Eclectic, informative, cultured, innovative and unexpected. A fast forward approach to current Black Nationalism some may say but to identify as the best of your kind, is a natural instinct. AFropolitan is a multi-layered, expansive album that is blessed with many facets of the African diaspora. With a heavy reggae influence, I didn't know what to expect by the end of the first three tracks. The intro intro is dance music like, the title track is futuristic and then the journey begins, and the next two go deep blues, spilling into gospel. Ms. Taiye Tuaki-Wosornu of The Afro Beat, defines AFropolitan as 'internationally mobile, young people of African descent, making their mark on the world.' Identifying as a young African American of dual descent, lover of travel, aficionado of food, cultured performer and accomplished independent business, I concur to the label.
True artists are rare to form. In the sense that an album is an experience that tells a story for the most part from the eyes of the artist. The best albums accomplish just that feat as Derrick N. Ashong and Soulfege have on this collaborative project. The folk like lyrics, penned with reflective simplicity and laced with various world music undertones, AFropolitan is definitely worth checking out. From beginning to end the fusion of gospel/jazz organ chords, to the straight Ghanaian soca like anthem, and even some reggae rockers and acoustic style ballads, these two young men have shaped a world class experience through sound.
As a far as favorites, I find this project most comfortable around the bluesy Find Another Man, traditional with a twist Mle Mle Mle, and strong reggae classic Another Day. Their distinct sound and enormous versatility will prove to show sustainability in the live performance arena. These tunes can easily be heard in any reggae establishment or Caribbean/African cuisine or based business. Reggae has always been a music full of vast dichotomies, soul stirring rhythms and accessible lyrics with excess slang from native tongues. The music in its self is an Afropolitan based concept, wherein reggae artists make music in their native tongue and chosen music and choose not to translate or slow down or make more audible any of their lyrics.
Derrick Ashong & Soulfege, with this project, take the term to the next level by making skillfully eclectic, embracing stories of love, life, perseverance, charma, culture, and starting over. The two most powerful tracks are the closing Smile and Close Your Eyes, these funk and acoustic style ballad based tracks are kicked up 5 notches with the intricate multiple instruments and live performance feel. As eclectic as the whole album, the final track ask for introspection and change for each of us, blending ballad and a reggaeton style rap. Bringing us all full circle, the project shows great application of themed story telling and cohesive writing. The live feel of almost every track keeps your foot tapping while you feel strangely familiar to these songs. Like you head them before? I know, I felt the same way, sounds like a worthy live show. It took a little replay to get the background and history of the songs but after a little inspection, one can hear the songs are about spiritual warfare, political change, love for three women (mom, daughter & any woman who loves musicians). The artistry, story-telling and world influence makes this a top pick for quality independent international music leaving something for everyone one to grasp onto.
Check out Derrick N Ashong & Soulfege LIVE | Sunday, October 9th @ Patty Boom Boom's and grab a part of history, and get your signed copy of AFropolitan, I'm sure you will hear these names again.
Find more of his music and wish him a belated birthday as we share the same bornday of September 28th.
CHECK OUT THE EVENT INFORMATION (courtesy of FUSICOLOGY.COM):
Patty Boom Boom Presents…
Derrick N. Ashong & Soulfege
Sunday October 9th
9pm-1:30am
DNA & Soulfege are here for the official DC Release party of their Album Afropolitan
"A spirit of promise and hope and harmony, a spirit that denies dissonance" - VanityFair.com
Soulfège (pron: SOL-Fezh) sounds like: "Bob Marley jammin' with the Fugees on a street corner in West Africa!"
Founded by two Harvard students with a belief in the power of music to better our world, Soulfège has spread powerful & positive vibes across the globe via BBC Worldservice, MTV Africa & NPR and recently charted in the Top Ten on the nationwide Jambands.com/RELIX chart. Our bandleader DNA is host of "The Stream" on Al Jazeera English & "The Derrick Ashong Experience" on Oprah Radio. -Soulfege
The Album drops on iTunes on 10/11
21+ $5 Entry
Patty Boom Boom
1359 U st. NW, Washington, DC 20009
202-629-1714
twitter: @pattyboomboomdc
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