Song of the Day: Kumasi – Br3nya

After taking a year off to hone her sound, heading to Ghana for the first time in 10 years to collaborate with producers and artists on the ground, BR3NYA returns to reclaim her crown as a UK Rap Queen and drops her latest single,’Kumsai’ which features her trademark witty, sassy wordplay with production from MADEINPARRIS paying homage to one of her favourite cities in Ghana

Speaking on the single, Br3nya said:“Kumasi represents a metaphorical journey of my recent life experiences and the journey of rediscovering myself, my confidence, my truth and most importantly my heritage. It celebrates the fun essence and vibrancy of Ghana shedding light on underrepresented parts of the country which are just as full of life. It shows the duality of my identity being born and raised in west London but never losing sight of my true inner ‘Innit innit girl’. Kumasi being the pit stop between Accra and my hometown holds a very special spot in every trip I take back home; I can’t skip it and all it’s beauty-sometimes I pass through there to visit and build memories with family and more recently to celebrate the life of loved ones who have passed over, but each time is special.”

The British/Ghanaian rapper bewitched listeners as a ‘One To Watch’ in 2020 with a lyrical ability and confident, clever delivery that drew co-signs from the likes of Stormzy, Headie One, Ms Banks, and Ivorian Doll, playlists at BBC Radio 1, Capital Xtra, BBC 1Xtra and support from The Guardian, British Vogue, The Face, NOISEY, CRACK, The Fader, Complex UK, CLASH and NME.

Have a listen to ‘Kumasi’ below…

Watch Video For H.O.M.A’s Video, ‘Nubian’

Following his appearance on the blog with single, ‘Nubian’ back in June, Nigeria’s very own artist, H.O.M.A bounces right back with some visuals for the smooth alternative R&B joint. ‘Nubian’ pays homage to woman of colour. Check it out below…

H.O.M.A Pays Homage To Women Of Colour On Brand New Track, ‘Nubian’

Building firm anticipation towards the release of his long anticipated sophomore project COMPILATION 2., H.O.M.A pays a powerful homage to women of colour with a new single,’Nubian’.

The latest offering captures H.O.M.A in a super flattery but honest state, painting vivid pictures of the awe, beauty and sensuality of a modern day Nubian princess. Graced with a magical sonic contribution from Nigerian based producer Clogz, the record was created in between the lines of contemporary R&B and highly eccentric alternative music.

‘Nubian’ was released yesterday (28th June) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

Raphael Tate Gives A Touching Tribute To His Mother With Stunning Single, ‘Lord I Need You Near’

Following on from the release of single, ‘Share My Life’, produced by Jermaine Forde (the son of Brinsley Forde from the legendary reggae group Aswad), RAPHAEL TATE makes a quick return with single, ‘Lord I Need You Near.’

Dedicated to Raphael’s mother, Patricia Ann Tate (1953-2020), ‘Lord I Need You Near’ is the first single that Raphael entirely composed and produced – from arranging the strings to performing the backing vocals. To be a conductor and composer has always been Raphael’s lifelong dream – and what better way to fulfil a dream by paying a tribute to a loved-one.

The stunning ballad features a stellar line-up who adds the final touches to the production. Award-winning jazz harpist JeffMajors, who collaborated with Raphael for 2021 single, ‘Everything Must Change’, provides the spine-tingling magic right from the beginning of the emotive piece.

Acclaimed bassist Mark A Walker adds a pleasing full-bodied tone to the heavenly arrangements. Mark has worked with the likes of Will Downing, Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music, Yolanda Adams and multi award-winning Gospel artist, Richard Smallwood who had a hit with single, ‘Total Praise.’

‘Lord I Need You Near’ was further brought to life by Ukraine’s Kaska Records Orchestra who provides breathtakingly stunning live instrumentation, a perfect platform for the UK-based singer/songwriter to showcase his powerhouse vocals, pleading for comfort from the loss of his mother. This single also serves as a soothing ode for everyone who lost a loved one, particularly during the pandemic.

Starting out as a Billboard chart-topping artist, peaking at number 25 on the American Dance Club with 2017 single, ‘ With Every Beat Of My Heart’, Raphael ventured out as an independent artist, creating his own label, Tate Love Production. His soulful vocal performance quickly earned him the title, ‘Prince Of Soul’ by his ever growing fanbase through tracks, ‘A Fool In Love’ and ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’, ‘Can You Feel It’ and ‘Blessed’, named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.

BBC London/Seani B-approved single ‘A Fool In Love’ and Reprezent FM featured single ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ are also touching tributes to his late mother. ‘I Need You Near’ is the perfect tribute carry on the treasured memories of the biggest role model in his life.

Taking from the forthcoming EP Patricia Ann Tate Creations (release date to be announced) ‘Lord I Need You Near’ was released on Friday (13th May) on various music platforms. The release date marks the second anniversary of Raphael’s mother passing. Have a peep at the offcial video single below. You can also stream ‘Lord I Need You Near’ here.

Follow Raphael via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
T: https://twitter.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xdO1FCjL6wuO5X1f2cguR

Song of the Day: Bobby Brown – Extraordinaire

Tennessee artist EXTRAORDINAIRE drops his ode to R&B legends New Edition and one of the group’s solo breakout artists in his rambunctious track, ‘Bobby Brown.’

Extraordinaire explains, “The song came about randomly but I decided to follow through with the train of thought to see where it took me.”

Listen to ‘Bobby Brown’ below…