Singing in our own languages was something I started taking for granted because I saw it as the standard or norm everywhere. But reading this reminds me of how almost everyone in the west is singing in English. I guess there really is beauty in the unique nature of the songs around here. We just seem to lose the ability to see it because we’re living it and it’s become so normal to us.
A friend of mine was telling me last week she was considering going to this Pure Akan show in Accra last week. I didn’t understand why at first, but she explained that the he was really good, his tickets were cheaper, and you get to actually see the show in comfort as compared to the expensive stadium-size shows most of the popular artists we love hold. I’m definitely going to check him out now.
As for Worlasi, House Portay is (was*) the only song I’ve heard from him and I’m honestly surprised how I didn’t look into him much after that. I liked House Portay. It had this cool relaxing tune to it, ideal to play at house parties (pun intended, but true. Lol) and the message was basically knowing your level and staying in your lane. After listening to Veku, I’m liking him even more as it seems calm singing is his style. There’s no shouting or high pitched sounds there and his stuff will be good for relaxing.
Everyone else here, I just discovered thanks to you, which is actually a bit embarrassing given that they’re my country folk. Anyways, you have some good taste, man. Thanks for showcasing these talents:)
Well, I think France and Germany and Spain sing in their own languages, but English is pretty much the standard for the world right now. Maybe that will change at some point, but some of us didn't have anything else growing up.
My decision to move overseas actually started when a big 8 country benefit concert (Live 8) was televised in America but they cut out all the French and German and Japanese and South African artists who didn't sing in English. I was so angry about it, I refused to look for a job in America after that. "Melting Pot my ass!!" I thought.
Yo, small shows are SOOOO much better than big ones, at least I feel they are. I grew up going to those kind of punk shows and now I see folk or hip hip or electronic but I only go to small shows unless its for an absolute favorite artist who happens to be famous. Way more personal and human.
Didn't really catch "House Portay" but it's got that signature Worlasi vibe. "Chant" "Comot" and "Fokoo" are three other favorites I didn't put up here.
You don't have to be embarrassed. This is what I do :-) I spent 15 years in China and Japan doing the same thing, and I got a bit stuck not really able to travel or move around so I did it for Ghana through Twitter. Dabbled a bit in some other countries as well, but probably went deeper on Ghana than anywhere else. If you want a random ass international mix, I made a youtube playlist with 3 of these artists and a bunch more of various styles from a few dozen countries : Earth music
If anything catches your ear, go dig! Feel free to ask any questions too :-D
Thanks man. I’ll definitely check the Earth Music collection out. You should make more of these music collections. Lol who knows, your posts could debut many undiscovered talents.