Veteran Nigerian actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu recently delighted fans and netizens after making a rare public appearance, following a lengthy absence from the media scene.
At a recent event, the acclaimed actor showcased not only his acting skills but also his vocal talent, captivating attendees with a lively performance. In a video that has since gained attention online, Udokwu, surrounded by his peers, delivered an energetic rendition of Bob Marley’s iconic song “Who The Cap Fit.”
The actor, known for his charisma, engaged the crowd with his dynamic performance, carrying them along with the powerful lyrics of the classic song, which addresses themes of trust, friendship, and betrayal—topics often central to Marley’s messages.
Fans have had lovely comments to share on the Instagram platform. They wrote, “Only your best friend knows your secret, so only he could reveal it…bars,” “One of my favourites back in the days,” and “The way I love this man err .. when I see him playing a role of suffering or poor man I will cry saaa.”
Bob-Manuel Udokwu first rose to prominence in 1992 with his breakthrough role in the Nollywood blockbuster Living in Bondage, a film that helped place the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, on the global map. Over the years, Udokwu has starred in several other notable productions such as When The Sun Sets and Checkmate, solidifying his status as a Nollywood icon.
In 2010, rumors swirled about Udokwu’s entry into politics. He later confirmed his shift to public service, becoming the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Willie Obiano, on Creative Media (Movie and Entertainment). Since then, Udokwu has focused on political endeavors while staying connected to Nollywood behind the scenes.
Paramount Pictures‘ musical biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love,” exceeded expectations as it claimed the top spot at the box office with a stellar $27.7 million opening weekend.
In contrast, Sony’s “Madame Web,” a Marvel character-centered film, struggled with one of the lowest debuts for the genre.
Both films were released on Tuesday to capture Valentine’s Day audiences, and despite initial predictions favoring “Madame Web,” “One Love” emerged as the preferred choice, even with mixed reviews. Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir and backed by the Marley estate, the film’s performance paralleled successful musical biopics like “Rocketman” and “Elvis.”
Paramount anticipates a total gross of $51 million over the first six days.
Chris Aronson, Paramount’s distribution chief, highlighted the broad appeal of “One Love,” noting a diverse audience, particularly with a significant portion under 25. Ziggy Marley expressed gratitude, stating, “We thank the people for embracing this film and in so doing helping to highlight the message of one love.”
In contrast, “Madame Web” faced a disappointing fate, estimating a $15.2 million weekend and a six-day haul of $25.8 million.
With a lackluster “C+” CinemaScore and unfavorable critic reviews, the superhero film struggled to overcome negative buzz.
The article also notes the challenging start to the 2024 box office for Hollywood, citing a 15% decline in ticket sales compared to 2023. The upcoming release of “Dune: Part Two” on March 1 is anticipated to boost industry fortunes.
The weekend’s estimated ticket sales for the top 10 movies in U.S. and Canadian theaters are as follows:
The government reshuffle initiated by President Akufo-Addo has not adversely impacted former Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery.
While some State Ministers reportedly find it challenging to accept the changes, Dery has embraced the transition with grace.
Many attribute Mr. Dery’s positive response to his reassignment as Minister of State at the office of the President.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the typically reserved former Minister surprised netizens by joyfully dancing to the popular Bob Marley and the Wailers song, “Satisfy My Soul.”
Reggae music lovers and fans of Bob Marley are eagerly anticipating the premiere of the “Bob Marley: One Love” movie at Silverbird Cinemas in West Hills Mall and Accra Mall on Friday, February 16.
The premiere promises to take patrons on an immersive journey into the life and musical legacy of the iconic musician, capturing Bob Marley’s powerful message of love, unity, and social change.
Featuring Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley and Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley, the film boasts a talented cast from Hollywood.
Produced by Tuff Gong, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, and others, and distributed by Paramount Pictures, “Bob Marley: One Love” tells the inspiring story of how Bob Marley overcame challenges and the transformative journey behind his revolutionary music.
Nana Kwame Obiri-Tete, Sales and Marketing Lead at Silverbird Cinemas, Ghana, expressed excitement about the premiere, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees. He announced the inclusion of photo booths for capturing the electrifying atmosphere and creating lasting memories.
