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WANLOV BREAKS THE STATUS QUO IN GH MUSIC
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Wanlov recently returned from a brief visit to the United Kingdom, a country he was once refused an ...Wanlov recently returned from a brief visit to the United Kingdom, a country he was once refused an entry visa due to reasons best known to the British mission in Accra. The man was not there just to admire the beautiful edifices of the queen’s land, rather strengthening his brand and selling his music to that part of the world. He managed to grab the headlines even in a knotty British music scene. A jumbo bash with fellow Ghanaian act and respected producer, Mensah Ansah is a perfect vindicator. Wanlov did raise high the flag of Ghana rightly in the face of its colonial masters.
Many folks; either related to the artistic industry or not are convinced the GH music genre, Hip Life, is here to stay. The genre which is believed to have survived several generations is not without peculiar features. It is another variety with the ‘bling-bling’ fashion which is more allied to the America Hip Hop music. The status quo for its practitioners is the smoky fashion craze and their ‘pimpish’ attitude. One artist who has deviated from this phenomenon is Wanlov Kubolor. The Romanian-Ghanaian emcee has shown to be a non-conformist from the very moment the music public took notice of him.
Wanlov showed his interest in the trade from his early years of youthful exuberance, when he was used to sagging his panties. This was in his high school years at the illustrious Adisadel College, one of the prestigious high schools lying on the coastal area of Ghana. Then the emcee was known to his peers as Spooky. This was a name that portrayed his stage craft and an excellent talent. Just as a properly positioned product rakes in profits, Wanlov has caved for himself a unique persona, separating him from the pack.
The Hip Life artist is not any archetypal GH artist who would invest a fortune into trendy urban fashion brands and go hungry. Even without that swag, Kubolor commands a larger fan base and receiving the needed recognition and attention. His trademark is rather rare- he always appears barefooted with a wrap cloth piece hanging around his waist accompanied by a flying dread logged hair. You will see him either in a singlet or light top and sometimes bare-chested depending on the time of the day. This exposes him as very primitive but he seems to be appropriately dressing to the sunny Ghanaian weather.
Born Emmanuel Owusu Bonsu, Wanlov announced his presence on the Ghanaian music scene over a year ago, when he switch base to Ghana. This witnessed the release of several singles which were followed by the Green Card album, his first major project. Tracks like ‘Kokonsa’ and ‘Bail Money’ were much appreciated and received rotations and spins on radio. He suddenly earned the name ‘Ghanaian Bob Marley’ which became common on the lips of his American fans. Green card is a chronicle of Kubolor’s experience in the United States where his intended missions for higher education revolutionize into seeking greener pastures.
Kubolor as an artist has gradually become a power house on the musical scene even before he gives a date for his sophomore. He has performed and shared a common stage with musical giants locally and internationally. As the Ghanaian rep on the Route to Root campaign, he was paired with African musical legends after which he embarking to the UK. There he performed and recorded with the very best and finest emcees around. Travelling the distance to his native Romania before stepping foot in UK, took nothing away from his performance. He did kill the show and left his footprints on the minds of money.
Wanlov can boast of a larger fan base and an excellent reputation both locally and international. Right from Ghana through the hard land of Mali and then to the United Kingdom, he is widely known. He also enjoys support from folks in the United States where he resided from 2001. He has proved to be multitalented and versatile from track after track with various styles. This is evident in his album, a fusion of Pijjin, Twi and English lyrics. Apart from entertaining, he uses his music for social commentary, advocating for a paradigm shift.
With a music loving nation like Ghana and beyond endorsing Wanlov’s work, the burden lies on his shoulders to break the sophomore jinx associated with his trade. The multi million question is whether the Ghanaian Bob Marley can sustain his brand and keep his songs at the very top for a long time. Can he repeat the magic that shot him to international stardom as the music world patiently awaits another album soon?
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Have you gotten your Green Card? If you have, then Wanlov!
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No, not that one. I am taking about Wanlov's long-awaited debut CD called Green Card. I bought it a ...No, not that one. I am taking about Wanlov's long-awaited debut CD called Green Card. I bought it a couple of weeks ago and I have really enjoyed the experience. The album is a masterpiece that has a focus on Ghana, Diasporean issues, Ghanaians abroad, etc. I remember hearing his first single 'Kokonsa' and I immediately realised a fresh new sound then. It has taken Wanlov the Kuborlor about 5 years to work on his LP and it was well worth it. It is a great album for Africans abroad to have.
