Ghanaian artist AratheJay has been steadily building a buzz over the last year. He released some strings of evocative singles like “Chosen”, “Sankofa” and “Jesus Christ.” Now, with his debut project “Finding Nimo Series: The Capsule,”- an exploration of faith, love, and community, AratheJay takes a significant step forward. He presents an album that not only showcases his growth but also underscores Highlife as his unique selling point in an increasingly competitive music industry.
This isn’t your typical collection of tunes; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to the bubbly sounds of Highlife, infused with contemporary flourishes that breathe new life into the already congested space of music genres – “Finding Nimo: The Capsule” heralds a potential Highlife renaissance and AratheJay isn’t afraid to wear his influences on his sleeve.
Predominantly a Highlife project, “Finding Nimo: The Capsule” refreshingly introduces contemporary Afro sounds. This intentional focus on Highlife brings a unique perspective to the current music landscape, dominated by more mainstream genres. The stellar production, credited to DJ Breezy, Signal, RankingMadeIt, JoeyOntheTrack, Nvrhcos, Afrolektra, and BillyDray, ensures a polished and cohesive sound throughout the album.
AratheJay’s voice is the project’s guiding light. Soothing and soulful, it effortlessly navigates the project’s emotional terrain.
Tracks like “Praise” and “Onoa” showcase his introspective side. He grapples with faith and the struggles of everyday life in a brilliant opening. Onoa,” which translates to “That’s Her” in Twi, is a beautiful ode to finding the love of his life. The tracks harken back to the golden age of Ghanaian Borga-Highlife, with their bright horns and infectious rhythms. But he’s not simply mimicking the past. “Inside,” the project’s opening track, brilliantly blends Highlife with contemporary sounds, showcasing AratheJay’s knack for crafting catchy hooks and verses.
The project takes a delightful turn towards affection and love songs. “Atinga” is a prime example, a catchy Highlife tune that tells a story of love and playful intimacy. “Want to Marry,” featuring the combined talents of Aema and B4Bonah, transforms into a full-fledged dance floor-ready love story that gains energy with each featured artist’s contribution.
“Finding Nimo: The Capsule” isn’t just about catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. AratheJay is a skilled storyteller, weaving narratives of faith, love, and perseverance into the very fabric of his music. Tracks like “C’est La Vie” (French for “Such is Life”) seamlessly blend Highlife with the contemporary stylings of Amapiano and underlying Afrobeats strings, offering a bittersweet reflection on the impermanence of life and the need to savour each moment.
This debut effort is a clear sign that AratheJay’s train is advancing steadily and it’s not too late to jump in. He possesses a soothing, euphonious voice and a talent for storytelling that shines through in every track. “Finding Nimo: The Capsule” is not just a love letter to Highlife; It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a refreshing take on Ghanaian music. It signals the arrival of an artist unafraid to swim against the current, with a project that promises to be a cornerstone of his burgeoning career.
By: Jude Tackie
