Dancehall Africa

Category: Latest News

Knii Lante is VP Record’s first African signee
Knii Lante
Renowned independent Reggae Record Label, VP Records, known best for producing hit Caribbean singers have signed its first African artiste, Ghana’s multiple award-winning Reggae musician, Knii Lante.
The record label’s decision to sign the Ghanaian Reggae musician to many is not a surprise looking at Knii Lante’s success on the music charts in Jamaica and appeal to reggae fans all over the world.
VP Records, per this new agreement, will be distributing all songs of the Lagos to Vienna hit-maker all worldwide, including the 4-months old album, ‘True Feelings’ which started selling on iTunes today, August 27.
‘True Feelings’, is a 12-track album with songs as ‘Baby take good care’ which featured Queen Ifrica and also, Cherine Anderson, G Blunt and many other first rate Jamaican musicians.
Recording most of the songs on the album in Kingston, Jamaica at Grafton Studios; the album was mainly produced by Mickie Bennet and Dean Fraser, and a few songs co-produced by Knii Lante and Joseph Amoah (Springboard, Accra), and Rebel Liberation Sounds (Kenya).
Knii Lante, originally pronounced Nee Lantaye is a composer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter and doubles as a Medical Doctor by profession, is best-described by many as the amazing ‘Medi-Sing’ talented musician.
VP Records’ signing of the Ghanaian reggae star is surely a yes-mark for Ghanaian reggae music, as well as the artiste considering their impressive record working with renowned Reggae musicians including Duane Stephenson, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Busy Signal, Carlene Davis, Cocoa Tea, Christopher Martin, Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Luciano, Mavado, Richie Spice, Morgan Heritage, Mad Cobra, Mr. Vegas, Queen Ifrica, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Tarrus Riley and many well known Dancehall and Reggae artistes.
The label established itself as one of the first and largest independent record labels for the Dancehall and Reggae genre, and with the popularity of the riddim sound of the early 2000s.
The label achieved worldwide success for artists such as Sean Paul through the label’s deals with Warner Music’s Atlantic Records and Virgin Music Canada.
Watch Baby Take Good Care by Knii Lante
August 27, 2014
MzVee – Natural Girl ft Stonebwoy (Official Video)
August 16, 2014
Samini has embarked on his “Light A Million Lives” project
Ghana’s Dancehall superstar Samini has embarked on his “Light A Million Lives” project geared towards distributing 1,000,000 FREE Solar Lanterns to folks in deprived and remote zones across Ghana. Philanthropists, Corporate Bodies and Individuals are invited to champion the cause for the project and as well reduce the strain on Ghana’s energy sector which depends solely on hydro power. Snapshots of GBC Director and Father Nii Lante Campbell, Roman Father of Weija Leprosarium signing autographs on some of the solar lanterns.

