The Vim Views & Versions - Blogs of a MIghTy African

Before I get into Lira 's music. I debated which artiste to feature in the last spot in my starting eleven. I just had to have someone from South Africa - the country which I believe has the best singers (globally, yes) and maybe the best range of music.  I have been searching for a special happy birthday song she did for Mandela. I loved it enough to blog about it . I have a story about meeting Lira for the first time. Yes, I blogged about it too . In fact, I like Lira's music and aura a lot. That when she followed me on Twitter, I had to write about it too o !  I have a couple of Lira CDs & a DVD even. I really adore how she records her concert and those are sold as albums. Every time I listen to those, I wish female Ghanaian musicians like Efya, Becca and Adina would do similar. The way Hamba is performed live, with the crowd singing it, is magical.  I said South Africa has lots of great singers eh? How come Lira though? Something Inside So Strong. Somet...

#KizombaThursday. Every Thursday for the last number of years, I always listen to Kizomba. It started from going to Kizomba dance nights at Afrikiko in Accra on Thursdays. I have always maintained I went for these because I loved the Kizomba genre . It's true. That love has become deeper. Kizomba music is basically my go-to to ensure I lift myself out of any bad mood. It works. Because I decided accordingly. The one whose voice I like to hear singing the most is Perola . Does it matter that I can't speak Portugese ? No. Do I need to understand the language of Kizomba music? Would be good. Would it change how I feel about the music if I understood the lyrics? I have to think about that one. Would a long stint in Angola help me learn to speak Portuguese? Yes. Would a long stint in Angola help me finally learn to dance to Kizomba? Sim. But I can do that by just going to more Kizomba dance lessons and parties in Ghana.  No. Anyway, to the music by Jandira Sassingui . Nao Custa Na...

I first met Adina during a National Volunteer Day (NVDay ) activity in 2014, run by Utopia's Wishlist. We had volunteered to paint an orphanage home. There she was, painting along with us. She was a star, her star was about to shine even brighter. I am very happy about her success as a musician and cannot wait to see her do more.  Adina Thembi was also once my neighbour. No, I did not ever hear singing loudly in her house because I lived near. Her music started getting everywhere. That's what we are here to talk about. I like her aura, her dressing, how she conducts herself, amongst many other things. If I was blogging more in recent years, I would have written at least 2.33 posts about her.  So naturally, I like her music too. Did you know she is half-South African (and yes, half-Ghanaian)? I already said the top singers worldwide per capita can be found in South Africa. Bring your shoulder.  On My Way - 2018 I like the positive, inspirational music the most.  "...

When I think of R2Bees , I think of partying and karaoke, love and having a good time. Mugeez and Paedae combine beautifully. Mugeez has shone featuring on several hits, while people say Paedae is not a good rapper. Debatable. Together, these two twinkle.  I have met Mugeez and Paedae before, especially during my first couple of years back in Ghana (2011-2013) when I used to party a lot, go to many music events for free thanks to Museke . With PartycrewGH , we partied a lot. Friday, Saturday into the wee hours of the morning. The next Friday and Saturday too. We started traveling to party - Ada, Akosombo, etc. In fact, we took partying seriously . R2Bees' music featured heavily on our soundtracks.  Yes, karaoke. One of my favorite songs to do karaoke to is Kiss Your Hand (the remix) featuring R2Bees and Wande Coal. Maybe, it is the " we're rocking with R2Bees from Ghana !".  They are my favorite group. They dovetail beautifully, and they started the new wave of ...

Now this is our international superstar, not just being a local champion, waving the Ghanaian flag in as many lands and territories as possible. Stonebwoy has been making songs with fellow African stars, all the way to Angola with C4 Pedro. BHIM Nation! I am yet to meet Livingstone Etse Satekla , he seems like a grounded guy. He's one of my favorite musicians to listen to. Starting from when he did that Ghetto love track with Obrafour through to his push for a Grammy.  I do like to sing Dirty Enemies featuring Baby Jet lol. But, but, friends forever. My Name - 2017 Folks have been asking me some questions about myself the last couple of days. Some of the answers to what I do, how I do it, why I am able to do it, is because of what drives me. Ambition . This song makes me think about ambition, and what and who is needed to one there. This is one of my favorite karaoke songs. Whether in an office in Dzorwulu, a pub in East Legon, a restaurant in Cape Coast, a pub in Ho or a ...

2Baba No Lele! Innocent Idibia had been doing his thing with the Plantashun Boiz before most of us heard about his name with legendary African Queen track in 2004. I met him in Accra in 2004 , in Worcester in 2005 . Cool down to earth dude. Before we get into the faves, permit to re-introduce you to this other great song by 2Face Idibia called My Love . I have been on American TV before o. In 2009, started a small segment on a local TV station in the Bay Area thanks to my friend Melanie. It was connected to the work we were doing at Museke. I blogged about it  here too .  Ebe Like Say - 2005 Ebe like say Manchester United is about to lose another game that it should be winning easily. Nottingham Forest. Really? 2 faces for this ManUtd team. Anyway, back to the music. I just like songs that let politicians know they are in the wrong and need to shape up. Here is one from this Nigerian legend. "Why don't we work together so the future will be brighter. Coz e be like y...

Before you read this blog post, you have to read this one . I'd wait.  Did it zouk you? 😀 The Zouk music genre held me, literally. In many good ways. The ringleader for this was and still is Kaysha. I befriended him through the Museke days. I just thought about how I have still not met him in person or seen him perform live. Cos there would be a lot of zouking wherever he is performing. Zoukmelove.  I think I started liking Zouk a lot, because I have always loved R&B and Zouk is like its African cousin.  Don't Change - 2006 This is one of the most beautiful songs ever made, in my opinion. I can cry just thinking about it. Yes, all near 40 year old me.  Another great song without a music video? Sigh. "My cherie, my love, I'm just a guy that loves making music. You're like a melody to me, you inspire me I gotta admit it". Hmmm, I never composed a song - or made music. One Love - 2005 Well, Kaysha only really makes love songs. I mean, I cannot imagine a non-...