Fall (Davido) Cover by BraKwaku

Hello world!

Happy Tuesday, and I hope you are all doing well. The month has been a hot one in terms of weather conditions and we are trying to cope.

If you are in search of new voices, Bra Kwaku Jnr is one guy you should add to your playlist. He is not only a singer, but a guitarist and a pianist also. Double thumbs up.

He does music covers of various artistes, both local and international ones and his voice is exceptional and romantic.

One of my favourite works of his was Davido’s Fall. His blending of voices made the song very beautiful and a new kind of voice art.

To listen to the audio, click here. It will link you to his SoundCloud page. Do not forget to subscribe and like, comment, repost and download your favourite pieces.

Another good thing is, he has a YouTube page too. Subscribe, if you haven’t already and click on the notification bell, so that you can get notified anytime he uploads a video.

Show love by giving his videos thumbs up and hit subscribe.

Share with friends, loved ones and let’s show love in the world of music.

Thank me later, darlings!

The Marietta DeGrant Interview: Hondred Percent and His WTF Album

Anyone can do spoken word just the same way anyone can dance. As to whether you will be exceptional is something that only you can answer. If it’s your gift, it will come naturally and even then it’s good to watch others in their art and learn from as many resources as possible.

-Paul Forjoe Jnr aka Hondred Percent 

Hello world! You are welcome back to the blog to read another post on The Marietta DeGrant Blog. Today, we have a Marietta DeGrant interview with a spoken word gentleman and he goes by the stage name; Hondred Percent.

Marietta: Can you please tell us the story behind your stage name?

Hondred Percent: Now that I think about it, I guess I was destined to have the name Hondred Percent as I don't believe in coincidence.

The name came about in 2010 as I contemplated on a stage name to use back in Ghana as I share the same name with my father. What resulted was Hondred Percent (Which was previously Hundred Percent and was edited in 2016 to the current spelling).

My stage name is a testament and challenge to both my audience and self to strive for truth and greatness in whatever you do.

Marietta: When did you start doing spoken word poetry?

Hondred Percent: 2005 in South Africa

 Marietta: Which do you personally prefer? Written word or Spoken Word?

Hondred Percent: Spoken Word

 Marietta: Tell us your first experience with spoken word on stage

Hondred Percent: I was nervous. I was in a different country, trying a relatively different art form that I believed was a part of me. It was different and rewarding because I was accepted by the community as a poet.

 Marietta: Now let’s talk about your most recent Spoken Word project WTF? What’s up? What inspired you to write such mind opening poetry? Tell us all about it.

Hondred Percent: Creating an album has been a dream come true. If I made all the money in the world and did not have an album to my name I would not feel fulfilled....... Since the album is out now I guess I'll switch to making money (just kidding) 😉😉😉

I grew up misunderstood. For the longest time I thought I had to conform only to realize that it was society that wasn't conforming to the natural order of things. I realized after a long while that it's okay to be different and not fit in and that it doesn't make you weird but rather special.

The album WTF? is my way of saying to the world that just because I'm different doesn't mean that I'm bad or wrong. I do this by painting society today with poetry and rap to reflect some pertinent issues that we take for granted.

In a nut shell I call out our hypocrisy as a nation and ask whether this is how we want our future to be like

 Marietta: Which piece in the album is your personal favourite?

Hondred Percent: It’s between the outro-WTF? and BNS Remix

Marietta: What inspired you to write gidigidi? Is it bad to be naturally gidigidi? (Also, define your understanding of gidigidi…lolz xx) 😏

Hondred Percent: I was inspired by an instrumental by DJ Julz which was titled gidigidi.

 Is it bad to be naturally gidigidi? Hmmmm...... all I'll say is that too much of anything is bad. Its neither good nor bad but must be controlled.

Gidigidi to me has multiple meanings. I see it as a Ghanaian adverb or adjective that is used to describe attitude, passion or the present state of an entity.

Depending on how it is used it could be perceived as good or bad.

Marietta:  Do you think if Africa could send a WhatsApp message, Africans would read and be more conscious of the things happening around them?

Hondred Percent: I believe so but to ensure that the message is well received it should be accompanied by a striking video that is laced with humor, shorter than 2 minutes and less than 50 MB.

Marietta:  Is it advisable for Pastors who want to preach against swear words to actually mention those words while preaching?

