12/07/2013
Rain God (Samini)
Ghanaian Reggae and Dancehall artiste Samini is known for consistency, flair and a uniquely golden singing approach.. He is the West African country’s biggest reggae and dancehall musician at the moment, and his popularity stretches beyond the West African nation's borders into the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa.
At the maiden edition of the Bass Awards (Reggae and Dancehall awards) held in the Ghanaian Capital, Accra, this month; he won the award for Best Dancehall Artiste of the Year. And even though he is still climbing up the career ladder, he perfectly fits into the band of celebrated Ghanaian artistes in that genre including the US-based Rocky Dawuni. In 2004, when he released his debut album Dankwasere, it was years after featuring on numerous songs by other local artists. Samini had built a loyal alternative following; earning the envy of already established local musicians. Two out of three potentially hit songs released at the time, had his voice on it. One after the other, he provided those other acts with hooks that would go on to become street anthems. Some, he handed them what is till date, their most patronized single.
His hooks as a guest artist showed off his adaptability and skills across multiple genres. By the time he was ready with his debut, he had hit local platinum status. Since 2004, he’s put out chart-topping records, some of which are on successive albums after Dankwasere, and which has won him several awards locally and abroad including a 2006 MOBO (Best African Act) and Best Performer at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2009. Nominations from international awards like MTV Europe Music Awards, Channel O, Radiophonie and the Headies, have since come his way.
For a young artiste his age, (was born in 1981), he is already attained great success, however, given the rather stiff competition he’s currently facing from young Ghanaian Reggae and Dancehall acts like Stonebwoy (his protégé), and Jupitar, there is a lot more work to be done.
That challenge has also made it possible for him to show off what new ideas he’s got up his sleeves. A recent collaboration with Jamaican act Demarco has given birth to the song Summer Party, currently enjoying decent rotation.
Also enjoying heavy rotation is his Time Bomb single, which features Nigerian act Wizkid. In the past, he’s collaborated with other international acts like Etana, Steel Pulse, 2 Face and Nameless.
His inimitable stagecraft also ensures that at all times, he gets to be booked for the best gigs around; he’s shared stages with Akon, Beenie Man, Ja Rule, Damien Marley, Jay Z, and Sean Paul.
Fast growing into a legend, the Rain God (which is what the name Samini means) will surely be around decades to come providing the Reggae and Dancehall music-loving community a sizeable chunk of pitch perfect songs.