Obiri-Tete stated, “To enhance the premiere experience, attendees will have the opportunity to take photos against a Bob Marley-themed backdrop, capturing the essence of the moment.”
He further added, “Whether you’re a devoted Bob Marley enthusiast or simply intrigued by his impact on music and culture, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, merchandise and exclusive offers for brands seeking to delight their clientele during the Valentine’s period will be available.”
Aston Barrett, renowned as the bassist for the legendary reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers, has passed away at the age of 77.
Known affectionately as “Family Man,” Barrett, born in 1946 and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, played a pivotal role in the development of reggae music.
His family confirmed his demise, citing a “long medical battle” without specifying details. A key figure in reggae’s growth, Barrett contributed to almost all the Wailers albums and collaborated with artists such as Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, and many others.
In a social media post on Saturday, Barrett’s son, Aston Barrett Jr, shared the announcement of his father’s passing.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett after a long medical battle.”
Aston Barrett initially rose to prominence as part of the Upsetters, the supporting band for reggae trailblazer Lee “Scratch” Perry.
In 1974, he became a member of Bob Marley’s band.
His bass contributions played a pivotal role in numerous Wailers hits, including but not limited to “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Stir It Up,” “Jamming,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Could You Be Love.”
“The drum, it is the heartbeat, and the bass, it is the backbone,” Barrett once said. “If the bass is not right, the music is gonna have a bad back, so it would be crippled.”
In 1981, Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36 due to cancer. The Wailers went on to perform, switching up their lineup and using different vocalists to replace Marley.
Barrett told the BBC in 2013 that he had fathered 23 daughters and 18 sons. “I am the family man,” he said. “I’m gifted with 41 [children].”
Ghanaian reggae and dancehall sensation, Stonebwoy, has been enlisted by the iconic reggae legend, Bob Marley for a tribute album titled “Africa Unite.”
Set to release on August 4, 2023, the album features 10 tracks with new interpretations of Bob Marley’s timeless reggae classics, infused with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats.
Stonebwoy’s collaboration with Bob Marley marks a significant milestone in his career, adding to his esteemed partnerships with reggae luminaries. His previous collaborations with Gentleman and Alpha Blondy have earned him global recognition as a reggae ambassador.
“Africa Unite” boasts collaborations with other Afrobeats stars such as Tiwa Savage, Teni, Rema, and Oxlade, celebrating the richness of African rhythms and melodies. By blending reggae’s soulful vibrations with the energy of Afrobeats, the album exemplifies unity and collaboration, reflecting Bob Marley’s vision of a harmonious world.
Amidst his successful music journey, Stonebwoy is currently on his “5th Dimension” North America and Canada tour, captivating audiences with his Afro-pop, dancehall, and reggae fusion. With a string of international duets and remarkable performances worldwide, Stonebwoy has solidified his position as one of Ghana’s leading names in music.
His latest album, “5th Dimension,” has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing his versatility and artistic prowess. As he continues to make waves in the music industry, Stonebwoy’s contribution to Bob Marley’s “Africa Unite” pays homage to the timeless legacy of reggae and Afrobeats, uniting audiences across borders.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage joins Bob Marley & The Wailers for a cover of their timeless hit “Waiting In Vain.”
The original version of “Waiting In Vain” was released in 1977 and has since become one of reggae music’s most memorable songs. Bob Marley wrote the song, which appeared on his album “Exodus.”
Tiwa Savage’s appearance on the song provides a fresh and modern twist to the traditional reggae melody. Her silky vocals merge wonderfully with the song’s smooth grooves, creating a laid-back and mellow mood that will appeal to fans of Tiwa and Bob Marley & The Wailers alike.
This is not the first time an African artiste has appeared on a version of a famous Bob Marley song this year. Sarkodie, a Ghanaian rapper, appeared on the version of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Stir It Up” earlier this year.