Hondred Percent: I believe so. Truth be told these are just words. It’s we humans and our interpretation that make them swear words. The words fool and stupid have both been used in contexts where they have communicated extreme displeasure than some so called swear words.

We need to realize that these words originated from somewhere. Understanding its origins and being honest about it helps in comprehension. For all you know these words may feel misunderstood.

 Marietta: What are the reviews regarding WTF? Are they finding any controversy?

Hondred Percent: Not many thorough reviews have come my way but the general consensus is that it's a good album. It’s not found controversy yet but I am hoping for some in the future.

 Marietta: What are you working on right now?

Hondred Percent: I'm working on my next album titled LISX. The only thing I will say now is that it will include features. 😉

 Marietta: Let’s get into your personal life a little. What do you do apart from Spoken Word?

Hondred Percent: I have a 9-5(more like a 9 till forever lol) 😁that occupies most of my life. Aside that I have entrepreneurial interests I am exploring.

 Marietta: Please share with us your writing routine.

Hondred Percent: I don't really have one. It’s kinda like playing Pokemon Go. Sometimes inspiration hits you and you go with it. 

I could however say that when inspiration hits, seldom do I finish a piece at a sitting. It usually takes months or so to find inspiration again and pick up from where I last left of. This goes on and on till the piece is done. After which some edits come again as I go through the whole piece.

Marietta: What does it take to do Spoken Word poetry? Any advice for someone like me, who is shy to start and thinks he/she does not have the right voice to participate.

Hondred Percent: Anyone can do spoken word just the same way anyone can dance. As to whether you will be exceptional is something that only you can answer. If it’s your gift, it will come naturally and even then it’s good to watch others in their art and learn from as many resources as possible. 

My tip is to be creative and think outside the box. Think Key soap and Golden Tree met at a bar.

 Marietta: Social media handles please

Hondred Percent: Everything of mine is @hondredpercent

My website is www.hondredpercent.com

Thank you so much Paul for honouring this interview. we can't wait to hear your next album

For more inquires about The Marietta DeGrant Interview, please send an email to degrantm@yahoo.com.

Read other Marietta DeGrant Interviews below

That Guy Called ShayD

Rojayjay's Interviews and Posts : Here, here and here

Krizick

Khemikal

Rita Fashion Designer

History –Rojayay ft. Kobby Prairie & January

It’s Wednesday, and almost 6am.

A new tune is dropped, and it is about someone who goes into history.

There was someone who came into our lives, as if they were taken out of a perfect life, and delivered to us in a neatly wrapped package.

The package was beautiful, and felt heavy with good things.

On it was written, A Box of Diamonds and Happiness.

But it was opened, and we saw snakes and more gross stuffs.

Things that makes life miserable and disgusting and disappointing and heartbreaking.

The box was full of lies. It was all lies.

History –Rojayay ft. Kobby Prairie & January

Download the track here.

Read the Interview with Rojayjay here and here

p.s. In the meanwhile

Coming soon

#DecemberMiracles

Fun Randomness with Rojayjay

Hello world! It’s me again oo. Yes.

In yesterday’s post, there was an interview on the blog with Rojayjay. Today, we are continuing with the interview with him in the Fun Randomness segment.

Marietta: You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What colour would you be and why?

Rojayjay: I would like to be blue because it’s used to describe an emotion. I’m an emotional person

Marietta: Haha. Ok. Would you rather be stranded on an island alone or with someone you do not like?

Rojayjay: Alone. If I don’t like the person, then I won’t enjoy my peace. I will have time to think.

Marietta: if you were a lady, what would have been your name?

Rojayjay: Lola

Marietta: Eei. Pretty name.

Rojayjay: Yes

Marietta: What was the last gift you gave to someone?

Rojayjay: I think my Multi TV digi-box

Marietta: Haha. Ok. Describe the colour yellow to someone who is blind?

Rojayjay: How would I do that?

Marietta: Just try to say something.

Rojayjay: I will say the blind person should imagine the colour of gold but a lighter version

Marietta: He hasn’t seen gold before oo

Rojayjay: Yup…but I’ve tried.

Marietta: Hahahaha. Ok. Who would win a fight between Superman and Batman?

Rojayjay: Superman. He has in-born powers. Batman uses technology.

Marietta: What’s worst for you: Washing clothes and washing dishes?

