Juls' "Palmwine Diaries": The authentic Ghanaian musical essense

 

For ardent enthusiasts of authentic Ghanaian music, the long-anticipated "Palmwine Diaries" produced by the talented Juls is a project that has been fervently awaited. Juls, a Ghanaian music producer renowned for consistently delivering stellar Highlife productions throughout his career, stands out for his unwavering dedication to promoting the true essence of Ghanaian music, even while based in the UK.

 The moment Juls announced the inception of "Palmwine Diaries," my curiosity was piqued, and I've been eagerly counting down the days until I could immerse myself in this musical journey.

 Featuring a lineup of remarkable artists such as Sarkodie, Kidi, Worlasi, Cina Soul, Twitch, Dayonthetrack, Quamina MP, Pure Akan, and KWW, "Palmwine Diaries" is a musical masterpiece.

 As I delved into the first track, which brought together Sarkodie, Kidi, and R2Bees, I couldn't help but notice their predominantly English verses. I initially expected their delivery to be influenced by the enchanting instrumentals, perhaps infusing some local dialect. Yet, what intrigued me was how, even with the English lyrics, the unmistakable essence of Ghanaian highlife was beautifully preserved. It felt intentional and seamlessly integrated.

Pure Akan's contribution to "Enjoyment" on track two is a delightful, danceable tune, perfectly timed for the upcoming festive season. His smooth delivery, complemented by a catchy call-and-response chorus, carries a simple yet poignant message of gratitude, especially in these challenging times.

One of the strengths of this project lies in its ability to tell relatable stories, blending contemporary narratives with timeless instrumentals. "Focus" (Track 3), featuring Worlasi, Kofi Mole, and Black Thought, encourages us to stay focused on earning and steer clear of negativity. Worlasi's flawless flow and the authentic Ghanaian conversation snippet at the beginning make it evident that this project is profoundly Ghanaian. Kudos to Juls!

What struck me is Juls' inclusion of emerging talents on the project. The synergy among Quamina MP, Twitch, Kofi Mole, and Dayonthetrack consistently results in electrifying tracks. It serves as a reminder that the Ghanaian sound is very much alive, and when our artists are provided with the right platform, they shine brilliantly. These artists may not be the first to come to mind in discussions of traditional highlife music, yet they seamlessly fit into the tapestry of Juls' instrumentals.

Cina Soul and Worlasi collaborated on a captivating love-centered track, "Something Small." Notably, they incorporated more local dialects, infusing an authentic indigenous feel into the song. This underscores the richness of the Ghanaian musical heritage.

The closing track, "Palmwine Riddim," appears to be the foundation upon which Juls crafted the other songs. While there is a cohesive thread throughout the album, each track maintains its unique identity. This, to me, embodies the true essence of the Ghanaian sound.

I also ponder the scarcity of producers creating instrumentals like these regularly. Notably, Kuami Eugene and Samsney have incorporated the highlife tune into many of their works. It reassures me that the Ghanaian sound is far from extinct. It is incumbent upon music producers to serve our artists more of such melodies. I extend my hearty congratulations to Juls for this exceptional body of work and urge all our artists to immerse themselves in this sound to ensure the vibrancy of Ghanaian music lives on.