Tiwa Savage and Sarkodie’s appearances on remakes of Bob Marley songs demonstrate music’s ability to transcend time and genre. These remakes offer a new generation of listeners to iconic songs from the past, while also providing a platform for modern musicians to pay homage to the luminaries that came before them.
Afrobeats may be the popular music in Ghana and many other African nations right now, but Jamaican music is still played loudly practically constantly in Ghana’s roadside and beach bars.
Reggae night is held every Thursday in two large clubs in Accra, the country’s capital, amplifying the already hot weather.
Ghana demonstrates that the roots of reggae music have spread widely and have produced local talent.
Jamaican performers like the late greats Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and the group Culture are widely acknowledged with sowing the seeds of reggae music on African soil 50 years ago.
Image caption,Accra has a wealth of reggae and dancehall gigs to offer
This love of reggae has also had a cultural bearing on the language: it is not hard these days to hear Ghanaians talking a little Jamaican Patois, which is different from Pidgin English, a lingua franca spoken by roughly a fifth of Ghana’s population.
Take Livingston Satekla, one the biggest reggae-dancehall artists to come out of Africa, better known as Stonebwoy. The spelling of his stage name is a nod to Jamaican Patois.
The phrase “Who is that boy singing?” in Ghanaian Pidgin is: “Who be dat boy weh he de sing for deh?” In Jamaican Patois it is: “Ah who dat bwoy weh im ah sing fi deh?”
In a recent interview Stonebwoy and I discussed the growing use of Patois in Ghana, frowned upon by some Ghanaians.
“What’s wrong with learning to communicate in Patois, which comes as part and parcel of reggae-dancehall as a core tool of communication? If you love reggae-dancehall you ought to learn Patois,” the 34-year-old musician told me.
Born in the ghettos of Ashaiman outside Accra, Stonebwoy would regularly listen to Jamaican dancehall dons like Capelton, Anthony-B and Beenie Man as a teenager – wanting to sound just like his Patois-speaking heroes.
He would later go on to host some of the very same people at his annual BHIM Concert, arguably one of the most successful dancehall showcases in Africa.
It takes place in December as part of Ghana’s Beyond The Return campaign – a project designed to encourage people from the diaspora to visit the country.
It draws big crowds – me included – and last year featured Jamaica’s Busy Signal, who had many of his fellow countrymen and women singing along to his hits.
Some in the audience could be seen with dreadlocks – worn by Rastafarians.
Reggae has been instrumental in spreading the rasta message. It too has been a cheerleader for Africa – singing about the beauty of the continent, boasting of its natural resources while calling for people in the diaspora to return to the motherland.
This has gone a long way to solidify the bond between reggae and Africa, especially during and after colonial rule.
It makes sense that Ghana, among the first African countries to gain independence (from the UK in 1957), gravitates to the sounds of struggle and strife associated with reggae. It has had plenty of struggle and strife, having experienced six military coups between the 1960s and 1980s.
One of the first big reggae artists in Ghana was Kojo Antwi, also known as Mr Music Man.
Antwi started his career in the 1970s working with reggae band Classique Handles which later changed its name to Classique Vibes. Their debut 1979 album Higher: Suffer Hell on Earth addresses the economic struggles of the ghetto and how a lack of job opportunities can lead to starvation.
By the mid-1980s Antwi would become better known for love songs with lyrics in his local language Twi – sung over the less political lovers’ rock reggae sound, which went on to inspire other big Ghanaian artists.
While Mr Music Man was serenading his homeland, a young northern Ghanaian, Rocky Dawuni, of royal heritage, was beginning to make waves on the global reggae scene with the 1998 hit In Ghana. His growing popularity saw some of his tracks featuring on various US TV dramas and three Grammy nominations to his name.
If reggae is the parent, dancehall is definitely its mischievous child – with skilful lyricism and the unmistakable tones of Patois.
One of the first successful descendants of this in Ghana is Samini, famous for his energetic live performances, singing in Pidgin, Patois and Twi.
Often referred to as Africa’s King of Dancehall Music, he has received accolades from foreign and domestic organisations, including a Mobo back in 2006 for Best African Act and an MTV Africa Music award in 2009 for Best Live Performer.
