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Jay Ghartey on Rocking Vuvuzela Festival
July 20th, 2011Be sure to catch Jay Ghartey at the Viva La Vuvuzela Festival in New York City, this Saturday, July 23rd.
We hear your last NYC show sold out. You have eager fans in the states. Are you looking to keep that momentum going or are you still focused on getting the GH brothers brand established in Africa?
Thanks bro, yeah the support has been great and I am grateful to all my fans here and back in Africa. We keep building momentum and its an exciting time . I am actually going to do both. We are building the GH Brothers brand in Africa. However, its still very important for me to bring the African beat to audiences here in the U.S and Europe. I’ll be traveling a lot going back and forth. Its all good because I’m doing something I love and have passion for.
Tell us a bit about your path towards music. Has singing been a family affair or did you just stumble on being a musician from a previous career?
Well my Ghanaian grandmother was a famous singer in Ghana back in the day and my grandfather was a poet so you could say its in the blood. I started performing when I was 11 years old back in Accra and was one of the first people to ever rap in Ghana.
How easy was it for you to adapt to working in Ghana? Are you going to encourage other African artists based in the West to return home?
It was easy because I spent so many of my formative years in Ghana growing up so it was just like coming home after a long time. I would encourage others to go home because there is a vibe in the music scene that is not in the States right now. There is a certain freedom and passion in the music in Ghana that I really enjoy and find liberating.
Tell us, how did it feel to be nominated for the Ghana Music Awards the very first time.
It was special because it made me see how Ghana appreciated my efforts and style of mixing African beats with R and B and rap. I understood clearly that they got what I was trying to do. At the same time I’m down to earth so I don’t get caught up in the hype of awards etc. I’m into it for the music and to make people happy.
How awesome is “Me dc wo?” Whose concept was it and did it exceed your expectations in how it performed?
I came up with it because I travelled a lot in my life and left a lot of wonderful people on the other side of the ocean. It breaks your heart. Its also a universal theme because I meet so many people who left their countries to work and walk around with a burden in their’ hearts.
We realize you did a second video with the same lady? Some fans are curious to know. Is she your girlfriend? You two certainly seem to have an awesome chemistry!
No she is not my girlfriend , she’s a model and actress in Ghana and we wanted to create a story for the videos and she did wonderfully.
Tell us about your new video with Tinny (Go Hard All Day).
Well we went hard on it! Tinny is a great artist and we featured the light heavyweight champ Bukom Banku in it and shot around Bukom and Teshie in Accra. We wanted to keep it local and show how hard people are working and training. So far people seem to really like it.
In a struggling economy, it makes sense that your audience will feel really connected to the lyrics and strength of the song. What inspired it?
Well I recorded that song the first night I ever met Tinny and I was blown away by his talent. Very often, I work all day and night and so it was fitting to do a song called, Go Hard All Day. Its true, people are struggling a lot in the present economy but no one is quitting, if anything people are working harder than ever, so its kind of a theme song for the daily grind.
Finally, what else do you have in the works? An EP? More singles or a full album perhaps?
I’m in the process of finishing up my second album and I’m really in a great zone. Its going to be more uptempo than the first one because I love it when people dance at the shows and I really love the African upbeat.
You are headlining the Viva la Vuvuzela Music Fest! What should your fans expect?
I love playing with my band and so its going to be a great time. I love being around people and you can expect a lot of energy and all I expect is for people to dance when they feel it.
Be sure to catch Jay Ghartey at the Viva La Vuvuzela Festival in New York City, this Saturday, July 23rd.
Keziah Jones is Ready to Rock NYC!
July 14th, 2011Keziah Jones, aka “captain rugged” is making his way to Brooklyn, New York. Find out what he had to say about NYC, Fela and the duality of African artists.
Hi Keziah, how does it feel to be back in NYC?
it feels great and i have been looking forward to it for a while
Where are you coming from and what have you been up to?
i have been writing in lagos and ghana and i have been touring summer festivals in europe
When was the last time you were in New York and were you able to see Fela on Broadway or in Europe?
i was here in march last year and i saw the fela play
What are your thoughts on the production?