Rojayjay: Washing clothes. I don’t like it koraaa

Marietta: How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Rojayjay: Be indoors watching movies or listening to soulful music while lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and thinking or imagining.

Marietta: That’s cool. What question do you hate to answer?

Rojayjay: How are you? In whatever language.

Marietta: We all know, most guys like sports. What is your favourite sport?

Rojayjay: Football

Marietta: Do you have a celebrity crush?

Rojayjay: Yes. Nadia Buari, Gabriella Union and Yvonne Okoro.

Marietta:  I knew an Yvonne would be part. What are the top 3 things a man should have?

Rojayjay: Haha. Nice classy and simple clothes, a car, and good manners

Thank you so much for appearing on my blog and honouring this interview. It’s nice to have superstars appearing on your blog. It makes you feel like a celebrity’s friend.

Hahaha. Just kidding.

Stalk him on social media

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Instagram

Watch out for more interviews on the blog.

For more enquiries, send an email to degrantm@yahoo.com or just head over to my contact page for more information.

Have a nice day!

In the House with Rojayjay!!!

{Source}

Hello world! It’s so nice to see you.

Anyway, at the beginning of the year, I decided to interview some people. Unfortunately, it did not happen due to unforeseen circumstances, like this and that.

Anyway, I have been holding these interviews off, and it’s time to stand on my feet, interview these wonderful personalities and publish them like a real writer would do.

Ok, let’s get started.

This interview is in two parts. The business talk and the fun randomness. We would begin with the business talk. In order to avoid a lengthy post, the Fun Randomness would be published tomorrow.

Rojayjay (Kwaku Boateng) was born in Accra to a family who love and invest into music.

Marietta: Hello Rojayjay. You are welcome to my blog.

Rojayjay: Thanks, Marie for having me here this evening

Marietta: Where are you from?

Rojayjay: I’m a full blooded Ghanaian from three (3) parts of Ghana. My dad is from the Ashanti Region, my mum is from Kwahu in the Eastern Region, and I am a Ga by birth. (Born, breed, buttered here)

Marietta: Which one was your first love; MC or Rap?

Rojayjay: It was Rap. It has always been music……Rap to be precise.

Marietta: Nice. So tell me how you fell in love with rap?

Rojayjay: Well, I can’t fully remember but I loved the way the Rap artistes back in the days dressed and carry themselves. I listened to a wide range of music but I naturally fell for the art rapping. I started to copy and eventually began doing my own thing.

Marietta: That’s nice. Anyway, what inspired you to become an emcee?

Rojayjay: Oh! Hosting events started when my friends at church decided that I emcee a youth mutual. I was a teenager then. I loved to talk, and could make people laugh. Perhaps I was trying to also impress a girl I liked in our group.

Marietta: Eish. Confession has come.

Rojayjay: Oh yeah. It motivated me. As time went on, I loved to watch KKD host the Miss Ghana/Embassy Pleasure Dance Competitions.

Marietta: As an MC, which one do you prefer, working alone, or doing it with someone?

Rojayjay: Any is ok with me, provided my co-MC is very good….. I get to learn too.

Marietta: Alright, so, do you have any local MC you admire to work with?

Rojayjay: Oh yeah…. KKD, Kwame Sefa Kayi, Naa Ashorkor, Bola Ray. Not forgetting, Kabutey Ocansey, and a new guy I met Ray Ray.

Marietta: Now, let’s talk about rap. Who influenced your style of rap?

Rojayjay: Wow! I would say Reggie Rockstone, locally and Eminem, internationally. Many other good rappers do though, but these two are my core favourites. People have said I sound like like M.anifest and Sarkodie also.

Marietta: M.anifest and Sarkodie??? That’s a funny combination at this time of our lives.

Rojayjay: Haha. Yeah, a very funny one.

Marietta: True. Who do you want to work with in the future? In terms of rap.

Rojayjay:  Eeii…that will be a tall list. M.anifest, Reggie Rockstone, EL, Gemini, Jayso, Cabum, Okyeame Kwame, Edem, Mensa

Marietta: Apart from being an MC, and being in the studios rapping, what work do you do?

Rojayjay: I also work as a hotel reservations agent. Helping people find accommodation, and other things they need to support their visit to Ghana, be it for business or pleasure

Marietta: Oh ok. That’s a cool job

Rojayjay: Yeah….it’s very interesting meeting and dealing with different kinds of people and making them happy.