Not being content with his solo accomplishments, Samini helped launched the career of top Ghanaian artist Mugeez as well as playing a huge role in kick-starting the career of Stonebwoy.
There is also another contender with a legitimate claim to Ghana’s dancehall throne: Shatta Wale.
As a student in Accra, he performed using the names Doggy and Bandana, producing one hit in 2004 and then disappearing into relative obscurity.
It took a trip to Jamaica to bring his resurrection.
He returned as Shatta Wale – now with a devoted fan-base and catalogue of hits including an epic collaboration in 2019 with Beyoncé on Already. The 38-year-old’s golden touch has also extended to business and he owns a successful line of taxis known as Shaxi.
Currently, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy are two of Africa’s biggest reggae-dancehall stars and memorably participated in the Asaase Sound Clash at the height of Covid in 2020.
The onstage competition, a musical tradition that originated in Jamaica, was live-streamed globally and hosted by Grammy award-winning producer and BBC broadcaster Seani B.
As each artist tried to outdo the other, their fans shouted out their appreciation, with the phrase “dat tune deh mad” (Jamaican Patois for “that song is awesome”) ringing through the venue.
Both sets of supporters believed their man had won on the night. However, the real winner was GH dancehall – a true child of Jamaica.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
Ghanaian fast-rising reggae dancehall musician, Renner, has stated that reggae legend Blakk Rasta, is entitled to express himself regarding the recent release of Bob Marley and Sarkodie’s Stir It Up refix.
Blakk Rasta’s reaction to the international collaboration sparked a firestorm on social media, which began a few weeks ago at an Accra-based radio station, where he stated that it was a betrayal of Bob Marley’s legacy.
Prior to this statement, she indicated in an interview on Happy 98.9FM’s Evening Drive with host Akua Sika that Blak Rasta is one she reveres and believes is a pacesetter to all reggae and dancehall musicians and therefore must be given the necessary respect as such.
“He has an opinion; everybody does; so whether he is right or wrong, he has an opinion,” she asserted, further expounding that as he voiced his opinion, people in turn voiced theirs concerning him and his dissatisfaction with the “Stir It Up” refix.
Renna believed that Blakk Rasta, being a musician and a fan of Bob Marley, had thoughts of who would fit best for the collaboration, which caused him to express himself in that manner; however, she indicated that the Marley family had equally strong opinions on who would have been the best fit for that and carried on with it. “The vocals are the property of the Marley family, so what they want to do with it is what they do with it.” “Blakk Rasta, on the other hand, being a musician and a fan of Bob Marley, would feel that the song is supposed to be treated this way,” she echoed.
Ghanaian musician and radio personality, Blakk Rasta has reacted to some comments from artiste manager Bullgod that Ghanaians should not take the former serious because he is stressed out.
Bullgod was reacting to an earlier comment from Blakk Rasta about rapper Sarkodie being featured on Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up” song.
The “Daaro Daaro” musician, responding to Bullgod’s assertion about him in a tweet, said that if he is stressed as the artiste manager claims, then he (Bullgod), who spent time in jail for irresponsibility and making bizarre comments is more stressed.
“Even he who has been locked up severally by the police for careless, deranged utterances and, bears the middle name of a castrated DOG is not stressed. What a world!” he said.
On February 6, 2023, Bullgod revealed that mental health is not taken seriously in Ghana, which is why Blakk Rasta has been making headlines for expressing that Sarkodie’s feature with Bob Marley is a desecration to his song, ‘Stir it Up’.
According to the artiste manager, a close examination of the “Black Pot show host” reveals that Blakk Rasta is going through so much.
“Blakk Rasta is stressed. We do not take mental health seriously. There is a lot of stress in this country. Blakk Rasta is stressed,” he said.
Dancehall musician, Shatta Wale, has once again poked Ghanaians over what he termed as their ‘hypocritical’ mindset.
According to the dancehall musician, people doubted his Beyonce feature, but were quick to embrace what he described as ‘Sarkodie’s video shoot with a ‘ghost.’
This is the second time Shatta Wale has openly reacted to Sarkodie’s feature on Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Stir It up’ remix.