It was the second time i saw it and it was a much tighter production. they also seemed to have made it shorter and more concise placing the action in the shrine, turning the theater into the shrine was a great and the musical backing was really tight.
Do you find that the growing recognition of Fela in certain areas of the world years after his death has affected your work at all?
definitely, there is less explanation as to where i am from also there is more of a responsibility to keep on expanding and redefining what is considered “african” music.
We interviewed Nneka a while ago, and one of the issues that came up was the dual nature of developing as an African artist in Europe and in Africa and how success in one place doesn’t necessarily translate into the other. What has been your experience with you African audience at home and abroad?
success means different things to different people in different places. for me to be successful at “home” means to be understood, ie:my lyrics, my guitar technique and the link between what i am doing and what others had done before, to be successful abroad means to be able to make money and survive, so the project is not to “translate” my success from one place to the other but to be successful in different ways in different places
Ok, so what should we expect now that you are back in NYC at Weeksville?
i’ll be playing selections from all previous albums plus possibly a few new songs
You are headlining after a really series of performances in the past 2 weeks. Pharoahe Monch was here 2 weeks ago, and Meshell was here last week. How do you feel about raising the bar this weekend?
i feel good and confident that i can yank that bar right off
Finally, what should old and new fans expect?
old fans should expect the original freewheelin afro anarchist, new fans can expect “captain rugged” the one and only true african superhero
Catch Keziah Jones at Weeksville, this Saturday from 5-8pm.
Vuvuzela Spotlight: Derrick Ashong & Soulfege
July 8th, 2011Be sure to catch Derrick Ashong & Soulfege at the Viva La Vuvuzela Festival in New York City, this Saturday, July 9th.
What does the name Soulfege mean?
The name Soulfège comes from the musical term solfège. It’s a way of teaching vocal music as in “doe a deer, a female deer” from “The Sound of Music”. We added a ‘u”’ because we’ve got “soul” and the rest is history-in-the-making. These days the band is known as “Derrick N Ashong & Soulfège” and we’ve spent the last year-and-a-half working on our new record “AFropolitan” that makes a statement on who we are & the global community we’re a part of.
How different is your upcoming project from previous ones?
I think this record represents an evolutionary leap. We’ve always sat musically at the intersection of Hip-Hop, Reggae & Highlife, but with this album we dive deeper into our musical roots. You’ll hear a stronger musical statement in the Hip-Hop & Reggae songs in particular, but you’ll also hear elements of Doo-Wop, Gospel, Blues & Funk. At the same time, the album has a greater cohesion than ever before and makes a much stronger socio-political statement. To me it’s a record w/ both a bigger heart and a harder hand.
You used to travel very often to the motherland to record and shoot your videos and stills. When was the last time u visited home?
It’s been a while. I haven’t been home since August of ’09 which was two years ago. Now that we’ve relocated back to the East Coast this Spring, I’m hoping to get back more often.
Derrick, you’ve been busy. How have you kept it all in balance?
Honestly there’s no magic to it. It takes a lot of discipline and a very strong commitment. I also have the privilege of working w/ an amaaazing team of people on both the creative & business sides and on a daily basis they make the impossible a reality.
Is there any point when you might finally decide to lean more towards your work around the world and let go off the band. perhaps work as a solo artist even? You must have an incredible schedule!
I don’t really think along those terms. To me music is at the root of my contribution to the world & many people are unaware that it’s been my experiences as an artist that led to many of my other opportunities to have a global impact. My first opportunities to work on projects in Europe, Latin-America, the Caribbean & Asia, all came as a direct result of my music, and I am careful to remember where my roots are. As for doing solo work, everyone in this band does solo work, we just maintain a perspective that enables us to bring that work to a collective table. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Jon. What’s the difference between how you write as a group now compared to your days in Harvard in the face of family, kids, marriage etc.
