Video: Blitz the Ambassador feat. Corneille “Best I Can”

May 4, 2011 Leave a comment

Yesterday Blitz the Ambassador dropped his brand new album, Native Sun, which we’ve been talking about for a minute over here at OKA.  To compliment his full album stream, Blitz has just offered up this new video for “Best I Can” featuring Corneille, a soul singer from Rwanda with a sticky-sweet voice.

As Eddie “STATS” said over on okayplayer – “Based on this and the Baloji joints, I don’t care if you are from Yonkers–from now on ALL rappers should shoot their videos in Africa. It makes sense though, cause this song seems like kind of a mission statement for the ambitious goals Blitz set for himself with Native Sun–doing the whole damn diaspora proud–and it does not disappoint. Musically speaking, it sounds like he heard all these “Sabali”-based tracks that Theophilus, Damian & Nas and everybody have been jumping on and said, Maaaaan, I don’t need to sample no Afropop. I am Afropop! Now where is this dude Corneille‘s number, na…”

Check after the jump for info on two Blitz shows, one TONIGHT in NYC @ S.O.B.s and the next Thursday night in D.C. @ Club Liv Read More »

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Audio: Blitz the Ambassador Full Album Stream on YouTube (+ NYC & DC shows)

April 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Rock Paper Scissors and MVMT are very excited to announce a full pre-release album stream of Blitz the Ambassador‘s upcoming release, Native Sun (out 05/03) on YouTube. Native Sun, Blitz the Ambassador’s second studio album, is a mix of highlife, afrobeat, and hip-hop.  Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Blitz and his band, the Embassy Ensemble, bring a new sound to international music. Native Sun, will be released May 3rd in North America, and May 6th worldwide.  Beat the digital crowds and pre-order the album on iTunes.  Also, check out Blitz’s website here for updates on shows, including the Native Sun album release show May 4th at SOB’s in NYC, and May 5th in D.C. at LIV (see flyer after the jump for full details).

Read More »

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Audio: Blitz the Ambassador “Dear Africa” feat. Les Nubians

April 4, 2011 1 Comment

By now, most of you have heard of Blitz the Ambassador, the pioneering Ghanaian rapper who lives in Brooklyn and performs all over the world.  He and his band, the mighty Embassy Ensemble, create a very unique blend of Hip Hop mixed with some traditional African sounds.  His second album Native Sun will drop May 3rd in the U.S., and will be accompanied by a film titled Native Sun as well.  More about the film later, but for now check out “Dear Africa” feat. Les Nubians (below), the first single off of this project.    Also treat yourself to a free download of the track from ONErpm here .

Blitz the Ambassador – Dear Africa ft. Les Nubians by embassymvmt

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The Journey Home: A Cultural Visit to Ghana (Music, Film, Art + More)

February 23, 2011 Leave a comment

Lunchbox Theory is cordially inviting you to join themselves, MoCADA & MVMT, Thursday, October 13th, to Sunday, October 23rd, for a cultural journey to Ghana, West Africa.  Featuring special musical performances, intimate film screenings, artistic exhibitions, and exciting cultural events, The Journey Home, will be a unique opportunity to experience the art, culture, and beauty of West Africa. Some of the highlights will include:

•    Tour art galleries in Accra and meet local artists
•    Party on the beach at Takoradi
•    Walk through the forest treetops on the Canopy Walkway in Kakum
National Park
•    Watch films of the African Diaspora in its cultural birth place
•    Experience a special memorial ceremony at the Cape Coast slave dungeon
•    Jam at a festive concert at The National Theater featuring Blitz the
Ambassador, and special guests (to be announced)
•    and more…

A limited number of seats are available for the trip.  Please RSVP now for more info on how to register.  Click HERE to register for further information and updates about the trip.

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Video: Album Teaser from Blitz the Ambassador’s New Album, Native Sun

February 23, 2011 Leave a comment

Blitz the Ambassador’s newest effort, Native Sun, a follow up to his critically acclaimed Stereotype will be released on May 3, 2011, and OKA is excited. The video above is a clip of the short film Blitz taped when he went back to his homeland in Ghana. His album provides a vivid and realistic soundtrack to the story of a young boy’s daunting pilgrimage from the countryside to the capital city of Accra to find his father, who he only knows from a photo given to him from his deceased mother.  For more from Blitz, sign up for this TRIP TO GHANA, featuring a performance by the man himself, in his home country.  I’ma start saving my pennies right now.

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NYC: Blitz the Ambassador Live at The Apollo (Harlem)

February 14, 2011 Leave a comment

This Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14th at 9pm, Blitz the Ambassador will be performing songs from his upcoming album and short film, Native Sun.  Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 day-of-show, and can be purchased at www.ApolloTheater.org, in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office, or by phone via Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000).

The Ghanaian-American artist Blitz blends distinctly African sounds like highlife and Afrobeat with the boom-bap of classic hip hop, accompanied by the six-piece, brass-heavy band, Embassy Ensemble. Grammy Award-winning hip hop poet J. Ivy will appear as a special guest at this late-night performance.

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NYC: Baloji Live at Joe’s Pub (1/6) and SOB’s (1/12)

December 31, 2010 Leave a comment

One of OkayAfrica‘s favorite MC’s Baloji joined by L’Orchestre de la Katura, will bring his seamless blend of Hip Hop and vintage Congolese sounds to NYC for two shows.  Baloji will be doing the Independence Cha Cha at Joe’s Pub on January 6th, and SOB’s on January 12th sharing both stages with the Embassy Ensemble, and joined by Blitz the Ambassador and Les Nubians at SOB’s.

Both of these shows will present a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of some of the finest in the fast growing Afro Beat – Hip Hop genre of music that is sweeping NYC and Europe.  If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with Baloji and his music here and be sure to check out Blitz and the Embassy Ensemble here.

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DC: Lunchbox Theory Presents – Afrobeat 4 Ya Soul

September 23, 2010 Leave a comment

afrobeat for your soul

Washington DC get ready – Lunchbox Theory presents Afrobeat 4 Ya Soul featuring Blitz the Ambassador, L4 and DJ Underdog live at Liv Nightclub on September 30th! And if those artists aren’t enough for you, there is free face painting as well – get your Fela Queen on.  Doors at 8pm, $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

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Blitz’s Blog – Audio: African Reggae Fever (Remix) – Rocky Dawuni ft. Blitz the Amabssador

August 11, 2010 2 Comments

Blitz the Ambassador will be a regular contributing blogger on okayafrica!  Here’s his first post, with much more to come:

A couple months ago I had the pleasure of being asked to feature on the remix to a song by an artist that has been big in Ghana since I was a kid. Rocky Dawuni is one of the biggest Reggae artist is in Ghana, and when he asked if I was interested in hoping on the remix to his latest single “African Reggae Fever,” I jumped at the opportunity. It’s always a pleasure to work with an artist who you grew up admiring. I hope you all like the track..The video above is of the original song. Listen, then download the remix below!

AFRICAN REGGAE FEVER DJ DREZ REMIX FEAT. BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR

Download

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NYC: Blitz the Ambassador this Saturday!

July 22, 2010 Leave a comment

Brooklyn fave, by way of Ghana, Blitz the Ambassador hits this Saturday, July 24th and it’s FREE.  Come out to Weeksville (1698 Bergen St. in Brooklyn) for a lovely evening, outdoors on the lawn, with Blitz accompanied by the strings of The Embassy Ensemble.  Afterward, Blitz will premiere his new video for “Something to Believe” on the big screen (stay after the music to find out more about this)!  Flyer + details after the jump. Read More »

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