The music scene in Ghana has in recent times witnessed a sudden bloom of amazing talents. From rappers and singers to producers. One of these extra-ordinarily talented musicians happens to be Ghanaian born R&B and Afrobeats artist by name King Promise. His artistic name is derived from his actual name Gregory Promise Bortey Newman.
Unity Radio caught up with King Promise to ask about his new single ‘Thank God’, working with Fuse ODG and about his forthcoming EP:
‘Thank God’ is an Afrobeats track infused with jazz, funk and R&B. Where do you draw your inspirations from when writing music?
Most of my songs are based off experiences I’ve been through myself, and sometimes my friends too. That’s usually how I’m inspired. It’s either that or just any fun vibe I catch in the studio whilst working. Just how everyone is feeling rubs off on you or probably the way a beat sounds just gives you some vibe or idea, but mostly from personal experiences.
You have connections with the likes of Sarkodie. What has been the best advice you have received from a fellow artist?
True that. Sark has been a mentor since I started and I’ve come across a lot more huge acts along the journey. One piece of advice I usually get, is to keep doing what I’m doing and keep going and to never stop. That’s one piece of advice I live by everyday.
You’re about to drop a new EP called ‘The King Promise EP’, what can your fans expect from this project?
I’d say they can expect a new grown up Promise, it’s fresh vibes and awesome productions from the legendary Killbeatz & my G Kuvie as well. Giving my best as always and just trying to make great music for everyone who’s supported and those yet to catch on.
Listen to King Promise’s new single ‘Thank God’ below:
You are a Ghanaian artist, how have you found it crossing over to the UK and who is your favourite UK artist at the moment?
My management have been working tirelessly on getting my music over to the UK and I’m super grateful for that. The great thing is that people out in the UK are loving the music as well, which makes it more favourable for us to cross over. And you know, it’s just at a time where African music is blowing up internationally and a great time for me as a new cat from Ghana. I am getting great feedback from the UK audience.
My favorite act from UK has to be Fuse ODG, I totally look up to him. He’s Ghanaian and he has broken international boundaries and reached heights no one from here has and you know, he’s the yardstick. Great guy!
You collaborated with Fuse ODG on ‘Thank God’, how did this collaboration come about and what was it like working with him?
So I was working on a song with Killbeatz for my first single. He traveled shortly after and happened to link with Fuse, who heard Killbeatz play it. He asked whose song it was, he and his team loved it and the rest they say is history. I hadn’t even met him until the video shoot. You can imagine I was totally blown away when Killbeatz told me about the news!
If you had to describe your new E.P in 10 words, what would they be?
Ten words is a lot. I have only have two words for it. “Good Music”… Giving my 300% on this so y’all expect the best.
Finally, as we’re ‘The Real Sound of the City’, what are you the ‘Real Sound’ of?
Haha let’s see. I’d like to say I’m the real sound of the new African wave.
Check King Promise out on Facebook and on SoundCloud
