A young poet today is releasing her debut spoken word EP called Solitaire. To many this is not anything special and justifies the use of the common Ghanaian rhetorical question suggesting disregard, “and so what?”
Some may be confused by the word or have their thought neurons jump straight to that Microsoft computer game. Whatever it is that is going through your mind, I just want you to give the EP a listen and a chance.
The Solitaire EP is by the black ebony-locked creative, Akotowaa. The spoken word album is about solitude and the EP is a personal insight into the mind of a beautiful soul and the originator of one of my favourite words, lexivist.
Who is Akotowaa?
Akotowaa is not only a creator of words but an ambassador of words and anything to do with them.
I first bumped into this joy of a person when she was in high school. This was a couple of years ago. She was always excited to see me and for as long as I can remember had a bubbly personality. I always wondered what fueled her joy.
Akotowaa is a literary genius. I am fascinated by the way her mind works and awestruck by her creativity and poetry. Her poetry and writing, reveal a soul who has so much to offer. She challenges her self to be better and her growth as a poet over the years have been nothing short of remarkable.
Solitaire- EP
Akotowaa is signed on to VI Music alongside the sensational Adomaa, Robin, The Gentleman, Fra Band, Tronomie and many more. All of who helped in putting this project together.
The EP is her first spoken word compilation and in the great words of Kobby Graham, “Beautifully Weird”.
I had the privilege of previewing the album some weeks back and I was inspired and amazed at Akotowaa’s bold approach.
Those of us who lived with a Windows 95, 2000 and XP operating system back in the day are familiar with the card game Solitaire, which was usually played to while away time.
Akotowaa has used the royals within the deck of cards to carve out themes to market the project and her VI family have tagged along for the fun.
The project is a doorway or escape to the half fantasy, half real world that Akotowaa lives in. From the beginning to the end, she shares personal moments of loneliness and solitude that all can relate with. As a lexivist (word activist) her vocabulary or lyrics describe vividly the picture or video she is trying to put across to her audience. I believe this is a unique project that challenges the poetry industry in Ghana to create from within.
(For a more detailed explanation about Solitaire by Akotowaa click here)
Tracks I Loved
I must warn that my opinions are based of what I heard at the listening session. Edits and changes may have been made to the EP.
I shall now briefly comment on the tracks that I loved at the listening session. I would love to go into details but the main purpose of this post is to whet your appetite and push you to listen to the EP.
Solitaire
This is a poem I know too well, however, the instrumental to this track courtesy of Edwvn, gave it such attitude and detail that I fell in love with it again.
The poem is a word play between the idea of solitaire and numbers. It’s a witty piece that requires repeated listening to appreciate. There are tons of themes crafted into this piece. It is intellectually stimulating and I love the creativity, math and logic behind the whole track.
If you are one who loves a unique idea and concept then this will be a favourite as well.
To Be
This is a very beautiful track about being comfortable with yourself. It’s a short poem that works very well with the melody behind it.
At the listening session this was the last track off the EP. I found it interesting that this was one of my favorites because it seemed as if Akotowaa with this piece has finally become comfortable with the artistic process of creating a compilation.
Other Tracks
Don’t get me wrong the other tracks are amazing. The two above however are my favorites. Each track has a purpose and a mood to it. Each track is a piece of Akotowaa that she shares with us. By listening to the EP you get to know this ebony-locked, lexivist queen, a bit more.
Conclusion
I pray in her evolution as an artist we get to discover more of her. Especially the genius bit that I believe is still finding its peak.
The Solitaire EP is out now on Bandcamp for $2.50. You can stream for free on SoundCloud. The EP will be available on ITunes and Spotify in January 2017
If you want to see the artist live this December, make sure to check her out at the VI Music Concert on 23rd December 2016 at Alliance Francais.
Check out Solitaire EP on SoundCloud
Buy the EP via BandCamp
Merry Christmas and remember to always keep it One Hondred!
I’ve enjoyed the EP. Worth the money spent. I also love Solitaire; it’s on some incredible levels of ill! Ephemeron and To Be are also great. But generally, Akotowaa did a great job, and her label mates were great too!!!
So glad you did. Thanks for the support of an artist
Great E.P never heard a lady exerciuting such a great talent that is poem loving her works this is what we Africans should promote … real talent .
I am glad you loved the album. Akotowaa is an African gem. Please follow the artist and support her works. Keep it HONDRED Percent!
I mean executing