Joshua Baraka's NANA Remix Unites East & West on the Continental Dancefloor
Joshua Baraka's highly anticipated remix of his chart-topping hit NANA arrived, bringing together the best talents from both the East and West of the Motherland. Collaborating with Ghana's King Promise, Nigeria's Joeboy, and Kenya's Bien, Baraka, a rising star from Uganda, showcases his prominence within the East African Alternative R&B scene—fusing it with elements of Afrobeats. Originally released in January 2023, the song quickly gained popularity, amassing over 2 million YouTube views in just three months.
NANA centers around a love story, with the titular name referring to a young woman. The chorus is simple and infectiously catchy, as Joshua assumes the role of a young man who desires to love NANA daily, pledging his devotion until he can no longer. This sentiment bears a striking resemblance to the Christian wedding vow, "till death do us part." Baraka's verse, delivered in his signature high-pitched tenor, sets the stage, likening NANA to Cinderella, dancing until her shoe falls off—an enchanting reference to both the fairytale and the act of dancing itself.
The theme of dancing permeates the entire song, with all the artists using it as a recurring motif. Joeboy paints a vibrant party scene in his verse, expressing his desire to dance with a girl he fancies, inviting her to "wiggle down slow." King Promise repeatedly chants "it's going down, girl," while Bien goes all out, not only mentioning but vividly describing the art of whining and twerking. Through their verses, the artists offer glimpses into their perspectives on love, emphasizing the level of devotion it requires.
In terms of production, NANA Remix exemplifies the complexity typical of Alté songs. Produced by Axon, the instrumental offers a multi-layered experience, blending various sounds seamlessly. The primary melody, led by a keyboard, possesses a classic R&B feel, accompanied by slow-paced, heavy drumming. The keyboard, soft throughout most of the song, crescendos with high-pitched chords at the end of each cycle, adding a touch of excitement. Another melody, achieved through a synthesized deconstructed dancehall tune, takes center stage with its prominent 808 patterns, infusing the song with vibrant energy and making it irresistibly danceable. Joshua Baraka's guitar, a nod to his beginnings as a cover artist specializing in soulful ballads, further reinforces his presence and authority within the track.
The song sets the perfect scene for the club.The production inspired the singers to write about dance moves and they in turn, inspire the listeners to move and groove on the dancefloor. Alternatively, it creates an intimate atmosphere for indoor dates, where even if you're not inclined to dance, the song fosters a mood of intimacy. It's a win-win situation for lovers.
Significantly, the remix showcases the unity and diversity of African music, with each acclaimed artist delivering stellar verses. It promises to dominate the summer music scene, bridging the musical landscapes of West and East Africa. For Joshua Baraka, this remix represents the beginning of his breakout story, potentially propelling him to become a continental and global star from the East African Alte scene. By collaborating with Joeboy and King Promise, the song introduces their West African fanbases to the music of East Africa, shining a light on a region whose music landscape is often overshadowed in the sub-Saharan context. NANA Remix is not just a captivating tune—it's a testament to the creative and cultural significance of African music and its ability to transcend borders, genres, and expectations. Watch Here.
