Throwback: Wutah Fired Up The Country With Their “Big Dreams”
Wutah made a song that offered hope in the face of the gloom life presents. A reminder to take that leap to faith knowing things would be alright in the end.
Perhaps, the biggest mistake Wutah did was going their separate ways when the better option was to resolve the impasse that brewed between them. At the time they broke up, the group was on their way to firming up their status as one of the best music duo in recent times. The differences, according to the people around them were deep rooted that the best option was for them to split.
The break led to the pursuit of solo careers. But, it paled in comparison to what they achieved as a duo. That is, they could not build on whatever foundation or visibility that their days as Wutah brought them. The 2010 split however robbed them of any future recognition. It also denied music fans an opportunity to enjoy the collective talent of the duo.
Formed in 2004 after placing 2nd at the first ever Nescafe African Revelation music reality show, Ghana Edition, the duo- made up of Afriyie and Kobby would go on to release their debut album ‘’Anamontuo’’ (translates as ‘The Journey’).
The album boasted hit tracks like ‘’Goosy Gander’’, ‘Adonko’ and ‘Big Dreams’. Wutah would, off the back of the album earn 11 nomination at the 2006 Edition of the then Ghana Music Awards. Of the many hits that the album spanned, ‘Big Dreams’ was one of their biggest hit till date, and a one song that could be tagged a ‘classic’. ‘Big Dreams’ would win the Best Reggae Song Year’. The reasons for Wutah winning that accolade is not in dispute.
One of the ways to impress Ghanaians is by appealing to their religious side (the God factor) in your dealings or aligning with the dreams and hopes of the ‘ghetto’ youth. Once you succeed in tapping in any of these lanes, you are bound to win BIG. This card has been used by many to ‘sell’ their craft and works. Wutah tapped into the latter with ‘’Big Dreams’’, a conscious tune that spoke about the realities of life.
The splendor of the song was manifested from the first drop of the beat. The production was top notch. (I don’t know if Kaywa or Zapp Mallet produced the song). ‘’Big Dreams’’ embodied elements most classic roots rock reggae songs possessed. Aside the production works, the lyrics are poignant and reflected the hustling tales of the ordinary man.
‘’Wutah, coming from the ghetto where gunshot always dey echo’’. A simple yet descriptive introduction that sticks in your head on first listen. Risky’s (aka Wutah Kobby) opening words set the mood of the song right, before PV (aka Wutah Afriyie) came in with the classic hook. If you needed proof that reggae music is the gospel of the ghetto youth, then ‘’Big Dreams’’ is the perfect confirmation.
Wutah made a song that offered hope in the face of the gloom life presents. It was a mission to scale the hurdles that impedes one’s progress; a dose of positivity to rekindle the ambition or stir up the spirit of the near vanquished. It was a reminder to take that leap to faith knowing things would be alright.
‘’Big Dreams, all I can see, sometimes I try to make them true’’. These 13 worded hook carried a hopefully tone: one that gives you the kick to try one more time when you have your back against the ropes.
The lyrics, flawless composition, the awards aside, “Big Dreams’’ became iconic thanks to Ghana’s participation at its first ever world cup in Germany when Azar Paint, a broadcast sponsor chose the song as their TV commercial soundtrack. The Azar commercial gave this already big hit extra mileage.
Wutah’s ‘’Big Dreams’’ is a timeless composition. A big tune that resonates with every soul that comes into contact with it. Together with their other great reggae tune ‘’Burning Desire’’ and, in recent times ‘’Kotosa’’ and ‘’Bronya’’, any fan of music would shed a tear knowing this phenomenal duo might not be able to give fans such vintage compositions anymore. No form of irony can beat this Wutah story.
