I am still not over Bez's "That Stupid Song" and now Ebo Element have also had me transfixed with their wikid mix of instrumentals and soul music. I'm really lovin' the talented duo and give them my full support. I like anything that is different. Their genre of music has this chill out n' cool vibe about it that makes me feel like i'm listening to Kenny G and Tracy Chapman merged together.
Having said that, Ebo Element are quite versatile as well and are currently working on a 12 track album of different styles that are danced based. As Opubo says, "there will be something for everyone". Hmmm...can't wait!
Check out "Whispers" below, which was sent to me as a sample to listen to. Although unfinished, i just couldn't help sharing; and remember...you heard it here first. Hehehe!
PROFILE:
The group EBO ELEMENT was formed in February 2011 as an experimental venture between Opubo Robert Braide and Colleen Candice Kressin, with the vision of creating a beat driven sound containing elements of Afro-house combined with West-African undertones and crossing all genres of music.
The name EBO ELEMENT was coined out from the Nigerian (Calabar) slang “EBO” which means dance, and the English word “ELEMENT”.
The duo are currently working on their debut album, and are set to release their first single “WHISPERS”. The idea of the song “Whispers” was inspired by the current challenges faced by the people of Blikkiesdorp in Cape Town. The aim is to bring about transformation in this area by supporting the foundation “Blikkiesdorp 4 Hope Projects”.
COLLEEN KRESSIN aka MEEKA
Colleen Kressin, a South African songwriter/singer, started singing at a tender age. At the age of fourteen she won a talent competition and Rebecca Malope, the famous South African Gospel Artist, was one of the judges. The prize was a week’s free recording time at CCP/EMI Recording Studios in Johannesburg.
In 1994 she won the H.O.P.E. (“Help Our People Excel”) award for ‘most promising performer’.
Colleen released her debut album “Will I ever stop loving you” under the name, Meeka, in 1999. Her first single “The funkiness of you” reached No. 1 on various radio stations nationwide and so did the second single “Will I ever stop loving you”. It earned her a nomination at the South African Music Awards.
Colleen performed locally and internationally, gracing stages with internationally established artists. Her delivery is
soulful with sultry jazzy influences.
BRAIDE OPUBO aka BRAIDEO!
Braide Opubo is a Nigerian music producer/musician, whose repertoire includes movie soundtracks, contemporary African pop, jazz, reggae, classical and traditional genres.
He founded a group called “THE MEMORIES“ which functioned as a band, touring Nigeria from 1990 to 2002. For 4 yrs as a collective, they ran a successful live music venue at the Old Residency Museum, a listed National Historic site which was home to Nigeria’s first colonial Government, and they took on the role of show promoters for several years.
Opubo has won several awards, including the Jimmy Carter award in 1989, and in 2006 Opubo emerged winner of the Creative Academii, a talent focused reality show.
