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Africa

Not Looking Back: Brooklyn rapper Lil Dame sends respect to his real friends as he moves forward with ‘The Dream’

Posted on 27 April 2021

As he broadly opens up his mind to the things that really matter in life, that is far away from the pettiness he sees each day on the harsh streets, Lil Dame projects his energies towards ‘The Dream’.

Lil Dame is a conscious Nigerian-American rapper who is from the legendary streets of Queens, New York City. He forges a quality sound together as one, that flows into your heart confidently, however with only humble intentions that is born from hard work.

This is the important message of living for what is right and never forgetting the people that helped you get places, whilst doing it in a genuine way. He raps with such meaning — his mind is in-tune to what he needs to do — as he breezes past the negative fields, that can hold you in and bury you in a hole downwards, that you will battle to get out of.

‘The Dream‘ from Queens emcee Lil Dame, shows us into his mind as he has thrown away the futile memories of the past and is only interested in packaging the future, with the real crew who have supported him through thick and thin. Onward and upwards is the thing that he is focusing on and this is a terrific mindset to hold onto.

When you have those big dreams, anything is possible if you believe in yourself enough and put in the hard yards when others are sleeping.

Stream this real new track on Soundcloud and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Where Will We Go: Moonlight Rhythm Society show us that soulfully sultry jazz on ‘Allison’

Posted on 11 April 2021

With 2020 shutting the world down into mask-filled darkness, Moonlight Rhythm Society used this opportunity to make beautifully crafted music and ‘Allison‘, is the first of seven much-anticipated releases from true underground legends of their craft.

Austrian Expats Marcus Oberlecher and Andreas Oberlechner started working with Peter Gaylord back in the early 80’s in Johannesburg, South Africa, where their bond grew close and the three-piece jazz trio have been working together ever since.

”The uncertainties and inherent difficulties in making a living out of the music industry led to Andreas and Marcus obtaining university qualifications in law and science respectively with Peter active in the running of the medieval themed restaurant that also provided an outlet to perform his music.”- Moonlight Rhythm Society

With their soulful tone streaming through your curious speakers, they lift through all the current climates to expertly simmer in a song that has you smiling again. They are so delightful and you can’t help but smile broadly while tapping your feet to a wonderful melody that has you in a joyful mood to embrace the new possibilities, that are there if you want them enough.

‘Allison‘ from Johannesburg-based jazz three-piece Moonlight Rhythm Society, is a terrific single from true musicians who do this for the love, as they let us into that old school feeling that is hard to find these days.

Stream this jazzy wonderland of sounds for the mind to heal with on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The calling: Remilekun sends out beautiful message on Christian Gospel single ‘Revelations’

Posted on 12 March 2021

Calling on all nations to come in peace to worship God, Remilekun is on top form via her new faith-filled single named ‘Revelations‘.

Remilekun is a wonderful Nigeria-born, London-based Christian Gospel musician and Choir Director, who has a deep hope for a better future and sings with the wind at her sails, as she teaches us the word of her God, to help us find meaning in our lives.

Her voice travels far and wide over the calming ocean, as her deep lungs fill up sweetly with stunning and relaxing energy to help us see through the scary fog, that is so prevalent in modern days.

She sings to worship her Lord and to show him that she is doing this to send out his name to all that can hear, with the sole purpose of making the world a better place.

‘Revelations‘ from Nigerian Gospel singer Remilekun is the most glorious song you will hear this week, as her voice shines above all the hate and horrific deviousness thwarting current times, as he portrays only peace and love with this fine single.

Having faith in these dark and confusing times, is the true test for any believer and music like this certainly warms the heart with so much joy.

See this stunning music video on YouTube and find out more about her on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Two needed to tango: Ray Ramon is back with the catchy ‘What Do You Mean’ (ft. Morgan McElhone)

Posted on 22 February 2021

With smooth vocals and a glint of the eye, Ray Ramon returns with the exciting dance-filled new single ‘What Do You Mean‘ (ft. Morgan McElhone).

Ray Ramon is a strong-voiced Nigerian-born, Australian-based indie singer-songwriter/EDM artist and he is joined by the emerging Australian dancer, model and singer Morgan McElhone. Together they form a tremendous team that show their chemistry with a grooving new single, that keeps you captivated and wanting more.

“What do you mean is a song about unrequited love. A one-sided kind of love and knowing when to draw the boundary between love and lust.”- Ray Ramon

This is the story about a one sided love, that as much as you want it to be true, probably isn’t ever going to happen as you need two birds to make a nest in life.

They sing with passionate energy as both are supremely talented artists and mesh well here for a fresh new single that will have you fascinated and trying out your own dance moves, to see if they are up to scratch.

