Afrobeats has become a global phenomenon and with African people living all around the world, it’s no small wonder that the genre continues to mutate with others, infiltrating different soundscapes and making them our own. From Afropop, Afro soul to Afro-dancehall, these vibes are undeniable and the new crop of artistes living in our global society are utilizing these cross hatching cultural influences to share their own unique take.
For Deejay Eppz, a Ghanaian born producer and artist living and working in Belgium, this merging of genres is natural even if unintentional. For the beatmaker, the current afrobeats takeover is simply an opportunity to export these familiar vibes as they develop around him to the world directly. On his latest EP aptly titled “Vibes”, the emerging producer curates a selection of these familiar feel good sounds for all the good times in life.
“I never set out to merge cultures. I just listened to good music coming out of different parts of the world and was eager to share some of it with people who would come out to listen to me play. It’s very organic”
Taking us around the world of popular sounds, his project touches a plethora of genres. Songs like Body Good featuring Lamroyston remind us of wild bashment/dancehall parties where the DJ lets the beat drop, enticing all the bad gyals to the front. On Waist, David Jahmil’s sensual lyrics perfectly accompany Deejay Eppz’ smooth yet pop-like production. As the singer switches between French, English and Pidgin we witness a glimpse of the universal language of vibes relayed through this well suited collaboration. According to Deejay Eppz, music is a language of connection and though the process of working virtually with artists for the EP proved difficult, it is clear the vibes were concentrated enough to create this magic. Do Like That also transports us to the islands but the addition of some spanish strings elevates the song giving it a spicy, sensual twist. Overall, the tape provides a tantalizing melange of Deejay Eppz‘ world of afrobeats making us want more and more.
Like a lot of creatives Deejay Eppz made the Vibes EP when faced with the uncertainty brought by COVID. “At some point I thought the world was coming to an end, so I wanted a project out before we all died – so I could at least tell the music angels I did something with my life LOL…. Then there was a phase where I wanted music to remind me of the good times when the clubs were opened. Then I wanted music that took me to the beach, to the tropical islands, to the pubs – drinking beer with surya… then I wanted that feeling of love and freedom and kindness”–– Deejay Eppz.
Driven by the pursuit of happiness and good vibes, Deejay Eppz is channeling his talent to spread much needed positivity to anyone who encounters his sound. Not one to ignore good music, the disc jockey/producer also just released a new Afro/Amapiano party single titled WOYO featuring Nigerian Afrobeat artist Majeek, joining the likes of Naira Marley, Falz and more in creating their own take on the popular genre. Attentive to his craft and open to new sounds, Deejay Eppz is sharing positive and uplifting vibes through his music.
Listen the full project ‘Vibes’ here.