Wanlov the Kuborlor has been around for awhile, performing all over the United States at various parties and shows, and has been one of the most visible young independent African musicians. He has since returned to Ghana to pursue degrees in music and African Studies at the University of Ghana, launch his album and his career afresh. Now that he has gotten his 'Green Card', he's off to Ghana to enjoy the 'Highlife'. The Kuborlor laments how many people have to go through so much to get a green card. "We fought to get off the slave yard, now we fight to get us a green card, why do we work for this stuff so hard? How you living and you working grave yard?"
My favourite song on the album is surely Smallest time. Emmanuel Owusu Bonsu is a genius. Smallest time talks about Wanlov returning to Ghana and how he misses Africa. It is the anthem for any returnee. I am sure KSM would love this song, it should be the soundtrack in the Saga of the Returnee. Some of the lines are "My people I dey greet u, Africa I miss u, I dey come o". "Got married, green card acquired, but now I am tired, so I retired". Once you get to Ghana, Wanlov would tell you why you are there. 'In Ghana was one of the popular songs driven to help the Black Stars succeed in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and is a great song to sell Ghana. The Ministry of Tourism should pick it up.
'Human being' is another song that I have become hooked to. I routinely listen to it twice or thrice before I switch to something else. Lines like "If my sister dey struggle for Nigeria, I be Nigerian oh" make sure the song would touch many people around the world. Who cares if you country is not mentioned. Wanlov is a human bing just like you.
Wanlov is quite the humorous guy. 'Chinese Kokonte' is like an eternal ripoff from the Key Soap Concert Party. Have you ever seen a Chinese man eating Kokonte? If you did see him, did he give you some? I doubt he did, because like people say in Ghana - chop time, no friend. Wanlov uses the 'chop time' song to touch on various social issues.
One song that should garner a couple more listens is '50th Dependence'. Ghana celebrated its golden jubilee in 2007 and this song is a commentary on the events surrounding it by Wanlov. The influence of hiplife in his music is seen in tracks like 'Sagaa', 'Kokonsa', 'Asem', 'Kuborlor', and 'Supa Chompia'. There is also heavy insturmentation in the album giving it a very traditional African feel. There's some jama in there where Wanlov makes excellent use of his experiences as a Santa Clausian (old student of Adisadel College).
Wanlov is quite the poet. 'Never die' won a prize at a recent songwriting competition and songs like 'Bail Money' show his prowess. 'My skin' is another favorite of mine where Wanlov explores being the son of a black man and a white woman and the ridicules he has to go through when he's in place filled with majority of either race. "If I tell you what I go through for my life inside, Chale, you no go love to dey in my skin".
Other songs on the Green Card album include Highlife, Mek u no try, We, How ft moom, etc.
Buy the Green Card CD by Wanlov on cdbaby.com, paypal, iTunes, etc
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In Ghana - Selling The Golden Experience
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...Sounds on da ground and seens on the see-ins
I can't tell you how happy I feel to be in Ghana.......Sounds on da ground and seens on the see-ins
I can't tell you how happy I feel to be in Ghana. Yes, it is home, but it is where I find the most peace. When there is a boring moment, I am thinking. When there is a sad moment, I am thinking. When there is a happy moment, I am not thanking anyone, because it is just routine when I am in Ghana. I must be selling Ghana to you and it's no secret why I may be doing so at this particular time, with the African Cup of Nations underway in Ghana in just over two weeks, every inch of Ghana is being sold. On the back of Ghana's golden jubilee, Ghana wants as many people to be in Ghana. Wanlov is no different.
Wanlov aka One love aka Odo Baako aka Sumo ekome is a Ghanaian musician. Son of Ghanaian father and Romanian mother, he wouldn't strike you as Ghanaian on first glance. You will find it difficult to place him under one genre - he's that good. Wanlov had been stationed in the US for awhile now and just returned to Ghana late last year. He had spent the most of his time abroad making singles, touring the US and performing. I vividly remember him doing a show in a college in Connecticut and then performing in California the next weekend. 'In Ghana' is one of the tracks on his debut release, Green card' which is out now. 'In Ghana' gained popularity in late 2006 after Ghana's debut at the World Cup, it was one of the songs promoting Ghana. Read the lyrics and it's easy to see why, the Ministry of Tourism must hear this one.
