FRANZ VON has shared his highly anticipated EP ‘People Di Powa’ alongside lead single ‘Asem’, featuring the unmistakeable flow of prolific Ghanaian vocalist, K.O.G.
Fusing tribal hip-hop with elements of jazz, dub and afrobeat, the EP blends powerful spoken word and rap with social commentary and explores the ongoing issue of systemic oppression. ‘People Di Powa’ is a reminder that we are powerful as individuals and even more so as autonomous communities.
Fittingly for an EP about community, Franz is joined by a talented cohort of special guests lending their vocal talents – Cortney Dixon, Nikisha in the Woods, Cynthia Bahy, and K.O.G. all feature whilst the production is a collaboration from Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist/Onipa), Lucian Oniell, Labo Klandestino, Mark Stoney, and Toni Smoke.
The EP opens with Franz Von’s trademark bouncing flow on ‘We All Rise’ – “Indulging in the depth of the riddim / The realest therapy the remedy / Medicated taking doses of melodies / Boost the energy sacred chakra replenishes so effortless the specialist” before Nikisha in the Woods adds her vibrant vocal hook.
Next up is ‘Power Be You’, the centrepiece of the EP’s message of empowerment that encourages listeners to engage and embrace their inner strength. Cynthia Bahy features on previous single ‘Her Frequency’ – a song of hope and gratitude focusing on renewing our inner strength and connection with the infinite power of the universe.
Standout track on the record ‘Asem’ – which means ‘problems’ in the Ashanti language ‘Twi’ spoken in Ghana – is an upbeat, genre-bending banger which infuses Boom Bap hip-hop and rock whilst long-term collaborator K.O.G. shares a fierce delivery.
Speaking about the single Franz says, “Asem is a bold and rebellious social commentary rap. The song touches on the effects of systemic oppression on marginalised communities. Asem has a message of the connection and togetherness that can be found in collaborations between different communities”.
The EP closes with ‘Slipstream’ featuring Cortney Dixon, a slick rap cruiser with a hazy hook that compliments Franz Von’s striking tone perfectly.
A project packed with substance and meaning, ‘PEOPLE DI POWA’ is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Black British music.
Previous support for Franz comes from BBC Introducing Sheffield and Amazing Radio who handed him a one-off show, as well as BBC Introducing at Radio 1 and DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound, Naga Mag, Word Is Bond, Groovin’ Mood, and more.
Franz Von is a Jamaican-born, UK-based artist exploring traditional cultural lineage from Africa through to modern genres. After 8 years playing with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, Franz Von has collaborated with the likes of Tony Allen, Onipa, and Wiyaala.
Check out the EP below…
Must Listen: Asem
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