Commenting on the release of the song, which was accompanied by a music video, Shatta Wale questioned why Ghanaians are excited about the video although the ‘main author’ is absent.
“When I met Beyonce and we did the video shoot together, people doubted me. Even when we were seen together in the video, they said I wasn’t the one.
“They said I wasn’t there, and I never met her. But with Sarkodie’s Bob Marley feature, did he meet the ghost during the video shoot? Sarkodie shot a video with a ghost, but that’s what you people like,” he stated in a viral video.
Earlier in an interview with Luv FM, Shatta shared a different opinion on the ‘legendary feature’ which many have tagged as a great feat in the entertainment industry.
“We’ve heard Sarkodie has featured Bob Marley. It’s so beautiful. At least we’ve had someone who can feature a ghost, we should praise him.”
Sarkodie has been featured on a new rendition of legendary late reggae artiste, Bob Marley and the Wailers band’s classic, “Stir it Up”, originally released in 1973.
‘Stir It Up’, is a love song the late Jamaican musician wrote for his beloved wife Rita Marley, a year after their marriage.
Prior to the release of its latest rendition, Sarkodie who gave a hint about being a part of it disclosed that the project is the biggest highlight in his music journey.
The last time a Ghanaian artiste chalked such an enviable feat in the music industry was when “Ayoo” hitmaker Charles Nii Armah Mensah better known as Shatta Wale got featured on ‘Already’, a song on Beyoncé’s ‘Lion King: The Gift’ album, released in 2019 and produced by Guilty Beatz.
The “Stir it Up” song which was released on Friday, January 20, and was re-produced by popular producer, John Kwesi Dosunmu-Mensah better known as M.O.G Beatz has muddled a lot of controversy within the showbiz fraternity.
The question that many are asking is: Which of these collaborations is the biggest achievement in the Ghanaian music industry?
One can recall that the CEO of the most prestigious music awards scheme in the World, ‘The Grammys’; Harvey Mason Jr. in an exclusive dinner meeting with Ghanaian artists during his visit to the country gave the artists the inside scope of how one can win an award.
According to him, to win a Grammy, one needs to live in the United States of America and be a part of the GRAMMY Academy.
Another significant point he raised was that winning the most prestigious music award is not about the number of streams, getting a record label, or sales but the quality of the song – the song must be well-produced.
From a Grammy’s perspective, Shatta Wale’s feature with Beyonce is the biggest achievement. Beyonce is more decorated than Bob Marley.
Though Robert Nesta Marley a.k.a Bob Marley was considered one of the pioneers of reggae, and his musical career was marked by fusing elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, as well as his distinctive vocal and songwriting style, he never received a nomination during his life.
The Recording Academy failed to recognize his talents. He did, however, receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 after his demise in 1981.
The late Jamaican singer was also nominated in 2001 and 2002 for Best Music Film and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals posthumously, but he did not win in those categories.
With a total of 28 awards and 79 nominations from the Grammy Awards for her music (including her work in Destiny’s Child and The Carters), Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter better known as Beyonce’ is the most nominated woman and the most awarded singer in Grammy history.
She is known for her boundary-pushing artistry and her vocal prowess. Her success has made her a cultural icon and earned her the nickname “Queen Bey”.
Until a Ghanaian artiste features a musician who is more decorated than the American songstress, her collaboration with Shatta Wale would continue to be the biggest achievement in the Ghanaian music industry.
For now, Sarkodie can only be congratulated for being the Ghanaian artiste who was chosen to feature on the remixed version of the late Bob Marley & The Wailers’ iconic “Stir it up’ song.
Shatta Wale has reacted to Sarkodie’s latest project with the legendary reggae artiste, Bob Marley.
Although the Jamaican musician is late, his team made a decision to release a posthumous version of his smash hit ‘Stir It Up’ with The Wailers.
Featured in the remix, released today, Friday, January 20, 2023, is Sarkodie, whose verse has since stirred massive reactions from individuals on social media.
Shatta Wale has also shared his opinion about the project but in a sarcastic manner.
