Music Review by Vai Thomas
When someone uses the phrase 'powerful music,' what sort of ideas would the average listener normally associate with the phrase? Perhaps a song with a grandiose arrangement or something with a lyrical theme so epic that it commands the attention and respect of the listener, irrespective of whether or not he/she feels a connection to the theme, among other things. But humility fused with honesty, as in life, is more often than not a powerfully potent mix when applied with a meaningful purpose – either to the lyrical theme, or to the arrangement and instrumentation, or through the rendition of the lyrics themselves. Ghanaian singer-songwriter Korsah has showcased a truly powerful fusion of honesty and humility in all three aforementioned departments in the form of his latest number, titled 'Daily Bread.'
Written in the key of G minor, 'Daily Bread' is an autobiographical song based on Korsah's own experiences growing up. It is written in the realms of melodic rap, hip-hop, and Afroswing – three genres so distinctive that they exude a certain self-assured nonchalance in tandem with a characteristic so basic and humble that it establishes an almost instant connection with the listener. In a unique way, the genres make honesty and humility seem badass to the hilt.
Korsah, having grown up in Atonsu – a Ghanaian town known for its street rap battles and competitions, is a masterful proponent of the genre. Written over a 3-chord loop, the instrumentation is arranged in a purposeful and no-nonsense manner, comprising the 808 (extremely well-mixed) kick, hi-hats, and claps – the kick also serving as the sole source for the bass sound of the number – in addition to the ambient textures of the synth. The lyrics, autobiographical in nature, carefully avoid entering 'corny' territory, striking a balance between precision of lyrical delivery and the raw honesty with which the theme is driven by and delivered with – courtesy of Korsah, who extols the virtues of an old-fashioned grind and sacrifice through sheer storytelling that strikes at the heart at once. Korsah, of course, backs it up with his vocal rendition of the lyrics, in a manner that is again brutally honest and devoid of mawkish sentiment (courtesy of the vocal plugins) and yet delivered with resolute precision and genuine no-nonsense humility, so as to strike at the listener's emotional center. The fact that the topline utilizes only a finite number of notes from the G minor scale works brilliantly to extol the virtues of sheer simplicity and an earthiness gloriously waiting to be deciphered, which is beyond capable of bringing the listener back for more. In the end, the listener yearns for someone to feel a connection with his or her own story and for motivation to carry back into the real world. That is very effectively provided for by Korsah through 'Daily Bread.'
At a duration of two minutes and fifty seconds (with an extremely well-produced music video version spanning three minutes and thirty-seven seconds), 'Daily Bread' is a winning ode to the power of sacrifice and toil to reach a certain point, and a thunderous addition to the hip-hop and Afroswing genres. Through its soul and technique – right from the songwriting process to the vocal rendition and the mix – 'Daily Bread' very well qualifies as powerful.
About Korsah
Korsah grew up in Atonsu, a vibrant town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, where he developed his passion for music through street rap battles and dance competitions. Influenced by American rappers Lil Wayne and Young Thug, as well as musical legends like Michael Jackson, Akon, and Daddy Lumba, Korsah has crafted a distinct musical style that blends contemporary melodic Hip-Hop with gospel elements. Signed to 610Music, Korsah is poised to spread his message and talent globally.
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