Collection of lyrics of Ghanaian or international songs mostly organized by release dates .
The recent bombs associated with the Chris Martin show , JaGha Fest And other shows , as well as the recent VGMA “Reggae-Dancehall” confusion has inspired the publishing of this article in which I hope to share my opinion as well as to discuss some random thoughts about Gh Reggae Dancehall .
SOME QUESTIONS THAT NEED URGENT ATTENTION :
- I think Musicians and other Industry players must come to certain basic across-board positions with respect to Reggae & Dancehall. Basic questions like
> What is reggae music ?
> What is dancehall music?
➢ What is reggae tone?
➢ What is reggae fusion?
> What is ska , rocksteady , cool and deadly , lover’s rock etc .. must be addressed in our way forward .
We need to be wise about when it is an ideal time to fuse all of these under the one umbrella of Reggae , and when we have to separate these sub-genres ( so to speak ) in a bid to optimise the representation , space and influence of Reggae.
2. In this day and age , I think there is a need to separate the reggae music GENRE from biases in religion , race , socio-economic class , sexual orientation etc etc … That is the worldwide direction now . FAILURE to do so cuts off a lot of people ( including the political elite and pastors .. lol ) who would otherwise boldly identify with Reggae . Is the Reggae community in Ghana ready to do that ? Is the traditional Ghanaian reggae community ready to lower its hardline positions and allow for diversity ???
3. Who is a Reggae artiste ? . (Who qualifies to be labelled a reggae artiste in Ghana ?). This question keeps popping up with whole lots of controversy . We should have a discussion on this.
The music industry in Gh should have a common position on this which is acceptable to the community of “REGGAE ARTISTES AND MUSICIANS” first , and then also to other industry players .
That naturally would help us define who qualifies to be a member of a “Reggae Artiste Association” when the time comes as well as who qualifies to be considered under Reggae Artiste of The Year etc at the VGMAs and other music awards ceremonies …)
4. What is the True Current Status of Reggae Music in Ghana ? What are the causes of the current status quo ? We should face this question squarely. We can only prescribe a cure if we know the diagnosis .
People’s general impressions about the following must be sought :
> Impressions about the general quality of Gh Reggae music & Recordings.
> Impressions about the general Gh Reggae Song content .
> General impressions about Gh Reggae Musicians.
> Impressions about Gh Reggae & Branding of Gh Reggae Artistes
> Impressions about the organization and quality of Gh Reggae Events / Concerts.
➢ We need to look closely at what the usual negative impressions about Gh Reggae music and Artistes are , with the aim of doing something “corrective” about them where necessary. We need to also erase stereotypes .
Answering the questions above will go a long way in helping us address the issues of :-
➢ The obviously shrinking reggae space on radio
➢ The obviously shrinking reggae space on television
➢ The shrunken reggae space on social media ( and here I refer to reggae and not Afro Dancehall )
➢ The diminishing reggae space on award schemes ( Afro-Dancehall May be doing fine but Reggae is being made to look obsolete ).
➢ The space for reggae at Musigha’s Presidential Ball and other high profile national events.
5. Another very important question to discuss is – “What happened to BASS Awards “ ( the only REGGAE MUSIC AWARD SCHEME we had in GH ) ?????
What are the lessons learnt so far ? How do we revamp it ?
Isn’t it time to have other awards-schemes that are guided by an academy to reward QUALITY ( and not necessarily popular ) music ???
6. Where and how are the Pioneers of Ghana Reggae Music ???? What about the –
➢ Current status of their music / Are they having any airtime ?
➢ Current status of their respect in society. Are they being honoured enough ?
➢ Current status of their welfare ?
Remember that a country that doesn’t honour it’s heroes is not worth dying for !
Same applies to GH Reggae .
7. Why is there an increase in flopped ( international) reggae concerts in Ghana ?
Examples:
➢ JAGAFEST
➢ Christopher Martin Show
➢ MUSIGA Reggae show
➢ Third World
etc etc … And the list goes on.
Currently , there is a worsening Impression about GH Music concerts as far as Reggae is concerned ( example: Sizzler’s recent tweet on the Concert organized in Accra ) and this must be fixed .
- Finally , IS IT NOT TIME FOR ( REGGAE ) DANCEHALL ARTISTES TO UNITE ? Indeed , is it not time for MORE UNITY AND COLLABORATIONS AMONG GH artistes ? The gap between our brothers in Naija and Ghana is widening . Can’t we see it ??? Instead of coming together to push our total game we beef . In my opinion beefing dissipates and wastes a lot of energy which if invested into a collabo song (between the same artistes) could yield an international chart breaker .
THE NEED TO HAVE GRAIPA
Maybe it’s time for an association – GRAIPA ( Gh Reggae Artistes And Industry Players Association ) – to synergise efforts within the Gh Reggae Industry. Indeed some friends and I within the reggae Industry in Gh have had some discussions and most of them think it’s a great idea.
>There is a need to have such an association to be an umbrella under which musicians with strong interests in reggae can meaningfully coexist , interact , and work .
> There is a need to have an association of Reggae Artistes and Industry Players that will address the problems listed above .
➢ There is a need to have an association which supervises or helps coordinate activities towards major concerts.
➢ The association should have representation from most of ( if not all ) Gh reggae artistes. It should also be able to accommodate artistes who don’t necessarily fit the stereotype of “who a reggae artist is” and yet wish to belong to the organisation and to genuinely defend its interests .
➢ The association should be funded by the “Reggae” artistes’ and Industry Players’ annual dues plus or minus ministerial , governmental, and MUSIGA’s support.
➢ The association should have buy-ins from :-
• Security Agencies
• Ministry of Tourism /Culture and Creative Arts
• MUSIGA/GHAMRO- to supervise Royalties on song performed on recordings and at concert venues etc
• Promoters
• Media
➢ GRAIPA should evolve to become the association that acts as a supervisor / consultant such that any international artiste that comes into Ghana for a concert , through GRAIPA , is provided consultancy services and links :
• On security against fraudulent promoters , theft and physical attacks.
• On Security at the venues through military, police, etc(This will allow 40 year olds and above and their families to have confidence to attend such shows at places like stadiums.
• The association will advice promoters on how to promote the shows within our unique Ghanaian socio-cultural space Example: A dance hall show could be promoted through social media but a reggae show could be promoted heavily on terrestrial radio etc… due to our unique demographics and behaviours with sponsorship by big companies such as Malta Guinness.
That is to say Dancehall, Afro pop, highlife and reggae must have different ways of promoting and managing their shows instead of the one size fits all situation in which we find ourselves today .
eg A stadium in Europe , at different times , may host Hip Hop, Grime Artistes, Rolling Stones, etc but at the end of the day they are all able to , through their unique ways , fill the same stadium .
When the wrong methods and wrong promotional strategies are continuously employed, there may be a repeated poor attendance for Reggae shows which then gives an erroneous impression that reggae is not popular here in Gh .
This Brings to mind the example of Stanbic Jazz , who through right strategies , got a full house of heavily-paying fans , at the La beach with UB 40 . If this same UB 40 had been handled by another promoter employing the usual one size fits all strategies devoid of creativity and analysis , it could have easily been a flop .
GRAIPA AS A PRESSURE GROUP
➢ The Association may be able to convince radio stations and media houses to allot more slots for reggae.
GRAIPA ORGANISED MUSIC AWARDS ( Academy based and popularity based ) .
➢ The association can itself organize or help organize award schemes in partnership with private companies, Gh Academy of Music, etc
GRAIPA CAN START “REGGAE MONTH” :
➢ The association can organize reggae month and an annual big , quality , reggae show.
GRAIPA AS A CONDUIT FOR INTERNAL CHANGE AND POSITIVE BRANDING
➢ The association can lead a concerted effort towards house cleaning, rebranding, and positive image building through media engagements , school tours , CSR ( Cooperate Social Responsibility) activities and conferences ( using well and out-spoken representatives articulating positions of the GRAIPA collective ).
HIGH PROFILE SHOWS
➢ The association can push the representation of REGGAE on high profile shows and national platforms.
What do you too think ????
Submitted By: Knii Lante
As promised, BK Records/Ace Kandi Records label act Sista Afia releases the much awaited video for her new single titled “Weather”
The song which was released just few weeks ago is gradually cooking hot on the airwaves and to keep the fun alive, we present to you the video
With a very corporate concept, Sista Afia, who played the role of a Human Resource manager got to work very late to see her staff members bored at work, she tells them to forget about work and have fun whiles raining to keep the office active
Medikal, an office manager asked his secretary to present some files to him, after the presentation he pushed the lady closed to him to let her know the weather has had some good effect on him
Quamina MP, head of security at the office was patrolling around when he saw this hot lady coming out from the ladies washroom. Watch to find out what’s next
The video was directed by Xbillz Ebenezer and it features model Teeder and Nadia, actor SDK & father, dancers from Tema Fire Dancers and AJ Khesi
Click below to watch the video for “Weather” and don’t forget to share
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Nigerian Afropop star, Teni records with Ghanaian music producer, Streetbeatz. The connection made possible by Stonebwoy’s Bhimnation is expected to churnout a huge song for Ghana and Africa in the months ahead.
This is definitely not her first time in Ghana but first time working with the prolific producer. The “Case” hits maker was in Ghana days ago for the 2019 edition of the Ghana meets Naija concert put together by Empire entertainment.
According to Streetbeatz, the session wasn’t planned, “Teni started calling some melodies during a discussion and i quickly set up my gadget and we recorded a masterpiece on the spot”. He also confirmed Teni had a studio session with Stonebwoy the next day before her departure.
Born TenioApa, Teni is not just a huge name in Nigeria but Africa and beyond. Streetbeatz on the other hand, has a tall history of producing forSarkodie, R2bees, Edem, Donzy and the latest one for Stonebwoy, “Shuga” featuring Jamaican Dancehall musician, Beenieman.
Source: Dcleakers
Ghana Meets Naija was held at the Accra International Conference Centre on June 8, 2019.
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** Note ! Beatz Nation App users need the youtube app installed on their phones to play videos. Enjoy the video !.
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NAME: Blvck Kings Entertainment Studios
LOCATION: Tema Community 8
SERVICES:
- Music Recording
- Mixing
- Mastering
- Commercials and Soundtracks
Ghanaian recording artist and record producer Joseph Bulley widely known as Magnom, is set to perform his debut concert in Mauritius . Organized by the Lyonsquad and the Soldados Crew ,the event will be hosted at the Executive Club in Port Louis, Mauritius on 8th June.
Magnom will be headlining this concert alongside his personal DJ and one of Ghana’s best entertainers – DJ Lord of Live 91.9fm.
Magnom’s music career has witnessed some incredible achievements. He’s tagged as the biggest Ghanaian musician in the East Of Africa and also one of the few renowned Ghanaian musicians who’s booked to perform to Non-Ghanaian communities internationally.
Magnom and DJ Lord will be sharing the same stage with some popularly known local music stars and DJs in Mauritius namely ; Nano (Baron x Matthew Mat) , Bomboclak (Kevin x Jonas) , DJ Junior , DJ Didier , Kinsley M ,DJ Farahon , DJ Samsam & DJ Jordan.
Magnom made waves and still making waves in Mauritius two years after releasing his worldwide smash hit single “My Baby” featuring Joey B.
“My Baby” currently has 7,381,305 views on YouTube and number 71 on the Mauritius Apple Music Chart.
FULL VIDEO: Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy Reunite Live on GHOne TV
** Note ! Beatz Nation App users need the youtube app installed on their phones to play videos. Enjoy the video !.
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Dj Shiwaawa has been rocking the turntables in Ghana always. The young Ghanaian Dj has been a forefront in the entertainment business with his AVO brand. The management label / brands expertise company was the force behind the famously know Ebony Reigns or blessed memories.
Currently working with Adina, Dj Shiwaawa is currently on tour with her. The South Pacific is their current destination and he has shown there is so much hidden in him. Taking his turn on stage, Dj Shiwaawa showed off his element even though the audience in attendance were from a different race.
A first timer to this kind of business and he delivered his selection of music to the excitement of over thousands in attendance. Check out videos of his performance here
Samoa!! I love you so much!! Thank you for having me! Much love, until next time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iYB7APXmNu
— Adina Thembi (@Adina_Thembi) June 2, 2019
The tour is still ongoing and surely there will be greater things coming from him. Will keep you updated as an when we get more information.
Source: Beeniewords.com
Cape Coast based Ghanaian Reggae/Dancehall Singjay, Kahpun, will be releasing his first ever music catalogue this week.
“My Story My Song” is a 6-tracked album EP with at least 3 Producers who worked on it. The official launch according to Kahpun will be on June 7, 2019, a day after his birthday which falls on June 6. It will be at The Bar, in Cape Coast around the Chapel Square.
It’s quite shocking to know he budding artiste took just 2 weeks to write all songs for the EP. Responding to that from BeenieWords.com, Kahpun says, “putting lyrics together comes to me naturally. It is my craft so I don’t have to struggle to get the lyrics. It’s was easy for me too because I have been in a meditation mood for this project for a while now; so when I decided to get on it, it came very easy and handy.”
“It’s an educational body of work which entertains vividly at the same time; it’s open to all ages and free to all”, Kahpun admits.
Kahpun, whose real name is “Samuel Kobena Ampah”, however added that some of the beats for the project were recorded based on his lyrical compositions in the studio while others (beats) were already created before he got there.
“Shouts to Producers, Kopow Naade, Jaemally & Oja 420, who worked on the project with me”, Kahpun added.
Be on the lookout for Kahpun’s EP this week in the stores. It will be available on all global music stores including itunes, Spotify, tidal, deezer and others. Kahpun also hinted it will be on local music stores Aftown and Play Africa.
Story By: www.Beeniewords.com
Ghanaian dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have been banned indefinitely from the VGMA. Their awards won at the 2019 VGMA have been nullified and they are expected to return the plaques. The decision was made publicly known via a press conference held by VGMA event organizers, Charter House, in collaboration with the VGMA board.
Dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy got entangled in a gun showing incidence at the just-ended VGMA’s after the former mounted stage while Stonebwoy was about to give his acceptance speech upon winning Reggae/Dancehall artiste of the year.
Both artistes were detained by the Ghana Police and released on bail the day after whiles investigations continue.
.More to follow…