminder of who an artist is. A resilient creative who ignores all vile commentary to remain focused on what is most important, i.e., the music.

CJ Biggerman’s Performance

CJ Biggerman has made waves many times on the Ghana rap scene. From appearing on Sarkodie’s Bibiba to accosting and dropping one of the illest freestyles to American rapper Rick Ross, the rapper has never slowed down.

When in 2022 and 2023 he became his mother Big Ivy’s number one hypeman, many may have thought the licenced-to-rap artist was slowing down. However, releases like Wabodam ft. Halfco Baby are a testament to this rapper’s awesomeness.

Jumping on Just Watch by Dr. Pushkin is an extension of superior rap antics that elicits every element of rap. He also emphasises the importance of staying true to his calling while reminding fans of his other exploits. Through the song, CJ Biggerman expresses the nonchalance associated with being on top of your game.

Dr Pushkin’s take

In Just Watch, the ingenious Dr. Pushkin takes his bars towards more puns and similes while insouciantly expressing his focus on his game as a rapper and tech entrepreneur. The sentiment expressed through Just Watch indicts the general treatment of artists who aren’t regarded as mainstream or big spenders. The situation where talents aren’t offered opportunities to push the music to the fans often bedevils the strides of many. However, the tried and tested method has been to keep dropping them bangers till they can’t ignore you.

Dr Pushkin’s 2024 Pursuits.

Just Watch is the 3rd song from Dr. Pushkin for 2024; it is worth noting that Dr. Pushkin is blessing pumped up and ready to bless 2024 with between 30 and 40 songs. He might just drop more.

Dr. Pushkin in 2024 has released No Heroes, featuring Lyrical Joe, and “No Go Go,” featuring Kojo-Cue. Both songs have received massive reviews from music critics.

Just Watch was produced by Dr Pushkin for Isolirium Entertainment.

In the next couple of weeks, another banger drops. In the meantime, stream Just Watch on all digital platforms below.

 Just Watch by Dr. Pushkin, Cj Biggerman, Taitan (isolirium.com)

This is Incredible – Kologo Fusion Sounds better

No-Go-Go-By-Dr-Puskin-Ft.-Ko-jo-Cue-&-Ataman-Nikita-(Artwork) – Kologo Fusion

 No Go Go by Dr. Pushkin, Ko-Jo Cue, Ataman Nikita (isolirium.com)

Kologo Fusion is set to reign.

The talk about who wins a Grammy from Ghana has been a subject of debate for a long time. However, very little attention has been paid to the ingenious music being made by musicians without the A-list or Mainstream Tag. Artists like Wiyaala, Atongo Zimba, Worlasi, and others who stand out for their ingenuity are never considered potential winners. However, with the release of No Go Go! by Dr Pushkin ft. Ko-Jo Cue and Ataman Nikita, one may be tempted to ask, “What will it take to win a Grammy as a Ghanaian artist?”. Is it just attempting to fit into popular genres or using established genres as a footing to create imaginative, artful, and inventive music?

Ordinarily, most artists would be clamouring at the successful fusion of sounds that has the potential to birth a new genre or direction. However, when two talented creatives meet, the satisfaction is in bringing art and impact to the fore; such is the case of this masterpiece of a song. No No Go! It thrives on rhythmic percussion backed by the pleasing, incessant sound of the Kologo. In what Dr Pushkin calls “Kologo Fusion”, the genre is not just another attempt at creating something new but a conscious fusion of indigenous sound and musical instruments in popular music genres, offering a refreshing listenership to fans and music lovers.

Despite being a fun song, No Go Go is art-in-protest; the lyrics are a resounding reminder of the need to stand firm against the systematic failures of leadership. Time and again, Ghanaians have suffered instances where politicians use state institutions to shut up people who speak against the system’s wrongs. However, No Go Go! is a reminder to the powers that be about the relentlessness of the people despite the oppressive antics. It is a reminder that the people will match and protest till the wrongs become right.