‘What Do You Mean‘ (ft. Morgan McElhone) is a crush-filled indie r&b fusion of sweet sounds that shows you that sometimes, two people can’t be together unless you both have that burning desire inside to burn bright, with the class to realize that, so you can move on and find your perfect soul.

Hear this hot new single on YouTube and see his IG for more news.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

In the mood for having fun: Damola Davis bring the heat with the catchy gem ‘Oshomo’

Posted on 22 February 2021

Damola Davis returns with his charmingly pleasing style to get the party started, on the freshly-brewed bass sounds of ‘Oshomo‘.

Nigeria-raised, UK-born Afrobeats/Dancehall artist Adedamola Ogundipe aka Damola Davis, makes the type of music that gets you out of the corner of the club and into the limelight. With a voice that gets you smiling, he projects a vibe that you can’t help but like and you feel compelled to groove the whole night.

After spending most of his childhood in Ibadan, Nigeria-you can feel his pure love for making that true sound as music runs through his veins. This is a man with an inner knowledge of what the people want and he delivers here with a song that makes dancers out of novices.

A diverse artist who has been in bands before and tried out different genres, it feels like he is happy with this particular sound for now and is only going to get better like fine wine. His vocals are exciting like scoring a 89th minute free kick to win the World Cup and with a beat that is so hot you might get sunstroke in the blazing heat, this is a winner all the way.

‘Oshomo‘ from the exciting talent Damola Davis is that Dancehall fused sound that blends rather smoothly with a taste of Afrobeats, to get you in the mood to up your confidence level. He has an illuminating personality that makes him stand out from the rest and this is the song you turn on if everyone is bored with the DJ, as you know the audience will be dancing again thanks to this gem of a single.

Stream this bouncy party track on Spotify and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Taking us to a special place: Cape Town’s EMERGER dazzle brightly on the exquisite ‘Round We Go’

Posted on 11 February 2021

Back with the follow-up to ‘State of Mind‘ and oozing original creativity laced into their lovable fabric, EMERGER, take us on a colorful journey into your curious inner soul, with their excellent new single ‘Round We Go‘.

EMERGER are an ever-evolving Cape Town, South Africa-based alt-pop duo, formed by Gerry Matthee and Emma de Goede, who together make that special type of music that fills you up tenderly with hope, as you gaze happily into their carefully created sonic soundscapes, with a calm mind intertwined into your consciousnesses, breaking free after from being over-stimulated and rushed, in this fast-paced world of madness and hooting cars at every corner you cross.

”Being immersed within a tank of thousands of lights, the video portrays how the creative process can be all-encompassing”.- Emma de Goede

With consistently quality content on a regular basis, you feel like they are truly emerging on the world stage with their aesthetically pleasing music videos, crisp production and honey-tipped vocal delivery, which together fills your hungry palate with a scrumptious experience that feels outer-worldly at times.

Directed by Emma herself and with the renowned South African cinematographer Hugo Brand recruited to add his vast experience to this project, this is a marvelous music video that fills your mind up with positive energy and lets you soar into the clouds of creativity above, boosting your senses and opening your eyes to those possibilities you thought unfathomable before.

This is the story about how art can imitate a romantic relationship, with the first creative thought taking a life of its own and the different layers of complexities is something special, sometime happy, sometimes challenging, but must never be taken for granted. Learning about yourself and your chosen partner is a wondrous journey, that is meant to be discovered together through all the good and bad days.

‘Round We Go‘ from Cape Town, South Africa’s enticing alt-pop duo EMERGER, is an eager look into the present and future with an 80’s synth-pop feel, alluring your heart with luscious vocals and a beat that will make you blush in exhilaration.

See this wonderful video on YouTube, hear their Spotify music and see more visuals on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Heavy and hard: Cape Town’s Stranger of Earth scorch all doubt away on ‘Pandemic’

Posted on 16 January 2021

Stranger of Earth are back with their signature electric energy force fields that have blessed our tired souls on the hard-hitting new single ‘Pandemic‘.

Four-piece Cape Town, South Africa progressive hard rockers Stranger of Earth are a band that you hear once in your life and never ever forget. Their have a spectacular style that smashes through the fragile speakers and will thud a big dent in your bedroom walls; to certainly wake up your startled neighbors.

This is about these dark and gloomy times and how the current world is in a huge mess. Our sins have been found out and this is the liberation time when we recreate, reboot and reinvent ourselves. Some of us might of forgotten our names and what our purpose is but with these strong vocals, groovy electric bass-lines and thunderous drum melodies, your mindset will be clearer and without restrictive cobwebs.

They are a must-see when gigs open up again in the locked-down band scene in Cape Town where so many venues have been unfortunately biting the dust, due to this horrific time in the world. Whilst new bars and venues will emerge and pop up again, the motivated band have been hard at work, evolving their sound and becoming tighter as a well-oiled unit.

