Released: January 19, 2024

Genre: Hip-hop / R&B / Jazz-fusion

From: Ghana

Label: Brownswood Recordings

Why you should listen: Delasi is a Ghanaian singer, rapper and producer based in the town of Koforidua in Ghana. His last album came in 2015, so it’s been a while since he’s released something new, but with Audacity of Free Thought, his new EP, he’s found new life. The sound throughout this 5-track project is groovy, dynamic and incredibly funky throughout, taking influence from Ghanaian Highlife, jazz fusion and modern R&B. “Agbe Dzidzi” has this hypnotic groove, with heavy basslines and drumming throughout, synth leads and an infectious flow from Delasi, who switches from beautiful singing to a menacing introspective verse that hits hard. “Amplifier” featuring Nii Noi Nortey has these tribal drums and upbeat energy that is incredible throughout, as the rhythmic percussion combined with Delasi’s personal and uplifting lyrics questioning what our real desire is in life. “Perception” has these heavy, Kaytranada-esque drumming, with introspective lyricism about the differing perceptions other people have of him, and that not equating to who he is. The gorgeous keys on “Audacity of Free Thought” make this a more emotive, gentle track, even with the dynamic drumming throughout. Delasi’s political and socially conscious words here are powerful, and with the incredibly intricate percussive grooves and rhythms, makes it a standout on the album. The closer “Learn From Adversity” featuring Lollise is a dynamic, rhythmic and groovy track, with Delasi sharing his heart and soul one final time. Delasi’s Audacity of Free Thought EP is a colourful, vibrant and infectious body of work where he reflects both on his on his own state of mind, and the current social and political issues affecting Ghana.

The project: