The Art of a Cover
Two things remain constant; change and the power of music. Music is one magical language that transcends race, class, gender, status and every other boundary. Throughout history, music has been presented in different genres and styles, serving different purposes and evoking different feelings and emotions within listeners. However, not all songs outlive their era or generation. Blast from the Past has been curated to celebrate Africa-Diasporan songs that will forever be immortalized.
Who doesn’t love a good cover?
Over the years, a plethora of artistes have ventured into the art of covers, so much so that covers have become a common practice within the music industry. Covers also known as remakes are performances or recordings created by someone other than the original artist of a song. Often times we find that a cover is created in an ode or in appreciation to an original track. This form of music serves as a testament to the power and influence of good music.
In exploring covers, we must first identify what it takes to create a good cover. So we dare to ask the question, what makes a good cover? The best covers are original, creative, and innovative.
Original: the cover should bring a twist in comparison to the original song. Listeners are looking for how the artist made the song their own, so provide listeners with something new and fresh.
Creative: Looking for ways the cover was altered from the original. Is there a Mashup in different styles or even a switch in genres? Is there a change in tempo or even some new melodies?
Innovative: Is there an understanding of the original work Has the artist been able to utilize .what worked in the original song and utilize it to their advantage. It will be near impossible to top an original but you better try.
This week we share with you a collection of amazing covers that will make you second guess how much you like the original. Here are some of the best covers that touch on all of our major wants in a cover.
This week, the category is “Cover Aficionado”
Miriam Makeba – Malaika
Malaika is a perfect blend of versatility, innovation and originality. First composed by Adam Salim in 1945, Malaika would go on to be covered by the likes of Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger, Boney M, Usha Uthup and Angélique Kidjo. Malaika means “Angel” in Swahili. This nostalgic song was popularized by Mariam Makeba in the early ’60s. Makeba ethereal voice along with strings and drums is nothing less than a masterpiece.
Yanful – Awere kyekyere
Emerging artist Yanful delivers a sombre yet riveting cover of the classic Ghanaian ballad entitled Awerekyekyere. Awerekyekyere is a highlife song originally written and performed by Kwadwo Akwaboah Snr. Yanful will leave you mesmerized with his emotion-filled acoustic version of this classic ballad.
Narah – Wo Da Enda
Narah executes a soulful rendition of Daasebre Gyamenah’s Wo Da Enda. Gyamenah’s Wo Da Enda originally consisted of hiplife and highlife elements. Narah rendition of this song provides listeners with a soothing yet fervent depiction of this love song.
Koffee – Ye
The “Toast” hitmaker ventures into the Afrobeat genre with her cover of Burna Boy’s hit song Ye. Koffee alongside The Compozers band transcend this afrobeat classic into a rhythmic live jam.
Brymo – Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake
Released in 1972, Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake is a classic amongst Fela Kuti’s catalogue. Byrmo cover evinces his understanding and love for Fela Kuti as he delivers a dynamic rendition of this classic.
Efya – Obianuju (Cover) Falou
Powerful, dynamic, and thrilling are all words that can be used to describe Falou. Falou is a beautiful rendition of Duncan Mighty’s hit song Obianuju. Efya transforms the afrobeat tune into a soulful masterpiece.
SOLLO7 – Tena Menkyen
Originally sang as a duet between Paapa Yankson and Paulina Oduro, Tena Me Nyken is a romantic ballad all about love. SOLLO7 takes on this song for two and presents an astonishing cover that will leave you with goosebumps.
Nasty C – Mad Over You
Nasty C finesse all over Runtowns’s hit track Mad Over You. Nasty C delivers new verses, a new chorus, as well as new vibes on top this cool afrobeat instrumental.
Alex Boye – Hello
Alex Boye takes consumers on a visual and audio journey with his African Tribal Star Wars take on Adele’s Hello.
Rison – Nfa Me Nko Ho
Rison delivers a soothing and melodious cover of Kojo Antwi’s Nfa Me Nko Ho. Rison’s vehement yet calming voice fits perfectly on this classic ballad by the Music Man himself.
The best cover songs go beyond an artist performing a version of a particular song, the best cover create new experiences and allow listeners to go on new musical journeys.