Life changes have not changed our methods as much as our perspective. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere at anytime, but the things that are a part of our daily life now, especially the issues that matter to us most are a bit more refined. We have always had a heart and passion for youth and making the world a better and safer place for them, the only difference now is that we think specifically of our own kids, which makes us all the more passionate about it. Seeing a new life in the world that you are specifically responsible for lights a certain fire under you that makes it feel like everything you say and do matters that much more, because it is for they that are a part of your new we.
Derrick, lets talk a bit about Obama. Have you two met yet? If you met Obama like that journalist met you in LA, which 5 or 6 successive questions will you ask him without allowing him a few seconds to answer!
LOL no I haven’t met President Obama and if I did, I would not treat him like that journalist in LA. I would want to ask him a couple of questions though. First, do you believe that the higher unemployment figures actually reflect a systemic reset of the American economy (ie. to some degree are they here to stay)? I would also ask him if it’s realistic to expect the USA to remain globally competitive over the next half-century when we’ve got the highest wealth inequalities in the world? Finally I would ask if the way we finance our campaigns has led to a reality that elected representatives now represent the interests of those who pay their campaign bills, rather than those who cast their ballots…
Finally guys, what should your fans expect from you tomorrow night at Viva La Vuvuzela?
You can expect the passion that we have inside to be put on display, you can expect to be invited to join in by clapping, grooving, dancing and singing along. You can expect to see us put it all out there, not some or half but ALL. We will be rocking for you in Hip Hop, Reggae and Rock all with a bit of that Afropolitan flavor. And we will be performing our newly released single “AFropolitan” from our album of the same name due to be released this Fall. In short it will be HOT FIYAH!
Get to Know: Ghanaian-American Singer, Abena Koomson
June 28th, 2011Catch Abena Koomson this Saturday, July 1st, at Nuyorican Poet’s Café with Osekre’s Vibe.
AfriPOP!: How does it feel to be back in NYC?!
Abena Koomson: It’s always great to come home to New York City. I may be a world traveler, but I make my home in Brooklyn. The music community here is one of my favorite reasons to call this place home.
AfriPOP!: Tell us more about yourself as an artist. We’ve always seen you (at least recently) through the lenses of “FELA!” Who is Abena Koomson?
Abena: Long before FELA! on Broadway, I was a Language Arts teacher and Dean of Students at Winston Preparatory School here in NY. Throughout my teaching career, I pursued my love for writing and music. I am a member of the louderARTS collective which hosts a reading series, and a founding member of the acapella trio, Saheli. Additionally, I formed a theater company, ASC/NYC with my fellow colleague from Winston Prep, Keith Oncale. We’ve produced over 15 shows including my one- woman show, “Cozi Sa Wala: Magic Words,” which played at the soloNOVA Arts Festival in 2009.
“Cozi Sa Wala” explores my Ghanaian roots through the lens of a funeral party, one of the most important rites in our culture. That same year, I had the pleasure of playing Celebrate Brooklyn’s Africa series with other African performers including Freshly Ground and King Sunny Ade. I also toured South Africa with the Urban Voices International Festival as a featured poet. Then, in the fall of 2009, FELA! opened on Broadway.
AfriPOP!: How was it being in “FELA!”
Abena: From the beginning, I knew this would be no ordinary experience, because Fela Anikulapo- Kuti was no ordinary man. In many ways, his spirit came with the territory, which made for an exciting, challenging, stimulating, inspiring, thought-provoking, experience. It was eye opening and life changing.
My time on stage was mostly magical, especially when I had the opportunity to play Funmilayo on Broadway. But it was also work. Hard work. I think people get caught up in the “glitz” of Broadway. But it’s also a daily challenge. Eight shows a week, with one day off, is not a game. And as vocal captain, I was often in afternoon rehearsals 2-3 times a week. Virtually every interaction I had during my time on Broadway was about the show. It took up every aspect of life. It was worth the experience, but I can’t stress what a grueling schedule it was, especially around TONY time. But hey, we brought three home and many other awards besides. Not to mention the love we got from our audiences. That was incredible.
