Nigeria’s Flavour and Angola’s Yuri to collaborate on Coke Studio Africa

Both artists are expected to red-do some of their hit singles, with production by Ugandan producer Bushingtone. During the recording in Nairobi, Flavour spoke about the power of the Coke Studio Africa as an avenue for artists to collaborate.

“The collaboration of ‘Finally’ started at Coke Studio Africa in 2015," he said. "[Producer] Masterkraft played me the beat in Kenya and we started performing – later in Nigeria Sarkodie came and did his verse and in November the single was out.” The final song also included a verse form Ghana fan-favourite Sarkodie.

Speaking of his collaboration with Flavour, Yuri notes that prior to appearing on the show he had been looking for ways to connect with the Nigerian star. “I was looking for him (Flavour) to feature in my upcoming album. Meeting him here has made me so happy,” Yuri said.

Yuri da Cunha was born in the city of Sumbe, Kwanza Sul Province in Angola where he kickstarted his musical career. In 1994, he made an appearance on the radio program Pio for child singers with the song ‘Friend’. Five years later (1999) he launched his debut album It's All Love.

Yuri makes use of various musical styles including Semba, Kizomba, Zouk, Kilapanga, Kazucuta, Balada and Kintuene. According to the singer, his third album Kuma Kwa Kié, is a recognition of the growth and maturity of the Angolan music, especially Semba. Semba is Angola’s traditional music. Semba is singular for Masemba, meaning “a touch of the bellies”, a move that characterizes the Semba dance.

Flavour is one of Africa’s sought after artists, he is known for his blend of different genres of music from Igbo highlife, hip hop, soul and R&B. His hits songs include ‘Nwa Baby Ashawo’, 'Ada Ada' and 'Golibe'. His last album, Thankful, was well-received.

Coke Studio Africa is a non-competitive show seeking to bring together, and showcase the diversity of African musical talent. Additionally to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria and Mozambique - season 4 of Coke Studio Africa now includes artists from Ethiopia, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon and Ivory Coast.

Flavour will be taking over the Coca-Cola Facebook Page Live on Thursday 25 Aug. (2 pm and 12pm Kenya & Nigeria Time respectively.)