“How long do you expect the conforming to go on when you legally get away with murder in daylight?“
This chilling quote from Ricci Bamboo’s single “The Switch” only scratches the surface of the horrors, injustices, and systemic racism Black lives have endured for far too long.
For an artist so powerful and compelling, creating an anthem for his people was a must. “The Switch” is more than a song. It’s a movement of racial justice, awareness, and righting the wrongs of the past that have continued to linger in the present day.
The song’s visualizer brings those themes to life with powerful protests with signage that reads statements like “Stop Killing Us,” “No Pride In Genocide,” and “Mental Health Not Corporate Wealth.” The empowering and factual spoken word stares you dead in the face with concepts that make you realize the extent of how corrupted our society is.
When you think of Ricci Bamboo, think of an artist who knows how to command your attention. He is a true product of his Toronto roots, Miami upbringing, and West Indian background, having grown up with a diverse musical palate that ranged from dancehall and soca to reggae and chutney.
Growing up wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but that taught Bamboo to be tough, bold, confident, and unapologetic with everything he does. He’s a unique force within our industry, with conceptual, relatable messages to share.
“Music has always been used as a form of entertainment and an influence. Regardless of what your message is, you’re influencing people. Their moods, their belief systems…you’re influencing something in their life,” says Bamboo.
Ricci Bamboo creates music that immortalizes life themes and preserves them for future generations to acknowledge, cherish, and relate with. His music is a treat for the ears, and his messages are timeless. “The Switch” is no exception.
“As far as my music career, I want to make the kind of record that has a long lasting impact on people’s lives. I want to be able to create a sound that lives on beyond me and has a complete life of its own.”
Born in Lagos and currently based in Los Angeles, Israel Fowobaje also known as 1SRAELis a multifaceted creative. Indulging in music at the tender age of 13, Israel says he was destined to be a musical powerhouse. “Music was the fist thing that I pursued and saw the fruits of my labour early on, not just in commercial success, but working with my peers and being a part of their process too,” he told RemixdMag.
He was no stranger to being sonically inclined as he “Grew up in a musical family, my mom was a successful gospel singer in Nigeria back in the days so my upbringing was studios and church choir.” Constantly being exposed to the studio, band, and the church choir it was natural for Israel to be talented.
Widely known directing music videos for huge artists such as Lucky Daye and Adekunle Gold, Israel set his sights on production. And in such a short time he has secured placements that has catapulted his career to new heights. Israel produced several hit songs including co-producing the 3x Grammy nominated hit single of the year “Wait For U” by Future feat. Drake and Tems. He has also produced for artists like Toosii, Rod Wave, Meek Mill and an artist he is excited to put on everyone’s radar is Cascash. He is currently working on his debut EP that reportedly has jaw dropping features. With 2022 being as epic as it was for Israel we can only hope for a monumental 2023.
“I’m currently working on my debut production EP, I have a few exciting features on their that I won’t share just yet! As far as dates go, I would say first quarter of next year you can expect the project in full,” 1SRAEL shares.
Be on the lookout for what’s next from this superstar producer.
Following his Apple Music Rap/Hip-Hop Album chart-topping project Vibes Before Teslim, which he released in 2019 as a precursor to this album, and on the back of the success of its lead singles ‘Early Momo’ and ‘Mama Maradona’, which have amassed over 15 million plays online, Nigerian rap icon VECTOR is excited to release his brand new album TESLIM: The Energy Still Lives In Me. Named after his late father as a dedication to his teachings and philosophy on life, TESLIM is also an acronym for ‘The Energy Still Lives In Me’, which speaks to how his father is still living through Vector today.
Largely produced by Grammy Award-nominated producer and Burna Boy collaborator Mr Kleb, with additional production from the likes of Grammy winner Kel-P (Wizkid, Future, Adekunle Gold), Cracker Mello (Fireboy DML, Amaarae, D’Banj), and Major Bangz (Phyno, Olamide, M.I Abaga), with guest appearances with some of Africa’s finest artists including Wande Coal, Nasty C, Seun Kuti, Ladipoe, and GoodGirl LA, Vector’s TESLIM album is the culmination of a journey of rediscovery and realignment that has been five years in the making, sparked by the death of his father in 2017.
Self-described as “music according to my life’s truth and story”, TESLIM sees Vector pondering fatherhood, relationships, politics, and his country, among other things. On ‘Teslim Introduction’, he looks to shatter industry norms, while he talks to his daughter on ‘I Need You’, and on ‘You Don’t Know’, he implores listeners to understand their worth. Vector pays homage to his father on ‘Mercy’, and he flexes his lyrical prowess on ‘Clowns’ and ‘What’s That II’, while ‘My Name’ sees him in a confident assured mood to close out the album. Throughout the 16-track affair, Vector stands tall on TESLIM with impeccable lyricism, captivating songwriting, and majestic musicianship.