AfriPOP!: What’s next for Abena Koomson?
Abena: Firstly, I’ll be recording my first album. I’m super excited. It’s time to lay it DOWN! I’m securing personnel and determining the programming. This is a BIG step. Secondly, this summer I’m traveling to Ghana for the funeral celebration of my grandmother Nana Akyinba IV, queenmother of Egaa No. 1. She recently passed at the remarkable age of 109!! For the last several years, I’ve been returning to Ghana to spend time with her and chronicle her history, which is my history. A documentary is in development, and I also plan to do a tribute concert.
AfriPOP!: What should we expect at your upcoming shows!
Abena: NEW MUSIC! Taking a break from Broadway means that I finally have time to write new tunes and put a new spin on the old ones. It also makes time for great collaborations.
AfriPOP! Interview: Nneka on Nigerian Elections and African Artists
June 7th, 2011AfriPOP! recently sat down with Nneka to talk about the Nigerian elections, African artists in the West and what we can look forward to from her.
AfriPOP!: What are your thoughts on the recent elections in Nigeria and why you decided to participate in mobilizing the youth for the elections?
Nneka: That’s the only way to express yourself, to get yourself head. That was a big thing for me because it was my first time as well. It took me about 4 days to register. But in the end, inspite of the madness and difficulty we went through we were able to mobilize people to get registered.
AfriPOP!: Were you surprised by the outcome of the elections? Did you have any expectations going into it?
Nneka: For the organizations I was working with, we got really good feedback. For the results of the elections? Hey, c’mon now. We all know what’s up. Please forgive me but “hey now,” one man dey work, bamboo dey chop.
AfriPOP!: Some artists prefer to take the easier route and not address social issues head on through their music. Why do you prefer to take the path less taken?
Nneka: Of course now, that’s life for me. You can’t remove the darkness from the light. For existence, we have all the madness and the sanity. This is reality. This is what it is. It doesn’t give me a thrill … but these things concern me. These issues make me raise my voice. Without these issues, I wdn’t have anything to say.
AfriPOP!: How do you strike the balance as a biracial artist especially since Nigeria and Africa could benefit more from your work and the attention you draw to the issues you address in your music than Germany would.
Nneka: Well since I grew up in Nigeria, I feel more African, more Nigerian. I lived in Germany for about 7 years before moving back to Nigeria. However, I was discovered in Germany. That is where I was educated. I gained more access to our history as Africans, Afro-Americans.
A record company in Germany saw and acknowledged my talent. After gaining that publicity in Europe. It was difficult to sell my music back in Nigeria. Being mixed race first of all. People were thinking “so weytin this Oyibo girl come want now; with her funny accent” Political on top of it, and you don’t even live here! That was one of the things that made me move back home.
After gaining publicity in the states, Naija is now say okay .. there is one person called, Nneka, claiming to be Nigerian … (laughing)
These people didn’t know that I wasn’t hustling on the streets of Ekoyi, Lagos, Agege, Ogba, before D- Banj. It was the same year as 2Face. I went on tour with 2Face on his first tour.
It’s a long journey. Everything is connected. There is a reason why everything happened the way it happened. There was a reason why it had to be Europe, America and now, Africa.
AfriPOP!: There are artists who believe that for African artists in the West, initial success in the west guarantees success back at home. Do you think that’s what happened to you?
Nneka: That’s what happened to me, to Fela, and that’s what happened to Asa. Fela, initially got more acclaim here before he we went back. Wayy before broadway. there is De Banj and Don Jazzi. 2 Face and co back home. We thank God that people have become more open to music. There was a time when your family would say you have to be a doctor or engineer. If you said you wanted to be a musician, your family would say, “Please don’t bring shame to our familyoh.”
But there is a DBanj and there is Don Jazzi and they are doing it well back at home.
AfriPOP!: What should we look forward to in the future from Nneka
Nneka: The next album, a lot of festivals, touring Europe, South Africa and my next album will be similar to what you know me for … that is if you know me …)
We love some Nneka!