August 15, 2014
Dancehall Artiste Campaigns For Freedom of Innocent Fan In Jail

Stories about the injustice in Ghana’s prison machinery have always been sidelined in the media and worse among Ghanaian artistes who are either scared or unwilling to bring to the public’s attention the kind of unfair treatment given to persons who end up on the unfortunate side of the law.
In spite of the challenges involved in making public such happenings, sensational dancehall artiste Sean Taylor who has proven to be a force to reckon with in Ghanaian showbiz has recorded his latest song titled “Free up Jacob” to speak about the injustice being delivered to a fan and friend from Nima who had been arrested and kept on remand for almost three years for no apparent charge.
‘Free up Jacob’ according to Sean Taylor, known in real life as Theophilus Tettey Taylor was out of the hurt and emotions he feels about Jacob’s situation and how many other people may be going through the same situation without any help.
In the track Sean Taylor explains his belief that everyone deserves to be free and be given the opportunity to a fair trial.
The “Everybody Bard” hitmaker by the song hopes to get Jacob freed or the least tried in court fairly and in all justice so as to determine the true fate of the innocent Jacob.
“Free up Jacob” was officially released on 17th June 2014 and has since been welcomed by the masses who believe in freedom and justice in the country.
According to Sean Taylor’s management, Maseda records, the video for ‘Free up Jacob’ will soon be released to push the campaign for is freedom further.
July 23, 2014
GHANA : AK Songtress Joins Patoranking
ak-songstress
Female dancehall artiste, AK Songstress, has been in a studio session with Nigeria’s rising dancehall star, Patoranking, in Accra.
According to an official source from her management team, Paradise Entertainment, Patoranking was flown into the country last weekend by Paradise Entertainment after the MTV Music Awards, which was held in South Africa.
He reportedly left the country last Tuesday after the recording session.
The song, titled Rock Your Body, was produced by Danny Beatz. Rock Your Body is AK’s sixth single which will be on her upcoming debut album.
Currently signed on to Paradise Entertainment, AK Songstress who is relatively new on the dancehall front has performed at many events including 4Syte Music Video Awards and Ghana Meets Naija concert held last month.
Some of the songs she has previously released are Di Empress, Party, The Pace Setter and Funky Fresh.
June 25, 2014
GHANA : Sarkodie to perform at BET Awards 2014

Sarkodie, and a number of African acts have been announced as performers for BET’s L.A experience event, happening from June 27-29.
The event, a pre music concert to the main awards show will feature some of the biggest names in music from around the world.
Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, and Ice Prince as well as South Africa’s Mafikizolo will also perform as part of the “Music Around the Globe” presentation during the weekend of June 27-29.
All acts, performing at the Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola®, are nominated in the “BET Awards” ‘Best International Act: Africa’ category.
The main awards show is on Sunday June 29, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA.
This will be the first time that Mafikizolo and Tiwa Savage have performed in the United States, and the announcement follows their wins at the MTV Africa Music Awards in the ‘Best Group’ and ‘Best Female’ categories respectively.
Sarkodie also took home a MAMA for ‘Best Hip Hop’.
This is the first time international acts have performed as part of the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® since the introduction of international BET Award categories, ‘Best International Act: Africa’ and ‘Best International Act: UK’ in 2010.
Emmy and Grammy® Award winning comedian Chris Rock will host the “BET Awards” 2014, live on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 8pm ET live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA.
June 19, 2014
GHANA : Stonebwoy urges women to be proud of who they are in new single

Ghanaian dancehall and Afropop artiste Livingstone Etse Satekla popularly known as Stonebwoy, has unveiled a new single Tuesday. The afro-dancehall single ‘More Gyal’ features Ashaiman-based DXD.
Stonebwoy, speaking in an interview with Hitz FM, explained that ‘More Gyal’ seeks to urge ladies to be proud of who they are irrespective of their body figure and looks.
“Basically, my return song is for all women, to make them feel good about their stature since some ladies often feel low-esteemed,” he said.
The 26-year-old talented songwriter and singer is releasing the single after a successful tour of some major cities in Europe, Austria and Italy.
He also worked on two projects – Ridal Riddim, and Pretty Cutty – which also featured some Jamaican stars including, Bennie Man, Busy Signal, and Elephant Man.
Stonebwoy has shot two videos ‘Watch Over Us’ and ‘Candy’ from his yet to be released album. The videos were shot in Austria and Italy respectively.
The yet-to-be titled album, according to him, will be released in November this year.
June 19, 2014
Kenya : Meet the Kenyan Artist Who Has Performed Alongside Rick Ross & Shaggy

