Ghana: Watch Kobla Jnr’s Badman video

The song was released on Kobla’s FourPointO label via Africori Publishing and is now available for streaming and downloading on various platforms.

‘Badman’, founded on guitar licks and thumping hip hop beats, also divulges influences of dancehall in its lyrics. It was co-produced by DJRS and Siribeats, with Siriboe directing the video, which portrays the bold artistic culture of the city of James Town in Accra where it was shot.

“Inspired by the success of my album in February 2020, I decided to release more music, which is how ‘Badman’ came about,” Kobla Jnr told Music In Africa. “Additionally, it felt like a great opportunity for exposure, particularly for the other creatives who featured on the song.

“I am highly privileged to be able to do music at this time. To me, it is a continual testament to what endless opportunities exist for the country’s young people. All over the world, young people are taking centre stage and cementing themselves as important voices across every spectrum of society. To be able to do that in Ghana is an honour I do not take it for granted.”

Siribeats added: “Working with Kobla always presents an interesting creative challenge. ‘Badman’, which caters to entertainment within our urban youth space, also demonstrates the rich artistic treasures that Ghana’s young people are endowed with. Despite the unique challenges that we face as a result of where we come from, it is important that we put out projects that speak to who we are and how we really feel. It is how our voices can be amplified as young creatives and subsequently how we ensure growth.”

Formerly signed to Black Avenue Muzik, Kobla Jnr also belongs to the Accra-based Anti-social creative collective. He is credited locally for his innovative fusion of various contemporary African sounds including highlife, Afrobeats and R&B. He is also behind 2017’s The Kobla Affair EP.