Stranger of Earth are so hungry and passionate on ‘Pandemic‘ and shows that their clear approach to hooks and tones is working, as they have a pure sound that gets you motivated to get up and grab that blood flow pulsating through your veins.

We live in wild times but its all made a bit easier to handle by a South African band who have a powerful sound that is world class.

Turn up the volume for this one on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

From South Africa to Australia: Indie singer-songwriter Oshua showcases his story of being stuck inside on ‘Monke’

Posted on 20 December 2020

South African born and Perth, Australia based new artist Oshua shows us his growing music maturity on the scrumptious new single called ‘Monke‘.

The refreshing sounds of tweeting birds in the background adds a natural element for our tired ears and we hear the fresh vocals of this young storyteller right away. His story of minding his own business and being stuck in his own head from the time alone and in this horrible pandemic, is so real. The lyrics are so understandable as we are all searching for that special soul to hold our hand tight and help us out of the sticky quicksand. That’s all we really need; an angel to help us get up and be strong again.

The Lofi-Pop with RnB fused in to make this a tasty song to lather our soul in, is a wonderful moment during this horrific year that doesn’t seem to end quick enough. This is a talented singer-songwriter who has a golden voice that seems to have a hint of honey coated filling inside to make it so sweet and tender.

There is lots of potential here and if he can stay focused and work out what he needs to do in order to properly prioritize his goals for a long-term impact, the sky is literally the limit for this young talent.

Australian based Oshua makes such sweetly juiced music on ‘Monke‘ and this makes you want to laze in bed all day, headphones on loud and forget all your worries while having a relaxing nap to replenish your soul.

Support this fast-rising musician on his Spotify and see more of the vision on his FB & IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The underdog that wants it bad: Nigerian born UK emcee Mukhy makes a huge statement on ‘SWERVE!’(ft DxBoY)

Posted on 29 November 2020

Sometimes you get that special feeling when you turn on a new song. Mukhy takes a blowtorch to all obstacles in his way on his new track ‘SWERVE!’ (ft DxBoY). The mysteriously intense tiptoe shaker beat blusters in with a blazing entry that busts through the creaking door. This is the way to make an memorable entrance.

With the self-confidence of a man that knows what he wants plus a ravaging lyrical delivery that eats away at those corny rappers that get too much love, he’s already half way there to getting where he wants to go.

He swerves out of the way from sewage-type bad vibes that stinks out the joint. He has an ominous rap style that is so refreshing in a world full of short-term mumble pop-tarts that have no place on the mic.

The beat couldn’t have been made any better for the vision of the track and this song is like a powerful jack-hammer against the wall of cheesy music that is soft and breaks easily. This is a man who is fired up, knows who his real friends are, and is only concerned with respect from the true music fans and long-lasting success.

If you want it, you gotta go and get it. Mukhy seems to want success more than most and proves this on ‘SWERVE!’ (ft DxBoY). With a vicious lyrical flow, he sweeps all others under the mat to gather dust. Time will tell if he has the self-motivation to carry on when the chips are down but the odds are on him winning. When you quit your dull job to get back into music, losing is not an option.

View this fiery song featuring two of the best emcee’s around via YouTube and find out more about Mukhy on his FB and IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Having the right mindset: Emerger guide us through the smoke of 2020 with ‘State of Mind’

Posted on 28 November 2020

The alt-pop pureness from Cape Town duo dreamers Emerger is exactly what we need to stay sane during these apocalyptic times. The squawking birds flutter around with more confidence as they can feel the earth healing from the less smoke and pollution in the sky. The calming but chilly waves offer a peaceful environment to reflect on these unimaginable times in the world, as quarantine has us all feeling like lab rats in a science experiment gone wrong.

Her voice is elegantly enticing enough to dare us to daydream again, while the natural production adds a layer of escapism from the current affairs that can consume your mind to unearth unhealthy levels of anxiously. The combination of the vastly beautiful visuals and sonically stunning soundscapes, make this exhilarating new single a mood changing experience of pleasurable proportions.

The dazzling and always well-dressed duo have been performing and recording music for many years after meeting while studying music at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Their vision and passions are forever interlocked and it feels like they take a step up each time I listen to their wonderful creations. Their humble nature only makes them more likable as in a world full of too many flashy fakes and petty posers, their dreamy alt-pop music only calms the heart rate to help you feel encouraged and brave enough to face the wild world again.

Being in the correct frame of mind is so tough right now if you don’t have a strong support system to stay positive. Luckily, we have the recently engaged Emma De Goede & Gerry Matthee from Cape Town’s Emerger to show us the way to the beach with a smile and a deliciously created beat to make us all remember how to blush again.

‘State of Mind’ teaches us that everything is going to be okay again and we all need to stay positive as love and groovy music can exist, if you want it enough deep inside your soul.

See the visuals here on YouTube and follow their music journey on Facebook and IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen