KiDi’s Adiepena connects new with old

And these days, it is precisely what Ghana has come to expect from Richie Mensah’s Lynx Entertainment. They have proven custodians of the modern wave and exceptional proponents of the new hit formula.

As was the case last year, the outfit is running the radio this year too. Offerings from MzVee and Kuame Eugene have already kept the place secure, given the residual impact of their 2017 hits.

KiDi’s ‘Adiepena’ properly sets their year in motion. Produced by Dat Beat God – who is steadily drumming up acclaim for himself, especially for his contribution on dancehall singer Epixode’s latest album 3Nity – the song immediately calls the great Kojo Antwi to mind, specifically because in 2009, the celebrated maestro released a soulful ballad with the same title. It follows a similar bpm as KiDi’s previous hit ‘Odo’, and indeed, most records that made the charts in the past 12 months.

Born Dennis Nana Dwamena, KiDi is up for five laurels at this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards slated for April 15, including nods for Highlife Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Afro Pop Song of the Year and Song of the Year.

Floating on a moving guitar melody, his new joint also works as a fitting follow-up to ‘Odo’, which served as backdrop for many a love story upon release, and even attracted Afro-pop titan Davido’s attention. On the new tune, the singer-songwriter and producer also references the likes of Nana Acheampong, Paapa Yankson, as well as 4x4 member Coded’s cheeky ‘Edey Pain Dem’. Adiepena’ not only excels as homage to KiDi’s highlife elders but also serves as a well-constructed bridge connecting this generation and the ones prior.

Aside the rich dynamism of his approach to songwriting as evidenced by this new record, KiDi (alumnus of singing contest MTN Hitmaker) brings a clean maturity and quintessential ‘lover boy” smoothness.

KiDi’s stuff typically comes with a fine finish, a quality that lends his songs a powerful permanence. It is why, unlike many of his contemporaries, his submissions are typically spread over significant periods. Throughout last year, he released just two songs – and it was enough to sustain his brand, and a seat at the table. As one would notice by now, the man’s songs are to be savored. They cannot be consumed like your regular Afropop joint which, after a few weeks, tastes musty. These songs inspire inner conversation and soul searching, and need to be properly digested.

They may not be credited with fashioning solid love groove from a cocktail of nostalgic refrains, but the LYNX camp has definitely brought and popularised a modern touch to older Ghanaian pop penmanship. Every word you’re listening to has already been sung by a Ghanaian great at some point. Yet, your heart clings to the sound as a child would a new toy. What is happening?

Here’s a theory: expertly arranged, the song is being delivered in a vocal texture that is exceptional and fresh. To fellow musicians, this approach appears simple. It is therefore no wonder a number of them have hastily experimented with the method, albeit with little efficiency. But there is a science to this; there are levels to it. We only see what the magician wants us to see. Everything else is carefully hidden.

Artist: KiDi
Song: Adiepena
Lablel, Year: Lynx Entertaiment, 2018