Who else to recruit for such an experimental sound but Ko-Jo Cue? Kojo Amankwah Cue, better known as Ko-Jo Cue, has proven to be an amazing lyricist, storyteller, and voice for the voiceless. While he doesn’t pick up a megaphone to chant impactful messages, his music has always contained a full dose of serving as a person. It, therefore, came as no surprise when Dr Pushkin chose to collaborate with him on creating a beautiful song set to be the anthem for protests in Ghana and beyond. For a rapper whose album “For My Brothers” contains so much about life, he is well-experienced in life to put that to a beat.

Ataman Nikita, a brother to Dr Pushkin, also brought on his melodious voice to No Go Go with hooks and a chorus, giving the song a flawless transition from one point to another. His impressive vocals combined with the rap performances by Dr Pushkin and Ko-Jo Cue over the beautiful Kologo Fusion instrumental by AzkonnaBeatz has birthed No Go Go, a new sound capable of putting Ghana at the top of ingenious music production.

What is Kologo Fusion?

Kologo is the popular 2-string guitar found mostly amongst the Gurune-speaking ethnic groups of the Upper East Region. It has become a symbol of what truly exudes the musical culture of that particular ethnic group. The instrument is behind successful and ingenious artists like Atongo Zimba, King Ayisoba, Stevo Atambire and several traditional musicians from the Bolga area who are conquering the world with its unique sound.

Kologo Fusion is a blend of the musical instrument in popular music genres. While rap has likely been fused with it for decades, the current modern iteration of the sound can likely be traced to Soorebia’s “2 Strings” – a track produced by AzkonnaBeatz and featuring rapper Akan. Artists Wanlov The Kubolor and Stevo Atambire have also contributed immensely through their collective “Alostmen” and their unique brand of Rap. No Go Go! is the first of Dr. Pushkin’s fusion songs, and we can expect several more to appear on the album, including one with Stevo Atambire.

North2South Experience: A Musical Journey Set To Captivate America’s Heart

North2South Experience in America

Having staged 2 Successful Music events in Accra & Bolgatanga, Texas, Ghanaian Rapper Dr Pushkin has dared to test the waters in the US. Under the North2South Experience franchise, the event seeks to bring Ghanaian artists in the Austin, Texas, Area and their American Counterparts to the same stage. The event will occur inside the Volstead Lounge in Austin on December 3rd, 2023, from 7:30 PM. While admitting a dichotomy between the North and South divide worldwide, the musicians billed to perform each represent the North or South of their respective nations. The idea is to foster a creative unity to help defy the economic disparity often associated with the North and South divide.

Dubbed North2South Experience – Austin, the event is a collaboration between Isolirium Entertainment and Underground Voices Live, an independent creative platform in Austin – Texas, dedicated to giving new and upcoming artists a voice. 

North2South Experience Performers

North2South Experience Austin is a Hip Hop and Afrobeats Festival featuring incredible performances by Dr Pushkin, Koo Kusi, and Quata Budukusu, representing Ghana. Aggie, Ative, SpaceGoonz, The Boy, and WyldThang will represent America. The venue opens at 7:30 PM.

If you are in the Austin – Texas, area and want to be at this event, click the link below.

North2South Austin Experience in Austin at Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge (do512.com)

North2South Experience

What is the North2South Experience?

The concept was born of a desire to see Ghanaian artists have a tour opportunity with several stops that could span the entire country. Considering how polarized the Ghanaian Entertainment Industry is, a deliberate attempt to draw artists from the North and South of Ghana for a Nationwide Tour became necessary. With the above in hindsight, Dr Pushkin, who has been promoting his Outlandish Album, took the absence of an initiative like North2South Experience to initiate the same. Doing so through his Isolirium Entertainment Record Label, the rapper who doubles as an Artificial Intelligence prodigy has not only marketed his music but has created an opportunity for others.

The First two events under the North2South Experience franchise came off in Accra at the Alliance Francaise and in Bolgatanga at Jocom Golden Hotel. Both events saw an array of artists drawn from the North of Ghana and the South of Ghana. All artists on the bill proved worth the spotlight as they took turns mesmerizing fans who graced the events. Despite being a self-sponsored initiative, Isolirium Entertainment ensured stellar logistics characterized the event to give patrons quality output through sound, stage, and lighting.

The success of both shows has informed Isolirium Entertainment of the need to inject further ingenuity into future editions. Thus, subsequent editions will see an increase in venues and the creation of a Festival that would bring the North & South together through Art and entertainment.

Dr Pushkin is an SXSW 2023 Alumnus named an “Essential SXSW 2023 Act” by the Austin Chronicle. He first shot into prominence with his genre-bending conscious Trap tune “Questions” – the song highlighted the deficiency society suffers through a leadership that makes bad choices for the people.

North2South Experience, Austin, is the first event powered by Isolirium Entertainment outside Ghana.

Check a short documentary about the North2South Events in Ghana below.

North2South – Episode 1 – YouTube

Dr. Pushkin is an intriguing Ghanaian Artiste of Gurune extraction currently based in the United States of America. He holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  Sometime in 2019, Dr. Azunre made international headlines for his contributions to advancing the state of Optical System Design optimization algorithms. Many least expected the nerdy scientist to have a major interest in music. However, developing an algorithm that can guarantee to find the “best possible design” to an optical design problem was just the start of his quest to change society.  Today, he’s giving fans and music lovers something musically thrilling and mind-stimulating. 

Experience the Magic: Dr. Pushkin’s ‘OFFGRID’ Revolutionizes Sound

The Genesis of OFFGRID

OFFGRID is a mark of untouchability. It is the standout element for an enigmatic performer who enthrals fans with deep and entertaining music.

What happens when an artist stages an industry-standard event, pays for all aspects of it, ensures there is an honorarium for all guest performers, and gives fans three and a half hours of back-to-back musical performances? That is what OFFGRID served fans of Dr Pushkin.

There have been conversations about artists investing in their craft, however, the dynamics have never been fully discussed. Most artists resort to paying bloggers, presenters, deejays, and stream farms for brand growth. However, the fans have rarely been the centre of the “gifts” that grow brands. Even when artists decide to go beyond the traditional promotional plans, a relative lack of ingenuity retards the effects.

Realizing the importance of having a solid fan base, artists can create promotional antics that further endear them to fans. Beyond the gains associated with being a “hit” artist and one associated with the trends, it is worth acknowledging the effects of a “cult” following. The cult following is what follows you as an artist when the hits no longer drop.

OFFGRID

To fully enjoy the stature of having such a following, an artist must seek to get closer to their fans., this is what Dr Pushkin used OFFGRID to achieve. The event was used to bring the conscious rapper close to his fans in Accra. Setup in a way that allowed easy access to Dr. Pushkin, fans did have the opportunity to interact with him aside from enjoying the energetic performances.

Who performed at OFF GRID?

TeriWiizi performing at OFFGRID

For many artists, the struggle to grow is saddled with the competition with other artists, however, the positive effects of collaborations cast dents on such thoughts. While seeking to leave an impression on the minds of fans, Dr. Pushkin also sort to bring colleague musicians along. Bringing other performers to off-Grid was Dr. Pushkin’s effort towards sharing fans and also adding more exhilaration to the experience of his fans. True to his intention, the guest performers proved to be an awesome addition to OFF GRID.  Teri Wiizi, Aphee, Ataman Nikita, Kwadjo Spiri, Tradey, Gold Ganq, Walter Wani, and Silky Pablo, were the guest performers.

About Dr. Pushkin’s OFFGRID

The much-publicized OFFGRID by Dr. Pushkin and friends came off on the 13th of May 2023. Featuring an array of impressive rappers, singers, and the eclectic dance group Afrozig Divas, the event was a breath of fresh air for fans of Dr. Pushkin. With good music, free drinks, and sumptuous kebabs, Dr. Pushkin ensured the 4hrs were thrilling to fans.

For the first time in a long while, an artist with a focus on growing his brand set out to thrill close friends and fans to an exclusive performance. For Dr. Pushkin, this was the first opportunity to give Ghanaian fans a feel of his body of work. Having blessed SXSW in Texas USA with an impressive performance, the rapper journeyed to Accra, Ghana with a repertoire that represents his journey through the years.

Despite the free nature of the event, attendees could only access the event by RSVP. This was to give the conscious rapper the opportunity to prepare for his guests.

The nature of OFFGRID

OFFGRID came off at the serene and spacious Diddies Pub & Bar located inside East Legon, Accra. Despite the location, Isolirium Entertainment set up an industry-standard stage with lighting, as well as a PA system that could be likened to any musical event. Security for the night was also provided by Ghana Police.

OFFGRID was fully funded by Dr. Pushkin and his Isolirium Entertainment.

Hajia Police calls for commitment to Ramadan in New Song

Hajia Police and her responsibility

As a convention, Hajia Police has for the past few years blessed the Islamic Community and the general populace with Ramadan tunes and this year is no different. To help in the spiritual journey and to remind each and every Muslim of their sacred commitment and call to do good and provide for the less privileged; the Afro-Islamic Genre originator has employed the services of Mentor Winner, Lynx Entertainment Signee and 24th VGMA Unsung Nominee DSL.

Hajia Police

Who is Hajia Police?

The Best Ghanaian female motor rider once again updates our playlists with this lovely masterpiece titled Al Wakat (Ramadan). The song entreats all to pray, forgive, give, and observe the holy month of Ramadan. The track is available in all digital stores and is accompanied by a video.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims. During this month, Muslims observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink, not even water, during these daylight hours; they also abstain from romance, sex and have to abstain from looking at the opposite sex lustfully. Fasting is a private act of worship engendering nearness to God, but it is also a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathizing with those less fortunate.

The meaning of Al Wakat

Al Wakat (Ramadan) is about educating all on the importance of fasting not only during the month of Ramadan, but all through life. Fasting makes one holy and maintains a relationship with God.

Thoughts of Gentlemen on the Streets – Forgive Them

The Story behind Forgive Them by Dr Pushkin

Aggie – Dr Pushkin and Budukusu

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.

Forgive Them By Dr Pushkin

Expressing thoughts like the above in music, particularly rap, has always placed the genre at the front of activism.

The Expressions in the song

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

Trends Runway: 1 rare opportunity for designers in Tamale

The maiden edition of the Trends Runway show was held in Tamale at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in November 2021. The night brought some delight to the city of Tamale. Generally, the organizers were impressed with the number of audiences who turned out for the program and the patience they exercise and stayed till the show was over.

READ ALSO: Bafowaa: The radical afro/R&B artiste with a new sound and vibe 

One of the Accra-based designers expressed his joy and delightfulness at seeing the audience still glued to their seats as late as 12 midnight when people would begin to leave at about 9 pm in Accra when the show has not ended. The atmosphere and reception of the people of Tamale were a new experience for him and this overwhelming. According to him, this was an indication that they were really welcomed in Tamale with their fashion.

The missing vibe in the organization’s structure was the conspicuous absence of women. In an interview with Abdul Raafi Mohammed on Sanatu Zambang Hotspot Live, the organizers bemoaned the difficulty of getting women involved in working with them but they hope to improve upon representation in the subsequent editions.    

READ ALSO: THE OTHER TRUTH

They also expressed some difficulties in training the models. They had to run shifts for the trainees because most of them were not regular and kept missing days in training. This made their work very difficult.

Talking of the sponsorship, the organizers admitted that, they had a tough time getting people and organizations to sponsor the program.  They reiterated that most cooperate bodies would ask for sponsorship letters but when the letters are given out to them, they would decline to grant any sponsorship.  

In organizing this fashion show, they noted that most of their sponsorships came from friends and family members, which was totally unacceptable and discouraging for the growth and success of the program.

One of the points that were also highlighted in the interview was the fact that designers are being limited by clients says Abdul Raafi. Fashion designers are not being challenged by clients to be creative and come out with their own designs. Clients come to seek services demanding replicas of dresses they see on the internet. But the panelist was of a different view. They said it was the duty of these fashion designers to educate their clients about the fashion business and the work they actually do.  

 Source: Cynthia Kuyoli | Sanatu Zambang

Exit mobile version