"Step off the plane, Kotoka Airport, Accra" - Everytime I step off a plane at Kotoka and see the Akwaaba sign, it is one of the happiest times of my life. Sure, I realise the change in weather almost immediately, the cool air heats up in a second, and my face reacts. I loose my jacket and the preceeding experience is a long lost memory. I smile at my travelling mates, the airport security, the workers, everyone. I am at peace, I can do no wrong. When I am greeted in English, I respond in Twi. I forget about the possibility of being followed and being marked for robbery. "No gun crimes, no wars, but watch out for Ike's bazooka".
"Soccer is our favorite sport" - this is maybe the truest statement you could hear from a Ghanaian. Soccer is even driving our national development; countless businesses have been created in conjunction with Ghana's qualification to Mundial 2006 and hosting of CAN 2008. Most major roads in the country are lined with Ghanaian flags and MTN flags signalling the intent of Ghana going for glory at the soccer fiesta. Every major business has put its marketing schemes on hold and tailored them to meet the interests and joys of soccer-crazy fans. Like Wanlov says, "World cup, everybody runs outside when Ghana scores goal".
"Tunes from Ranks Shabba, and Priest Maxi" - I would not be surprised if Ghanaians purposely turn these popular names. Ghanaians are some of the silliest people you can find. You may not even take us to be serious with the frequency at which we crack jokes. Besides, the songs that sell the most in Ghana are those with funny or silly lyrics. Whether it is the old folk enjoying moments of youth to Ambulley's Simigwado or young folk acting a fool to the tunes of Th4kwages or VIP. "Proverbs are used to respect our elders" - Ghana has a culture of respect and reverence for the elderly in society. It has its forthcomings, but it keeps us all in line and defines the roles in society.
Wanlov mentions gazillion foods in 'In Ghana'. Can't blame him, we love our food. We have embraced Chinese fried rice so much that we have a name for it - check check. There's always ice kenkey, abebe, asana, poki, waakye to go around. Whoever buys whichever food may be a question of who's rich or poor and not necessarily who uses "chewing sticks or toothpaste". Anyway, we are all united by the fact that we all "buy pure water" at Achimota".
Two of my favorite lines in the song are "extended families living together in one compound; when we speak, it's not digital but it's surround sound". One of the things I really love about Ghana is the brotherliness and family values. All too often, it breeds nepotism and other ills, but the support system it brings is beautiful and necessary. It takes one village to raise a child, a child grows up with help from too many people that when he/she is successful in the future, he owes his success to so many people and is indebted to help them succeed and prosper as well. "Out of one love, we all eat out of one bowl".
"Smiles are free, they are not by force, they are not fake" - Ghanaians are famous for their hospitality. It is often said that the best chip Ghana has is its people. You don't go to Ghana because of some wildlife or magnificent edifice, you go because of its people. Who else can claim that? "Cool sea breeze, very bearable weather; when we say it's our pleasure, we really mean it's our pleasure" - bearable weather is up for debate, but you can ask those who've been in Ghana before you. You can also ask those who were "ntama and ahenema" or " those who were "shoes and political suits".
Wanlov does a good job of selling the experience of being in Ghana. He can't fit all of it into one song so you will have to find out more for yourself. "Night life? don't test yo, we've got clubs; don't be surprised if you see superstars in the disco". Everyone is a superstar in his/her own right, the people of Ghana go through a lot and to keep those smiling faces is 'superstarry'. The only way you will agree with me is to be "in Ghana".
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Kokonsa: A Kubolor Classic
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Last night, through the magic of Facebook, our staff was thrilled with a new video by a Wanlov Kubo...Last night, through the magic of Facebook, our staff was thrilled with a new video by a Wanlov Kubolor. Why was the entire staff of MaizeBreak gathered around a PC instead of flying out to meet Mr. Kubolor? The economy oh! But that’s a story for another day.
In Ghana, “kokonsa” translated as a gossip, or someone who is always meddling in the affairs of others…particularly if those affairs don’t concern the meddler. A “kubolor” is a truant/vagabond. They usually forgo their education to push trucks and do menial work to make some pocket money. What makes this video and its artist so dynamic is that we know for a fact that this Wanlov Kubolor finished school! And yet he has chosen to roam the streets of Accra barefoot and in loin cloth, rapping about matters only important to market mammies. It’s brilliant.
