A Review of Perkostylz's 'Africa'

Here is one among a long list of songs sung about ‘Africa’. Perkostylz? Not a popular name. True. I felt the same way too but maybe because I am a music critic. Maybe it is because I go out of my way sniffing around for good music like a bounty hunter. There may be so many ‘maybe’s’ but I came by this track, and listened in. And I liked it. I will talk about it, and because it is best to narrate a story or event from the very beginning, I will start talking about the song, ‘Africa’, from its intro.

It starts off instrumentally, and then a most remarkable vocal seamlessly catches up.

It starts off instrumentally, and then a most remarkable vocal seamlessly catches up. I qualified the vocal as remarkable because that’s exactly what it is. Do you recall T-Pain’s unique vocals? It’s something like it. Oh no. Pardon me, I believe it to be much closer in resemblance to the back-up vocals of Akon’s ‘Lonely’. You still remember that vocals tweaked digitally to sound childlike? That’s exactly what I’m trying to describe to you in Perkostylz’s ‘Africa’. It stirs something within the listener just as it did within me.

Still on the intro, I consider it suitable and necessary, moreso as it builds well into the song proper.

Also noteworthy is the instrumental accompaniment of the song. I like it. Really complementary to every other component. You clearly recognize the Reggae rhythm with the drumbeat and bass guitar giving their rich characteristic flavor to the tasteful mix. Those two instruments were quite experimental in the sound arrangement, and it they were successfully applied so as far as musical delivery goes.

Vocally, Perkostylz scores way above average. Tonal, honest, and rich, you can get the feeling of the song conveyed in his vocals. His lyrics sound original and even though they are not delivered in English, you cannot help but tap into their essence.

Vocally, Perkostylz scores way above average. Tonal, honest, and rich, you can get the feeling of the song conveyed in his vocals. His lyrics sound original and even though they are not delivered in English, you cannot help but tap into their essence. It might sound illogical considering that I do not understand a word of the indigenous African language in which ‘Africa’ is delivered, but we are talking about music being food for the soul and not the ears. There is no doubting that the song’s lyrics are offered in praise and admonition to the African continent and her component countries.

Varying the instrumental and vocal tempo of the song at certain stages is a right move which many artists and composers have long caught up on. It's still a valid artistic touch as it checks against disinterest on the part of the listener. And 'Africa' has just that touch.

I love the back-up vocals. It's most complementary, much like sugar to milk.

'Africa' is lyrically pan-African, and instrumentally Reggae. Perkostylz achieved both a cultural and artistic success with this track. I'll recommend it any day for recreation of any lover of contemporary Africa.