Gambia-born, Coventry-based rapper has released on Wednesday “Afrikan Rebel,” a new three-song set from Pa Salieu. On “Afrikan Rebel“, Salieu leans more heavily than before on Afrobeat, just one of the influences in his unique style.
You might remember some of his excellent 2020 mixtapes “Send Them To Coventry,” which nabbed him a victory on BBC’s Sound of 2021 poll and a spot on our best songs of the year list for “My Family.” But Fundamentally, “Afrikan Rebel” is about being proud and loud about where you come from.
It’s got a searing, endlessly listenable energy, and you can hear below following Salieu’s statement on the project.
Talking about his new release, Pa Salieu said, “For me, that is Africa. Growing up in the UK, especially having spent my early years in the Gambia, wasn’t always easy being black and especially not black African with an African accent. Still, I have always been taught to be proud of who I am and have never shied away from that fact for better or for worse. So I see the word ‘Rebel’ only in the most positive sense“.
According to Pa Salieu, “Those figures through history that have fought against the odds to stand up for what they believe in have always intrigued and inspired me. ‘Rebel’ is a mindset that helps keep me strong, and I hope I can encourage others to be vocal about their beliefs and stand up for what they feel is right. My Afrikan Rebel series is a movement which I hope can allow me to connect with others with a similar mindset and gives a platform for me to experiment with influences and inspirations from my culture and others from the great continent of Africa“.
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