Asakaa is a genre of music that originated in Ghana, specifically in the city of Kumasi. It is a form of drill rap, which is a style of hip hop that features dark, aggressive, and often violent lyrics over hard-hitting beats. Asakaa is influenced by drill rap from the US and the UK, but also has its own distinctive elements, such as the use of Twi language, local slang, and cultural references.
According to some source, asakaa was coined by DJ and producer Rabby Jones, who reversed the word "kasa", which means "talk" in Twi. He shouted out "asakaa" during a freestyle session with rapper Jay Bahd, and the name stuck. Asakaa is also a code language for the artists and their fans, who use reversed words to convey hidden meanings or avoid censorship.
Some of the most popular asakaa artists are Yaw Tog, Jay Bahd, Kofi Jamar, Kwaku DMC, O'Kenneth, Reggie, City Boy, and Kawabanga. They are part of a collective called Kumerica Asakaa Boys, or Life Living Records. They often collaborate with each other and release songs and videos that showcase their lifestyle, struggles, and aspirations in Kumasi. One of their biggest hits is Sore by Yaw Tog, which features Stormzy and Kwesi Arthur on the remix. Sore means "rise up" in Twi, and it is an anthem for the youth who want to make a change in their society.
Asakaa has gained a lot of attention and recognition both locally and internationally. It has been featured on various media platforms, such as BBC News , The guardien it-has-our-energy-our-story-asakaa-ghanas-vibrant-drill-rap-scene, and Metro TV Ghana.
It has also attracted the support of influential figures, such as the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh, who sent clothes and shoes to some of the artists. Asakaa is seen as a vibrant and authentic expression of Ghanaian culture and identity, as well as a voice for the marginalized and excluded.
If you want to learn more about asakaa, you can watch this video by Kawabanga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlnzkKSKUc8, who narrates the history of the genre and its impact. You can also listen to some of the songs by the asakaa artists on Spotify or YouTube. I hope you enjoy this music as much as I do. blush
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