Europe based Dancehall artist Teddy Ziggy gets ready to release music video with Karamanti

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On her recent Euro tour, Karamanti got together with Teddy Ziggy (a Nigerian artist who is now based in Czech Republic) to shoot the video for a song they had released in the summer. The track is entitled “Stand United”, and it calls on Africans to unite regardless of color or class; and to ensure that history, specifically slavery, is not repeated. Shortly after its release, the record began to receive heavy rotation on African radio programs worldwide; so much so that it forced the executive producer to shoot the video.

Karamanti was flown into Prague City on November 14^th and by the 15^th she was on set with Teddy Ziggy and his team filming the video for “Stand United”. Though the official visual is not yet ready, persons can view the teaser at ; and DJs may listen and download the complete song at www.hulkshare.com/karamanti/karamanti-mks-master3

Karamanti will be in Europe this Fall (September to November) touring with Teddy Ziggy to promote both the song and video. Anyone wanting to work with her should send an email to bookings@karamantimusic.com

Puom King Ras Kuuku Prepares for SHS tour (@Raskuuku)

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Ras Kuuku

Whether for the better or worse, there is no doubt that education is the most powerful weapon of transformation to a nation. If you have been educated, at least to the secondary level in Ghana, you may acknowledge it as the truth, that what is now known as Senior High School (SHS) is a major crossroad for the youth. It has been on the political menu, the promise of free SHS; some took it for granted and till date they stand haunted, others made the most of it and today have unlocked a host of opportunities for themselves. The saying that Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom, resonates with many including Ras Kuuku and his Puom crew.

In pursuit of our mission to promote positive black music and tell the stories of the people behind them, MJ Magazine spoke to Puom Music’s C.E.O about his upcoming SHS tour.

Born Kojo Kurankye in Accra Ghana, Ras Kuuku is one of the few who took their secondary education for a gamble yet won the bet. A fast rising Reggae musician from Assin-Fosu and Assin Bosumadwe in the central Region, Ras Kuuku calls himself an African. In his words “I am a black man from Ghana in Africa, known in ancient time as Ethiopia”.”My faith is in Emperor Haile Selassie because him adi king of kings and the lord of lords … I see righteousness and light in H.I.M”.

Ras Kuuku found the need to address the importance of pursuing academic excellence, and to this end the puom legend is preparing for an SHS tour, starting from his Alma mater, Nungua Preseco. In his words “Upon entry into the Senior High School you see different attitudes, some of the youth lose their focus and end up following after friends”. This he said he had fallen victim of, leading to his dismisal then from school. Growing up Ras Kuuku has learnt his lessons and find them more of the reasons to do an SHS tour. Ras Kuuku grew up in Dome, a suburb of Accra, with his brother Jah Shock who gives the outro in every Puom Music. Jah Shock attended Emmit Technical and together the duo intend to use this tour to ‘rebel’ the youth from bad to good deeds, spreading the message of Good over d’evil, irrespective of one’s faith.

Ras Kuuku’s “show them love” herein attached, http://www.reverbnation.com/raskuuku4/song/19504184-show-them-love has been nominated #VGMA15 Reggae/Dancehall song of the year; text S1 to 1767 to vote for the song. Ras Kuuku has also been nominated #VGMA15 Reggae/Dancehall artiste of the year; text G2 to 1767 to vote and to support the cause of increasing excellence in our SHSs. Email: puommusic@gmail.com to book your school.

Article by: Adokwei Addo

Meet Solomon Yemoh, Africa’s hardest working producer (@OdbstudioGhana)

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Solomon Yemoh is an Accra-Ghana based recording engineer and producer who specializes in world music, Reggae, Dancehall, Hip Pop, R&B and African Highlife. He is a graduate of the Galaxy School of Music in Accra but he also studied mixing and mastering with Audio Master Class in the United States of America. Upon completing his studies, Solomon built his own studio called Original Dynamic Beat Studio in Accra-Ghana in 2007. While he was focused on building his studio and establishing his brand, Solomon was simultaneously recording most of the educational material for the Canadian student musicians who attended the University of Ghana (Legon) to work on their exchange program in African Music Studies.

Solomon Yemoh has done work with and for producers like Fred Bongo, Ben Jerry Telfa, Nana Danso, John Dee and several others. Additionally, he has recorded projects for some of the most respected African artists; Paa Bobo ,Uncle Ebo Tumi Ansah, King Ayisoba, Sarkodie, Adani Best, Efya, Screwface, Autentiq, Captan, Episode, Gasmilla, Keche, Eduodzi, Konfi, A1, Mac-Tee, Sam T, Santa Zion, T-blaze, Diane Buckley and many more both on and off the continent of Africa. Something that he is especially proud of is the work he did as an assistant engineer during the famous African Unit Tour by Rita Marley and the Bob Marley Foundation. He also worked for British folklore artists Chris and Lewis.

This humble engineer/producer has scored various radio and television signature tunes. He had a hand in the recording and mastering of most of the ring tones for Mobitel Communication Company and he also has various movie soundtracks.

Anyone wanting to work with Solomon regardless if it’s for bookings, voiceovers, soundtracks, mix tapes, mixing and mastering etc. simply call +233275118031 or email odbrecords@gmail.com

Tal National’s Toronto Debut Cancelled (@SmallWorldNotes)

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The most popular group in the West African country of Niger, Tal National was scheduled to make their debut in Toronto on March 29^th at the Drake Hotel. Unfortunately the promoters had to cancel the show. In a story that’s become all too familiar these days, the group were unable to secure visas in time to make their tour happen.

Tal National are legendary for their unique Afro Pop parties in Nyami, with shows lasting until daylight. In a country where so few can afford instruments, let alone studio time, their first album was a revelation. Drawing on regional traditions from highlife to soukous, Afrobeat and desert blues, they upped the intensity to create what’s nothing short of African rock – a joyously hypnotic sound, with guitars dancing around deep grooves and driving percussion.

On stage Tal National performs with anywhere from six to thirteen musicians. Their concert material combines original songs with new arrangements of West African folk songs, themes of which deal with love, tolerance, peace, feminine beauty, and the woman’s physical dance expression based on traditional African rhythms.