As we mentioned before, our travel budget has been slashed, but we felt compelled to try to have some face-to-face with the Kubolor.
So we sent crows to go and look for him.
When they returned, one was holding a (fried) turkey tail in one claw, and some yam in the other. That told us that he was at a chop bar when he was found. Another returned bloody and fatigued, triumphantly displaying a piece of dreadlock. We’re not entirely sure of what to make of that.
Wanlov! Our apologies on behalf of our gansta crow. If you are successful in getting your green card, please come to abrochi to visit us. God willing, we can meet you half way, anywhere you like!
But not in Italy. They are beating Black people in Italy these days.
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Hip-life: From Ghana to the world
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We dropped some thoughts, a few posts ago, about the bright future that lay ahead for hip hop as mor...We dropped some thoughts, a few posts ago, about the bright future that lay ahead for hip hop as more artists around the globe infuse the genre with more of their own cultural and musical influences and traditions, and right on time Al Jazeera gets round to Hip-life, the fusion of Ghanaian highlife and hip hop that began in Accra in the early 1990. Nice one.
Where to from here? Well, it would be interesting to see more artists find their own voice, as Wanlov da Kubolor has done, rather than stick to the generic sound of hip-life.
Something else Wanlov is doing, and that not that many have shown an interest in so far, is exploring the genre's potential as a means for social and/or political commentary. The music-as-a-force-for-change strand, is just as important as the "let's party" strand. They're not mutually exclusive, and who says you can't party to consciousness-infused hip-hop (in fact, as we noted a couple of weeks ago, you'd better add some dope beats to your "conscious" music if you want people to listen), so why not in hip-life, too? But these are early days, yet.
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Nneka at Cargo
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'A master class in performance…I felt like I was the only person in the room,' were some of the thin...'A master class in performance…I felt like I was the only person in the room,' were some of the things rapper Ty had to say about Nigerian artist Nneka after her show last night at Cargo; the awe struck crowd clearly agreed. A big compliment, coming from a man known for his charisma and stage presence, especially since Nneka has said on the subject 'I do not see myself as a performer but as somebody who shares her heartfelt feelings with others.'
With a list of musical influences likely to appear in the CD collection of the most earnest and well meaning of cultural studies undergraduates (Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Fela Kuti) it is easy enough to offer up comparisons between them and Nneka. However, as a young woman hailing from Delta State, proudly sporting a ‘jollof rice’ t-shirt and singing in a mixture of standard and pidgin English, she clearly has her own statements to make. Under the 'influences’ section on Nneka's MySpace page, which is bursting with ecstatic quotes from the music press and tributes from adoring fans, is a simple statement about the situation in the Niger Delta region and the work of assassinated writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Nneka's voice is more powerful and her message more potent live than on her recorded material. She has a surprising range, which she uses sparingly to highlight her performance rather than show off, and this subtlety and lack of bravado help to support her feelings on corruption, greed and materialism; underlying issues at the core of the problems between the West and the Niger Delta, one of the world's biggest producers of oil and simultaneously one of Nigeria's poorest and most troubled regions.
Nneka on stage
Taking to the stage after Nneka and with a slightly more pan-African approach to things was Wanlov the Kubolor, introducing himself as "one thousand percent Ghanaian, one thousand percent Romanian and one thousand percent human." He entertained the crowd with anecdotes about his difficulties getting through passport control in Zurich after singing about struggles all over the globe on his beautiful and award-winning track 'Human Being.' Jiggling around in his trademark mud cloth, sunglasses and bare feet, there was something reminiscent of George Clinton in his light hearted, eccentric and clearly genuine delivery of serious subjects. He later invited fellow Ghanaian and Nigerian rappers Mensa and Afrikan Boy to the stage and they freestyled raucously, after a virtuosic pidgin rap exchange between Wanlov and Mensa, Wanlov eventually strutting off stage to delighted applause, leaving the audience to ponder the profound truism: "Life is short, like a Smurf."
With Africa's potential, development and growth being documented more and more in the Western media, it's an exciting time as any for African artists to tour the world and showcase their music. With any luck the wealth of original and talented musicians hailing from the world's second most populous continent will mean the next set of global concerts attempting to raise funds and awareness will have more to do with them and a lot less to do with Coldplay, Madonna the child catcher and Bob Geldoff.
supersonic
