Review: Ko-Jo Cue ft. Fameye – ”Abebrese”
The power of music often lies in its ability to communicate truths and explore the complexities of human experiences. It serves as both a mirror and a timestamp, reflecting the conditions of time and providing comfort or meaning to life. When a song resonates deeply, the reaction is often unanimous: this is what the world has been missing.
Ko-Jo Cue is one of the few rappers who consistently delves into themes related to life’s challenges. His awareness of his surroundings and the pressing issues affecting his community shines through in his music. Even in tracks that might seem lighthearted or party-driven, socio-economic themes are often at the forefront. This was evident in his 2019 album ”For My Brothers”, which explored life’s many arcs—relationships, the divide between the rich and poor, and the burden of survivor’s guilt. The album became an anthem for the youth in the ghettos, whose meager hopes were being gradually eroded by the government’s poor economic policies at the time.
In a music industry saturated with Afropop tracks that often follow the same sonic patterns, it’s refreshing to hear hip-hop artists like Ko-Jo Cue, Kweku Smoke, and Black Sherif crafting songs and albums that reflect the true struggles faced by Ghanaian youth.
On his latest single, “Abrebrese” (which translates to “suffering, pain, tragedy” from Twi), Ko-Jo Cue continues his exploration of the human condition, much like in ”For My Brothers”. Featuring Fameye, the mid-tempo track allows Ko-Jo Cue to express his personal reality in vivid detail, offering a raw, first-person perspective.
The opening bars of “Abrebrese” set the tone: “I wonder why/bad things happen to good people/Real people, cool people, peep the world is too evil/rich man eats from poor man’s sweat.” These lines echo Adam Smith’s “survival of the fittest” theory, pointing out the inherent unfairness in the world. Ko-Jo Cue critiques the capitalist system, exposing how it exploits the working class. He highlights the emptiness of the “work hard” mantra, arguing that success often comes from inherited wealth, not hard work—a theme also explored in his track “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” from ”For My Brothers”.
He goes on to rap: “They say take the pizza money buy cement bag king/them no go tell you say the workmanship be where you spend more/the roof go fi take your coins all.” This lyric captures the harsh reality of working hard but never getting ahead, emphasizing how the system works against the people who need it most.
The decision to feature Fameye on the hook was a brilliant one. Fameye, known for his reflective and soul-searching music, brings a unique blend of weariness and optimism to the track. His voice evokes the feeling of someone on the brink of giving up yet holding on to a faintest glimmer of a better tomorrow.
In the final verse of “Abrebrese,” Ko-Jo Cue reflects on the brutal nature of life, rapping: “The universe no dey biz, no dey care about your kids.” He questions the injustice of life—why some are born into wealth, living a life of ease, while others are condemned to a life of hardship. He even delves into the concept of fate and spirituality, asking, “If they both live by the book, will they all get the benefit in heaven, how’s this fair?”
”Abebrese” excels not only in its lyrical depth but also in its sonic appeal, offering the record its replay value. Ko-Jo Cue’s ability to evolve alongside his audience, capturing their shared struggles and triumphs through vivid poetry, solidifies his talent as a rapper. In a time when airwaves are dominated by feel-good party anthems, ”Abebrese” offers a moment to pause and reflect on the hills and pits of life—a much-needed respite.
