One Drum: Flavour, Marley Feature in EP to Celebrate Africa, Diaspora Musical Heritage
Nigerian music star Flavour N’Abania (real name Chinedu Okoli), Stephen and YG Marley are among the impressive array artistes from Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, the USA, and Europe to feature in the groundbreaking Extended Play (EP), “One Drum,” a collaborative masterpiece celebrating the rich musical heritage of Africa and its diaspora.
Released on all major digital streaming platforms on Friday, August 16, the “One Drum” EP is a celebration of the cultural ties that unite Africa and its diaspora, forged through the shared history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, noted a statement by the African Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank), which supports the project through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Programme.
“This EP highlights the enduring rhythms and musical traditions that have been carried across continents, from the magical drums of Brazil to the reggae and soul of the Caribbean and the global beats of Afrobeats and Amapiano,” it stated, adding that it also bridges cultures and genres.
The statement further noted that “The EP delves into themes of cultural pride, resilience, and the beauty of collaboration. It not only showcases musical talent but also celebrates the power of cultural exchange, creating a universal language that connects us all.”
The One Drum project is under the auspices of CANEX Creations Incorporated, an Intellectual Property Holding Company established by Afreximbank to support the commercialization of IP assets in Global Africa.
Aside from Flavour, other featured artists in the EP include: Olodum (Brazil), Commissioner Gordon Williams (USA), Sofiya Nzau (Kenya), Stephen Marley, YG Marley, and Jo Mersa Marley (Jamaica), and The Scorpion Kings (South Africa).
Flavour, alongside DJ Oskido, and Olodum, features in the track “Let’s Dance”, described as a mid-tempo, sultry song that combines samba, rumba, and marimba with Afrobeats and Igbo-highlife elements.
Other track highlights include “Coming Home” – A deeply emotional Afro-reggae track featuring Jo Mersa Marley, Stephen Marley, Thee Legacy, YG Marley, and Ms. Lauryn Hill, celebrating the connection to Africa; “Stop Stressin,” “Money (Besa),” and “Afro-Wave.”