Kanja Muchoki is poised to be one of the most sought-after artists in the music industry. Born in London and raised in the USA, where he developed his sound, Kanja has been touring the world since the age of 15 sharing his unique sound.
Known for blending hip-hop, r & b, reggae and African polyrhythmic music, Kanja infuses his native languages of Kikuyu and Swahili into his lyrics. This signature sound has garnered fans from all over Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States.
Both an entertainer and scholar, Kanja has thoroughly entertained audiences during appearances on BET’s “Blaze the Stage” and at the prestigious Hampton University, where he was featured on a separate occasion, alongside eo-soul recording artists, Raheem Devaughn, J. Holiday, Slim (from legendary r & b group 112), Jeremiah, Latoya Luckett, Fabulous, & 2 city show in Virginia/Maryland opening up for reggae/dancehall legend Beenie man.
In October 2009 Kanja won on BET’s 106 & Park Wild Out Wednesdays. He also had a crowd pleasing performance in Howard Yardfest 2010 alongside Shaggy, Mr. Vegas, Wale, Slick Rick, Rick Ross
Recently in 2011 he participated in 2 shows of the reggae stars Mr. Vegas & Demarco reggae tour in St. Louis, Mo and Nashville, TN.

June 11, 2014
Zimbabwe: Winky D Drops Sizzling Single

Ninja president Wallace Chirumiko, popularly known as Winky D, has dropped a sizzling single titled “Pazvikona” in which he blasts the elderly for failing to discipline the youths. The song offers the singer’s view on social vices that are rampant among the urban youths, specifically drug abuse.Commenting on the track, Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda said this is a wake-up call to the senior people to be exemplary to the youths.
“Winky D provides empirical insights into how appalling the situation has become in the context of abuse done by the youths and older brothers everyday.
“It is now difficult to encourage the youths to stop taking drugs when they are now doing it with senior people.
“We have lost our culture and something must be done to curb this virus spreading in our society
“Thus he tries to come up with a panacea for addressing destructive youth behaviours.”
The chorus goes: “Mirai kusimbisana pazikona, ndinopa mhosva kunemi madzikoma vana vazhinji varikurasika imi muchiona.
“Angokutengera pint atove mukoma nyamba izera remwana wawakazvara . . . vakuru dziripi tsika dzedu . . . ”
The song was released under Vigilance Music last week and the riddim was produced by Bhobho.
Early this year, the ” Musarova Bigman” hit-maker also made headlines when he fused dancehall music with sungura on his hit song titled “Sungura Like”.
The track also teaches importance of African culture and creating culturally acceptable content rather than imitating international music without due consideration of our morals and ethics as Zimbabweans or Africans.
June 11, 2014
GHANA : Samini did not win any award
Samini
It has emerged Samini did not win the award for BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT at the Black Canadians Awards held in Canada last weekend, contrary to an earlier report.
Samini’s team had relied on series of press publications on the subject, and came to the conclusion that their act had won.
However further checks reveal the award went to Trinidad and Tobagao’s Destra Garcia. The category also had Nigeria’s Waje, South Africa’s Lira and Khuli Chana as well as the Bajan female Soca act Alsion Hinds as contenders.
One, Julz of GhanaMixtapes, who was at the event and had relayed the information to the press, has since taken to twitter to apologize to Samini.
Samini has accepted his apology, saying “blunders do happen.” “Maybe i should have waited to see confirmation on the BCA site.”
The earlier statement we published from Samini’s camp in the morning read:
The African Dancehall King SAMINI, wins another International Award, this time; “BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT” at the Black Canadians Awards held on the 7th of June at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, Canada . He was in the same category with Allison Hinds, Khuli Chana Waje, Destra Garcia and others.
Award-winning Samini continues to show cause for why He believes in African Dancehall Music and making Ghana Proud, while the international community and brands keep recognising Him for such great strides in promoting Good African Dancehall music.
This is another feat in a week where Samini gears up to Launch His Lounge and Restaurant- “DanceStardom” and surely, it will be one big party/celebration this Friday.
Thanks to all fans and everyone who contributed to Samini winning this award. #GH #DanceStardom launches on June 13th with the mega celebration. HighGradeFamily……..#AkyeSaaaa
Sgd.
Anthony Pun Daning
Samini Music-HighGradeFamily
June 10, 2014