In what looked like mockery, the dancehall musician during a discussion on LuvFM’s Drive Time said;
“We’ve heard Sarkodie has featured Bob Marley. It’s so beautiful. At least we’ve had someone who can feature a ghost, we should praise him.”
Shatta Wale said Ghanaians are still concerned about the ‘Meek Mill – Jubilee House’ saga instead of focusing on ‘Sarkodie’s ghost feature.’
“We are not even talking about that, its Meek Mill we are concerned about.”
Reacting to the information, Sarkodie described the feature as the biggest moment in his life and career.
The popular Ghanaian rapper said: “What a way to kick start this year!!! Definitely one of the highest moments in my career/Life… Big shouts to the team at island records @akosuas_ @Jaykjs and the Marley family for getting me on this amazing project by the legend #bobmarley… such a blessing to lay my vocals right next to the original vocals of the Gong…”
Fans can pre-save the track on digital platforms before it is released.
Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, a reggae singer-songwriter and grandson of Bob Marley, was found dead in Miami-Dade County in the US on Dec. 26, according to reports.
A Marley representative confirmed his death to Rolling Stone on Tuesday. Marley was 31.
Marley’s death was first reported by Jamaican broadcast journalist Abka Fitz-Henley, who said Marley had been found unresponsive inside a vehicle. An official cause of death has not been released.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Jo Mersa Marley, the son of Stephen Marley, was one of many in the family to follow Bob Marley’s path as a musical artist. Growing up, Marley performed with his family’s band, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, joining them onstage as a toddler. Ziggy Marley is his uncle.
While still a teenager and after having moved to Miami, Jo Mersa Marley released his first single, dancehall track “My Girl,” with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley, Ziggy Marley’s son.
His first solo album, “Comfortable,” was released in 2014. In 2019, Jo Mersa Marley, alongside his brother, Yohan Marley, dropped perhaps his most memorable single, political anthem “Burn It Down,” with a rousing, contagious hook.
“I am one of the new generation of Marleys, but I am still experimenting at the same time,” Marley told Rolling Stone in 2014, shortly after the release of his first album. “My plan is to do something new with my roots.”
Ali Campbell, an English musical artist and former lead man of reggae band UB40, spent time with Marley while on a recent U.S. tour. Campbell said he was “absolutely shocked to the core” by the death of Marley, whom he called “a delightful young man” and “a real Marley to the core.”
Jamaican politician Mark Golding, also commented on Marley’s death. “I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley,” said the opposition leader and president of the People’s National Party. “The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen & the entire family.”
Olivia Grange, a member of Jamaica’s Parliament and minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, said she was “deeply saddened” by the news of Marley’s death, calling it “a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation.”
She shared a video of Marley performing in May at a 60th-anniversary celebration of Jamaica’s independence in Miramar, Florida.
“As a young individual and still an upcoming and aspiring artist, I want to pay my respects to the legends in our circle,” Marley said to the audience, pointing to other artists who had joined him onstage.
“If you don’t know your past, you don’t know your future,” Marley said, before launching into a cover of “One Love.”
Music is one of the most powerful tools for social change and it’s use as a tool is evident in the works of musicians like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and James Brown among others.
Here in Ghana, musicians like Nana Kwame Ampadu I, E.T Mensah, Lucky Mensah, and many others have toed this line by using their music as a tool for social change. Following in this line is Afotey Laryea aka T Gay ska Afotey Humble Lion.
As a youngster, it’s been said that anytime he was upset over something, he would communicate his feelings in a song, and it’s little wonder that today, he’s singing about social issues and calling attention to the problems of our day.
Afotey Humble Lion is out with two anthems that draw attention to social issues affecting us. These are African Leaders and It’s a Shame. Both songs draw attention to the plight of Africa while our leaders live in opulence.
Born to a rock and roll dance champion who was also a Policeman, Humble Lion grew up around Nima, Maamobi and Odorkor and Teshie during which time he attended Suhum Secondary Technical School after which he joined a reggae group, the Black Empire Band as the lead singer.
