Illustrious Ghanaian artist manager, publisher, and musician Smallgod has played a pivotal role in amplifying the influence of African hip-hop on the global stage. The seasoned music entrepreneur is the founder of NASECWORLD, an artist publishing company that has introduced us to astounding West African artists such as LP2loose and Wavy The Creator. Fueled by the desire to connect the African diaspora through music, the pan-African artist showcases his artistry through Hiplife, which is a hip-hop sub-genre that merges distinct sounds from the continent and beyond. The novel sub-genre has been making waves in West Africa and the United Kingdom.
Following a slew of fiery singles, the pan-African artist finally unleashed his highly anticipated collaborative album, Connecting the Dots. The genre-bending album follows the release of his hit single, “My Way”, featuring Eugy, Headie One, and Medikal. Comprising 13-tracks and an array of accomplished guests, Connecting the Dots merges global sounds, creating a synchronous and tuneful soundscape.
Record opener “Falling”, which features Ghanaian heavy-hitters KiDi and Darkoo, ushers us into this musical extravaganza with a vibrant afro-fusion sound. The sultry song details a rendezvous between two lovers, with KiDi singing: “your body is a blessing.” A smooth, jazzy trumpet enhances this club banger’s euphonious sound.
The theme of passion is further explored in “Tonight”, featuring Efya, WES7AR 22, and Kofi Mole. The love song ushers us in with crisp vocals from Afro-pop sensation Efya, accompanied by a classic-sounding Afro-fusion beat. “Tonight” tells a tale of a strong love bond, with WES7AR 22 affectionately singing: “When the night gets colder, baby draw me closer”.
Since his formidable debut Building Bridges, Smallgod has been unwavering in his determination to play by his own rules in the music industry. The title of the album’s lead single (“My Way”) is a testament to this fact. Comprising fiery verses from Headie One, Eugy, and Medikal, the track boasts a fresh sound propelled by nuanced sonics. The rap-sung cadence in the song’s chorus demonstrates Smallgod’s hip-hop and Hiplife influences.
The album’s sixth track, “So Amsterdam”, speaks to Smallgod’s connection to the Netherlands. Having been raised between Ghana, London, and the Netherlands, Smallgod was exposed to various cultures, which he now showcases in his music. The seasoned music entrepreneur has also embraced his Netherlands heritage through his collaboration with Daily Paper, a Netherlands-based streetwear brand.
Smallgod further illustrates his multi-facetedness by gracing us with an amapiano sound in “2000”, featuring Major League DJz, GuiltyBeatz, WES7AR 22, and Uncle Vinny. The song boasts digital log drums, which is standard procedure for any amapiano hit. “2000” is a classic showcase of West meeting South. The song’s chorus sees Uncle Vinny rapping: “uVinny wama2000”, asserting his position as African pop culture’s teenage icon.
Connecting the Dots is also riddled with club bangers, one of them being “Paradise”, featuring Alpha P. The summer jam’s upbeat sound fuses both afro-fusion and afro-pop, creating a burst of sonic perfection. Alpha P composedly sings, “come and free your mind”, further amplifying the song’s laid-back ambience.
Smallgod thoroughly explores the hip-hop aspect of his artistry in “Holy F4K”, featuring Black Sherif, Vic Mensa, Ivorian Doll, and Kwaku DMC. The star-studded song sees the rappers go bar-for-bar with puff-chested raps along with a bass-infused UK Drill beat. Connecting the Dots concludes on an upbeat note with the “Holy F4K” (Remix)”, featuring Yssi SB, Adje, and Black Sherif.
In essence, the album is a masterpiece showcasing distinctive sounds derived from various parts of the globe—with a Ghanaian twist. Connecting the Dots is also an illustration of Smallgod’s idiosyncratic artistry and intransigent resolution to progress African music.
