Review by Vickie Scott & STaff
The W.A M. Awards celebrate the year’s most outstanding independent artists from around the world in multiple genres and categories. "Best Song" and "Best Album" nominations were based on Artistry, Musicianship, Originality, Professionalism, Diversity, and Excellence. W.A.M. stands for "We Are the Music Makers.' Ras Minano's "Africa Osuyeii" was the 2020 W.A.M. Award Winner for Best Song in the Reggae / World music category.
Ras Minano and the Hope of Africa Band rock the world with their spiritual song “Africa Oseeyeii.” The intro starts with a call and response between the lead vocals and the soulful choir. A fusion of jazz and traditional African rhythms and the bridges changes into a hard rock style with a funky bass line. The saxophone takes a smokin’ solo during the break and the rhythm section starts performing some cool jazz riffs. The deep rich earthy lyrics and catchy syncopated rhythms are uplifting and captivating.
"Africa Oseeyeii" is a magical combination of jazz, soul, rock, and African music.
The free-spirited lyrics and the musical arrangement's structured form gives the song a soulful and rich dynamic. The song is catchy, and Ras Minano is a gifted musician who can take one phrase and expand it to be something unique. The choir repeats, “Africa, Africa, Oseeyeii,” as band turns up with the hot jazz and soul beats.
The spirit of Ras Minano and the Hope of Africa band is robust and pure. “Africa Oseeyeii” is uplifting, and the incredible vocals and instrumentation are impactful. These experienced musicians’ performance is fresh and magical. Their music is the essence of African music with its energetic rhythms section and glorious vocal section. Ras Minano’s artistry is extraordinary with traditional African instruments to modern instruments, and a pure reggae style that has funk and soul.
About Ras Minano Coming from Ghana West Africa and founder of The Hope of Africa Band, Ras Minano, is recognized internationally as a renowned Reggae and Afrobeats artist. A gifted artist, drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, composer and producer, Ras shares his talent and worldly visions openly through heart and music. His deeply honest, rich and earthy lyrics, infectious beats and uplifting rhythms have captivated audiences worldwide. A humble warrior, Ras shares messages of truth and love with powerful and thought provoking lyrics to give hope to the world through his music and spiritual wisdom. Born Richard Ekow Minano, Ras became widely known as `Baahey Otte’ meaning `The Prophet’ during his years living in the ghettos of Accra, Ghana, West Africa. Surrounded by poverty, Ras manifest an unyielding belief in Jah Rastafari and a profound love for humanity that attracted people to him for wisdom, guidance & leadership. From drumming in church as a young boy, Ras has gone on to dedicate his life to music and drumming, using his gift as a tool for the development, inner connection and healing for humankind. In 2006, Ras Minano formed The Hope of Africa Band with a vision of collective empowerment to raise consciousness and give hope for humanity. He shared this vision by inviting other talented Ghanaian musicians to join him. Together they performed at beach resorts throughout Accra captivating audiences. Momentum and popularity for the band grew and The Hope of Africa Band received regular invitations to perform at many high profile events notably, the highly acclaimed 2012 Ghana Peace Concert where, the single, ‘Stop the War’ was released receiving a standing ovation.
#RasMinano #AfricaOsuyeii #WAMAwards #MusicAwards #IndependentMusicAwards #MusicReviews #MusicReviewBlogs #BWHMusicGroup
Comments