Coca-Cola Company has celebrated the official launch of its music flagship Coke Studio Africa 2017 in Ghana. Being broadcasted in Ghana for the second time in its history, Coke Studio Africa has got bigger and better this season with the merger of Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa, to include 16 countries in total.
Yaa Amoah-Owusu, Brand Manager of Coca-Cola in Ghana said, “We had a great experience last year. And from that experience, we are very glad to bring a bigger and better Coke Studio Africa for the continent and for Ghana in particular. We have a group of top artists with diverse flavours this year incorporating the cultural and modern music experiences in Ghana. This gives more exposure to Ghananian music and promote our culture globally”.
Two of Ghana’s most talented artists: Joey B and Worlasi are set to debut on this year’s show. Worlasi – the “Nuse” and “Nukata” hit maker is diverse and has unique skill. He was touted by BBC as one of the most influential artists to watch in Ghana in 2016. The R&B star Joey B known for hit songs such as “Strawberry Ginger” and “Tonga” featuring Sarkodie will collaborate with South African power vocalist of the “Amazulu” hit fame: Amanda Black.
Ghana was also represented on the show by super star music producer Killbeatz – dubbed as one of the best afro beats producers in Africa. He has worked with the crème de la crème in music including Fuse ODG and R2Bees. In fact, he co-produced Ed Sheeran’s global platinum-selling hit song “Bibia Be Ye Ye”.
For months, the artists had worked alongside a highly talented house band and performed songs that showcased the remix and cover of some of Africa’s hit songs. Through collaborating with diverse artists across Africa, Ghanaian music acts enlisted on the show showcased the best of Ghananian music and culture as well as shared the values and traditions of Ghana .
Epic moments to look forward to in this season include Joey B collaboration with the show’s guest star: multi-platinum international pop artist Jason Derulo on Coke Studio’s special episode ‘ Global Fusion Edition and Worlasi’s collaboration with Sauti Sol and Chidima on one of his hit records.
Coke Studio Africa 2017 is broadcasted on TV3 @5pm on Saturdays and YFM @ 2pm on Sundays. It’s a melting pot of music talents bringing together renowned music producers and top-notch artists drawn from various parts of the continent.
The merger this year increased the number of participating countries to 16, up from 11 in previous edition. This season broadcasts in more than 30 countries across Africa. The production now includes artists from South Africa, Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Togo, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia and Cameroon. The last season featured Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Cote d’ Ivoire and Togo whilst South Africa had its own production.
Some of the renowned names this season include Bruce Melodie from Rwanda, Tanzanian artists: Rayvanny, Izzo Bizness and Nandy, Ugandan artists: Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo, Ykee Benda and Sheebah, Khaligraph Jones and The Band BeCa from Kenya, Nasty C, Busiswa, Mashayabhuqe from South Africa, Youssoupha from Democratic Republic of Congo, Runtown and Yemi from Nigeria, among others.
Like previous editions, this year Coke Studio Africa introduced the best and hottest African music acts to a new and wider audience. Through interaction, collaboration and cooperation amongst the artists the show aimed to inspire while building a strong brand connection with Africa’s young and growing population. From communities, cities and countries, Africa is full of music talent and Coke Studio Africa as a platform offered wide exposure while enabling greater interaction, collaboration and cooperation while creating inspiring new sounds and free access to digital goodies.
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