Nick Morrison’s latest release, “Ananse,” is a fierce and electrifying fusion of raggamuffin fire and ancestral wisdom, delivered with passion, purpose, and unmistakable groove. At its heart is Ekow Alabi Savage, the legendary Ghanaian master drummer and vocalist whose résumé spans Fela Kuti, Ziggy Marley, and Ebo Taylor—artists whose musical legacies are as politically conscious as they are rhythmically infectious.
On “Ananse,” Ekow joins forces with Sir Frank Karikari, a vocal powerhouse and the son of highlife great Ralph Karikari of The Noble Kings. Together, they channel the essence of the West African trickster spirit, Ananse—not as a myth, but as a metaphor: a messenger for ecological balance, cultural memory, and resistance.
Backed by The Rhythmers, a seasoned Berlin-based collective of African and international musicians, “Ananse” hits with precision and vibrancy. The track blends the rhythmic complexity of highlife, the drive of Afrobeat, and the raw urgency of classic ragamuffin protest music. The production is tight yet warm, capturing both the tradition and the timeliness of the message.
“Ananse” is more than a groove—it’s a statement. A bold plea for respect: for the earth, for indigenous knowledge, and for the cultural narratives often sidelined. It pulses with Ghanaian soul, but its call is global. This is protest music that moves the body and stirs the spirit.
A must-listen for lovers of roots-conscious music that challenges, uplifts, and grooves in equal measure.