The group performed alongside reggae bands like S.O.Z Squad Band, Kente Band, Truth, and Rights Band, Vibration Kings, Norman Grant of Twinkle Brothers and the legendary sound system operator, Jah Shaka. He also toured various parts of the country with Consular Hayes, K.K Kabobo, Snr. Eddie Donkor, Nana Tuffuor, and AB Crenstil among others.
Although Humble Lion’s first group, Black Empire was a reggae band, he’s versatile and has produced songs in various genres over the years. He’s also a fine artist too who does landscapes, murals, and interior decorations as well. Afotey Humble Lion is also a fashion designer.
In 2006 Afotey Humble Lion and Okyeame Kwame Bediako organized the Sunshine Arts and Music Awards at the National Theatre where they honored a host of top Ghanaian musicians. Some of the recipients were Amandzeba, Paapa Yankson, Mac Tonto, Obaapa Christie, and many others. He’s also played at various festivals in Canada and the U.S including the Baobao Festival, Colorado.
He has ten albums to his credit now – Supernatural Jama and My Journey and is currently working on a jazz album.
“One good thing about music, is when it hits you, you feel no pain’, cliché isn’t it? Well, those are words from the legendary Bob Marley. But these words hold so true! Cast your mind to that music that you repeated many times just to get over a broken heart and also that special music that spurs you on when you take a long drive.
God knows how many times I listened to Joe Mettle’s “Onwanwani” during my broke days. The song did not put money into my pocket miraculously, but it gave me hope that God can do the impossible.
Well, in this depressing state of affairs in a country where the economy is severely constricting many of us, God can get you through it. Music that speaks to your emotions can also help you get through these difficult times. I’d like to share one song from my tough times’ playlist. I’ve been listening to a song called “On God” by Alorman.
The song begins with a catchy guitar hook that progresses into a groovy Afrobeats rhythm and then keeps your attention with relatable lyrics. Alorman begins the music by singing that waking up in the morning is a blessing, but when he looks around, there is no one there. But when he looks up, he knows there is God.
He then chants that you must be strong for your life and put your faith in God. This is so relatable because, in these difficult economic times when prices of goods and services fluctuate daily, you must remain mentally strong and prepare your heart for the “dizzy drive.”
Alorman sings that even though he has friends who could help him, they ignore him. He looks up to God instead of feeling entitled to their wealth. He begins to pray, asking God to hear his cries. His pleadings are captured in a catchy chorus. “Everything on God… It is not easy, but we will survive. On God everything will be fine”.
The song’s third verse urges the youth not to give up but be patient and double their grind until they make it. Indeed, to survive these hard times you must double your efforts. Increase your streams of income, income, double your investment and then leave it to God to double your blessings. This enjoyable piece of music shares lessons on financial independence.
The groovy music will not put money in your pocket but can make you feel more optimistic about life.
Alorman is a Ghanaian singer-songwriter Afrobeats and dancehall artiste from the heart of Ga Mashie (Accra). In what seemed like a hobby of freestyling on social media and underground performance, his music career got started.
In 2022, he decided to take the music hustle seriously and signed a deal with Ten64music (a record label in Ghana) hoping God will bless his efforts.
This deal birthed “Rebirth” EP. His EP has five songs; “Boyz, Link Up, Ghetto Youth, On God and Why Baby” are upbeat.
Lauryn Hill’s son Zion shared a heartfelt moment with his mother following her performance of “To Zion” at ONE MusicFest over the weekend.
Shortly after performing “To Zion,” the 1998 song about her choice to keep her first child with Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley, Lauryn was surprised onstage by Zion. The two embraced for a moment and then he returned backstage. Hill asked the crowd to make some noise for Zion before asking him to come back with her two grandchildren, Zephaniah and Azaria.
The moment can be seen in the video below at the 18:00 mark.
“To Zion” appeared on Hill’s landmark album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year and Best R&B Album. That same year, she also received the Grammy for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Doo Wop (That Thing).”
“Woe this crazy circumstance/I knew his life deserved a chance,” Hill sings on “To Zion.”
“But everybody told me to be smart, “Look at your career,” they said/“Lauryn, baby use your head”/But instead I chose to use my heart.”