Speaking about the inspiration behind his TESLIM album, Vector says, “I thought I had an idea of what my album was going to be, then suddenly your dad passes, and you then start to understand that life is vain, you start to re-evaluate and rediscover the meaning of the things you do. I started to re-evaluate what I wanted my music to be like, what I wanted the message to carry, and how I wanted my music [to be]. I was also considering things – if life is a fleeting thing that we all can’t hold on to, how then is it easy for us to be distracted by things that we really don’t care about?”
Revered as one of the biggest rap artists to come out of Africa, Vector comes with eight acclaimed projects (four albums, three EPs and one mixtape) under his belt, while also holding the record for the longest live rap freestyle on the continent, which has been downloaded over one million times. The award-winning rap icon is the face of Hennessy Artistry in Nigeria, where he also serves as creative director for the renowned cognac house. The Lagos-born artist has been championed across the world by international tastemakers such as Apple Music, BET, MTV Base and BBC 1Xtra.
Coined as “Toronto’s secret’ RealestK has the star quality to captivate any audience. Serving up hypnotizing and trap-soul ballads he first rose to stardom in 2021, with his viral hit “WFM”. Uploading the track while he was still in High School, the single quickly made Its way to the Billboard charts and Tik Tok trends. Gaining co-signs from some of music’s biggest talents including Drake, Nav and Bryson Tiller just to name a few RealestK is R&B newest phenomenon.
Despite being a relatively unknown, RealestK has burst onto the music scene with a striking sound. Just one year after the single release RealestK released his debut project with Columbia RecordsDreams 2 Reality. The 14-track project rides a soulful yet melodic beat full of vulnerability encapsulating emotional transparency.
With great response of his debut he has took his talent into live shows. He embarked on a two-show journey in Toronto and Los Angeles and sold out each venue. Selling out the Moroccan Lounge in L.A with each person in the audience singing his lyrics verbatim Remixd Magazine was able to capture his raw talent and it’s safe to say that RealestK is on a successful path.
A sold-out night at the Moroccan Lounge in LA, the crowd was definitely rocking with RealestK.
Houston-based musician, Aesjacultivates self-love and elevation through her many records.
Aesja’s newest EP, called ‘Gold’ in particular, encourages others to go with their gut. No matter the circumstance, she showcases in this project to do what’s best for you.
The 4-track effort titled Gold symbolizes finding the light in the darkness.
“Some of the greatest growth of every being happens in the dark: embryos are developed into babies in a dark womb, seeds sprout into plants in darkness, diamonds and gold are both created with immense pressure and darkness,” Aesja adds.
“I started making this during one of the darkest times of my life when I couldn’t see my worth. I had to trust that I could persevere to get to a place where I knew my worth and was happy even though I couldn’t see it then. I had to excavate myself to see my true value.”
Gold digs deepinto variations of R&B with classic samples, trap arrangements, and other lush components. Vocally, her range is reminiscent of songstresses like thuy.
“Right Back” and “Had Your Fun” is moreso a tell-off to a love interest who isn’t capable of being a partner. Calling him out for their disloyalty and other heinous acts, Aesja concludes that it’s best to distance herself.
“What Are You Really Ready For?” prepares a suitor for what comes with dating Aesja. She asks them important questions to see if they are qualified to be her better half.
After boldly stating that their connection must extend past the bedroom, she asks
“Are you willing to do the work to grow? Are you willing to be uncomfortable? Are you willing to do the work for it?“
“NY Vibe” explores the dog-eat world we’ve succumbed to. LIL JSEAN and Aesja leave behind those who are selfishly satisfying their emotional endeavors. They move forward with honest hearts, knowing they’ve done all they could to salvage these relationships.
Remixd Magazine had the opportunity to chat more with Aesja. Keep reading to learn more about her artistry, and be sure to stream her new project Gold below:
What’s the story behind your artist’s name?
My artist name is Aesja, which is also my real name! My Dad wanted my name to start with the first letter of the alphabet to symbolize leadership and my mom created my name. She’s always been a creative, original person.
What’s this release about in your own words?
This release is about realizing my self-worth, honoring the boundaries that I’m learning to create, overcoming perfectionism, growing/letting go, and digging deep to find the strength within myself to heal; perseverance.
What do you want people to know about this release?
This project is very vulnerable and very raw. It‘s about redirection, self-worth, boundaries, standards, learning, and letting go.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
I hope that fans take away that it’s okay to be authentically yourself. We are all allowed to make mistakes, learn and grow. Having boundaries and honoring them is necessary and healthy. Although it’s painful to let go, sometimes it’s necessary. There is no time limit on your healing. Take all the time you need. Self-worth and value are not determined by how people may treat you. We are each worthy and innately valuable.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I was three when I told my parents that I wanted to be a singer so I believe I’ve always been passionate about music. But, when my eldest brother Dougie transitioned and became an angel in 2010 at just 25 years old, I think I realized how important it is to live your purpose and do the things you’re passionate about. That’s what he did in his life through playing basketball, riding motorcycles, and being supportive of his loved ones.
I wasn’t given this gift of writing and singing to keep to myself, It inspires me to know that I can use my talents to help other people like other artists’ music have helped me.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Mary J Blige, Anita Baker, and Aaliyah.
Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
I’m definitely going to be releasing more songs within the first quarter of 2023!
