Ballas says No!

And when Ballas says 'no' – he means 'no!' No more lies, no more mosquitoes. Lyrics are his repellent and music is the medium to draw attention to the bad and evil regimes in most parts of Africa and other parts of the world. But who is Ballas D’Afrique?

Ballas, along with producer Giress M’Badinga are fellow musicians living and working in Newcastle upon Tyne. Giress is the founder of Newcastle’s first African music label Igarka Music, and Ballas is his number 1 rising star. Igarka’s first major release is ‘No More: The Truth, Passion, Love and The African Determination to End Poverty and Mosquitoes’, but not the annoying, biting, flying variety, in this case, the term mosquitoes has been used to symbolise corruption and it’s perpetrators such as dishonest politicians and officials etc.

Ballas’s music is very much reflective of modern Africa – and it’s many styles and influences from reggae to hi-life sung in French, Meduimba and English; as well as references to traditional styles such as Yalloh, Makossa and Soukouss. Standout track is the opener ‘No More Lies’, a joyful, attention grabbing rhythmic dance number with Sebene style guitars and melodic vocals as well as the ‘cheeky’ call and response banter, often heard in Hi-Life. Backing vocals, provided by Sarah, a local English woman add another layer and a rounded cosmopolitan sound. Lovely. All tracks are written by Ballas. 'No More' is well worth a listen as an example of the new sound of pan-Africa – live and direct on your street.

Reviewer : Yve Ngoo

Ballas Nomorelies (clip)