Marietta: I can see that. What’s a day in the life of Rojayjay? We want to know.

Rojayjay: A day in the life, well, will depend on my previous day and the plans I have for the week. But on a normal day, I will lazy around, being on my phone, thus if I’m not working. If I have work or I’m heading to town, I listen to music per my mood. I will watch movies and TV shows if I’m staying home too. Lest I forget, I eat too.

Marietta: What challenges have you faced in your MC and rap game?

Rojayjay: With hosting events, some clients don’t want to pay the right charges. Sometimes, failure to coordinate the event makes my work harder. As a rapper, some challenges I face has to do with promotion….where DJs of radio stations want something before my song is played. What it is, I don’t know. Meanwhile, a DJ in Nigeria or South Africa is just playing my music.

 Marietta: Do you think, it is money?

Rojayjay: I think it is money, and how big you are in the game. I also think it’s because my kinda music isn’t commercial or appealing to the masses. I have had situations where music managers would like to help but they hear the songs and don’t get back to you because they can’t sell it. I understand it’s business for them, but if you are a business man and believe in a product or service, you find whatever way to make the people buy it. Because of this challenge, many rappers aren’t making it big in Ghana.

{Source}

Marietta: Yeah. I see. What things do you wish to accomplish in your life? Mention about three.

Rojayjay: I hope to get to a level in the entertainment industry where I can, one, influence people to make positive changes in their lives to affect society. Two, to help upcoming talents and three, share with others the truth I find from anywhere, as in my church, and inspired people.

Marietta: Any upcoming releases?

Rojayjay: Yeah, I’m about to release a new single titled History featuring Kobby Prairie (a soul singer and keyboardist) and January, formerly of RnM (Vodafone Icons Fame). It was inspired by a real life story.

Marietta: Great. Give some shout outs.

Rojayjay: Big shouts out to my mum who believed I could do music, and tried to link me up, with others in the music industry back in the days. My kid brother and sister. My kid brother and sister. All Rojayjains, Pokua, Glory, Christie, Karl Blay, Don, Kem Jezzy, Esko…..all of the Talk Is Cheap gropu, Enikay, Pynsche One, J. Blizz, Hype Lyrix, Koo Ntakra, Grey, Derty, Flo-Eazy, DJ Maquin (the Resident President of Raypower Radio, Abuja-Nigeria), my Fabulous Team members, and everybody who loves what I do. God bless them all. And to you too, for great work you are doing.

Marietta: Thank you!

Rojayjay: My pleasure

Thank you so much for appearing on my blog and honouring this interview. It’s nice to have superstars appearing on your blog. It makes you feel like a celebrity’s friend.

Hahaha. Just kidding.

Stalk him on social media

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Instagram

Watch out for more interviews on the blog.

For more enquiries, send an email to degrantm@yahoo.com or just head over to my contact page for more information.

Have a nice day and don’t forget to check in back tomorrow, for the second part of the interview.

Serial Review: Pep Talk

It's amazing how you get to meet people with incredible talents.

Meet Awo Dede, a lady whom I was in the same secondary school with, and in the same boarding house. I knew she was doing General Arts, but never knew she had a creative imagination. Anyway, I don't blame her. It's not her fault. She's just like me, we write, then hide it, lol. Awo Dede, I totally understand.

Awo Dede has started writing a blog. Yay! Yoo-hoo! This blog has a serial in it. The title is Pep Talk. The write up is beautiful, amazing, weird and fantastic. I love it. Read episode 1 here and episode 2 here.

The story is about a girl who has reincarnated. I love the imagination of the spirit world. I have never imagined the spirit paradise that way. She used a bit of local dialect too and underneath the story, she wrote the translation of the sentence for those of us who don't understand. Really, Awo Dede is Talent. (I do not mean, talented. She is talent itself)

One thing I didn't like about everything is, there are no images. Apart from that, everything is amusing and arrrhh-mazing. I even bet she can write vampire stories. Tell me, Awo-dede, if you are reading this. Do you like vampire /werewolves stories?

I can't wait to read the continuation, if there would be one. How would it continue, how would it end? I don't want to spoil the fun, so bookmark her blog and follow her on Twitter for more information.

Stay sweet.