Despite what was a turbulent and stressful year for many, 2020 didn’t seem to project its negativity on Ghanaian artists. Rather, it produced vibrant atmospheres, such as the Asaase Sound Clash between the two dancehall greats of our time, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy. It introduced competition through back and forth diss tracks between some of our ladies in the scene, notably Sista Afia, Freeda Rhymez and Eno Barony. It also birthed a new movement: Ghanaian drill, locally known as ‘Asakaa’ which has been received well nationally and internationally. Where it mattered most however was the studio, and here some memorable projects were cooked up. Let’s go through some of the top Ghanaian projects of 2020 and add these to your library as you see fit.
Kuami Eugene – Son of Africa (Album)
Kuami Eugene’s nomination for the VGMA ‘Artist of The Year’ raised eyebrows for fans and some industry heads alike, with some saying the award was meant for Sarkodie. However, his sophomore album, two years after his debut album ‘Rockstar’, proves Kuami Eugene a worthy winner of the award. Boasting a variety of intercontinental features from the likes Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Falz (Nigeria) and Zlatan (Nigeria), Eugene also calls home on stars such as Sarkodie and Shatta Wale, legends Samini and Prince Bright and gospel great Obaapa Christy. Kuami Eugene eloquently blends the genres of highlife, afropop, dancehall and gospel to give party vibes in the form of ‘Open Gate’ and ‘Show Body’ (featuring Falz). He balances the enjoyment with thought-provoking tracks in ‘Beifour’ (featuring Sarkodie and DJ Mensah) and ‘Amen’, and praises God with ‘Wa Ye Wie’ (featuring Obaapa Christy) and ‘Ewurade’. A well-balanced project, you’re bound to appreciate this album.
Afriyie Wutah – Ayalolo (EP)
If someone asked you what the capital of Ghana, Accra sounds like, this is the perfect EP to describe it. Afriyie Wutah, once a part of the dynamic duo ‘Wutah’ who churned out hits such as ‘Kotosa’, ‘Adonko’ and ‘Goosey-gander’ in the 2000s, released his first EP as a solo artist towards the latter end of 2020. There’s no other way to describe this EP than amazing. Afriyie Wutah is introspective on ‘Hard Times’ as he reflects on the catastrophic events of 2020 , ponders on love on ‘The One’ (featuring Dela), and brings encouragement on a reggae instrumental entitled ‘Rise Up’. The city sounds come from ‘LaLa’ and ‘Afrojam’ particularly. On ‘LaLa’, Afriyie Wutah incorporates traditional highlife sounds with increased elements of jazz, giving the song an extra vintage feel. ‘Afrojam’ also bears similarities to ‘LaLa’, but it has more of the modern afrofusion sound to it and the bass guitar is dominant here. The songs on this EP are perfect to use in the Ghanaian tourism industry as they are stories in themselves.
Killbeatz, Ofori Amponsah & King Promise – Love and Happiness (EP)
This EP poses a triple threat. With Killbeatz, you’re going to get his creativity through signature production that has made many hits in the last decade. On King Promise’s side, you’re going to his mix of highlife and R&B feels that cements him as one of Ghana’s finest crooners of modern times. And finally, the veteran Ofori Amponsah blesses the EP with his presence. Combining all their traits together, we get the ‘Love and Happiness’ EP. Dedicated and inspired by his firstborn daughter, the four track EP explores these feelings and each track tells a different story. ‘Odo Nti’ begins the EP, and the smooth yet contrasting vocal ranges of King Promise and Ofori Amponsah favour the song. Sarkodie joins the trio on ‘Sweetie Jorley’. The combination of King Promise’s Ga lyrics along with Sarkodie and Ofori Amponsah’s Twi rap and chorus makes this a beautiful rendition of original highlife. ‘Pretty Little Girl’ is slow in rhythm and you can tell it’s a song that comes from within due to its soulful feel. The EP ends with a sample of one of Ofori Amponsah’s classics, ‘Damaabi’ in ‘No More’. Joey B and Darkovibes, who also had an impressive 2020, link up with the trio here and do their thing on the track. An exquisite mix of contemporary afrobeat music and highlife music, it is essential for you to listen to this project.
Fameye – Greater Than (Album)
The ‘Notin I Get’ hit maker is going from strength to strength in his musical career. Fameye’s vocals can be described as ‘light and airy’ and this allows him to channel his emotions, ensuring that his lyrics come from the heart and his listeners can relate to him. This unique characteristic of Fameye has been in massive demand as many artists have been featuring him on their tracks. Whilst featuring on other tracks, he’s been able to make his own hits including ‘Speed Up’, ‘Long Life’ (featuring Kwesi Arthur) and ‘Okomfour Kwadee’. His hard work resulted in him winning the VGMA ‘New Artist of the Year’ award. Following this, Fameye released his debut album ‘Greater Than’ and it doesn’t disappoint. ‘Asem’ kicks off the album with rap great M.anifest, who delivers cool yet punchy verses and Fameye adds his distinctive melodies. ‘Fly Away’ is a dreamy song, suggesting Fameye is in his own world as he sings. Fameye taps into hits of past times as he samples Daddy Lumba’s ‘Bubra’ in ‘Choices’ which features Pappy Kojo, and Mzbel’s ‘Awoso Me’ in ‘Agoro’, which comes across as a playful and fun song. ‘My Lova’ and ‘247’ (featuring Kidi) are assurance songs to their other halves. He doesn’t forget his hustlers still trying to find their way as this is a huge foundation in his lyrical content. ‘Streets’ concludes the album and is a motivator for those trying to make their dreams come true. Fameye’s sound is second to none and he is definitely one to watch in years to come.
Stonebwoy – Anloga Junction (Album)
This man needs no introduction. Whilst his third studio album, ‘Epistles of Mama’, had a greater Caribbean focus and tracks dominant in the genres of reggae and dancehall, ‘Anloga Junction’ enables Stonebwoy to channel in on his Ewe roots and deliver his signature Afro-dancehall sound. An example of this is ‘Le Gba Gbe’, the introduction to the album. This translates to “I’m alive”. Here, Stonebwoy deliberates on the topic of mental imprisonment, but the message isn’t one of gloom but rather of hope. Stonebwoy advises his listeners not to dwell on the negative present and be content with whatever you have, because they’ll reach their promised land. This album bursts with features from all over the globe. One standout feature on the album is Keri Hilson (USA) on ‘Nominate’ as this was her first appearance on any song in just over 10 years. The two perform a duet on a mellow alt-R&B instrumental as they search for love. Similarly, Stonebwoy teams up with Alicai Harley (UK) on ‘Understand’ as the two depict a couple trying to get to know each other. The maestro, Kojo Antwi joins Stonebwoy to let their lovers know they make them melt like ‘Nkuto’, the Twi name for shea butter. Jahmiel (Jamaica) arrives on ‘Motion’, with a message that entails slow progress is better than none at all. Stonebwoy brings upbeat dance tracks in the form of ‘African Party’, ‘Critical’ (featuring Zlatan) and ‘Black Madonna’, which features Tanzania’s Diamond Platinumz. He closes the album with a thanksgiving to God in ‘Strength & Hope’ on a distinctive reggae beat. Arguably the best artist of 2020, you must check out Stonebwoy’s talent on ‘Anloga Junction’ if you haven’t already.
perspective of j.k.l. 