Performing tracks from his new CD, Native Sun, Blitz and the Embassy Ensemble’s live, brass heavy sound filled the halls of the museum, reverberating into the bodies of those who were in attendance. Tracks such as Akwaaba which he performs in his native Twi dialect and English, welcomed and worked the crowd into a joyous frenzy. Other tracks reached into Blitz’ own personal life and love for the motherland. Dear Africa, which on the album is backed by vocals from francophile singers Les Nubians, connected everyone to Blitz’ love and longing for Africa and its people before breaking down into an energetic soukous tinged call of African Cities, and Wahala which melts funk with hip hop hip hop flavors and a touch of rock guitar, gave us a feel for the artist’s influence from the early days of hip hop.
JohnSimonDaily had the opportunity to meet with Blitz the Ambassador to discuss his view on Hip Hop, music today, and his part in the culture.
Photos by Yuri Guanilo for JohnSimonDaily