Shaka Pow tries hand at Afrobeat
Medical doctor and recording artiste Shaka Pow is promoting his latest single, ‘Turn Me On’, produced by Cornelius Records. The record dabbles with Afrobeat, and according to the deejay, his decision to make a record in this genre is part of his goal to break into markets outside of Jamaica.
“I wanted a fun song [that would make] females feel sexy and confident when they hear it in a dance. It’s empowering, and I do hope that it will be fresh in the minds of listeners years from now,” he said.
Shaka Pow, who has worked with Cornelius on previous projects, noted that Turn Me On is already showing signs of becoming his most successful record for the producer.
“We have done other records before. However, this time, everything seems to be working the way we want it to. Afrobeat is popping overseas right now due to Drake and Ayo Jay, and we are making moves to tap into that market since its comes from dancehall. After all, we are all Africans,” he said. “Turn Me On is getting played on Hot 97, and you know once you are exposed to those stations, it opens doors for more sales, as well as chart success.”
Jamaican artistes are usually chastised whenever they choose to release music outside of Jamaican genres, but Shaka Pow believes music is universal and artistes should not be put in a box.
“I really do not limit myself to one genre, but I have a special liking for reggae and dancehall, so I really have high hopes that my single will resonate well with the fans in Jamaica because their input means a lot to my career. Music is for the world, and I think artistes should be allowed to broaden their reach, even if it means dabbling with other forms of music,” he said.
Shaka Pow is also promoting roots reggae track Hold A Strength.