‘Obaa Sima’ is a track that has stood the test of time. It is now 16 years since its conception. Yet for a song that makes a regular appearance on the afro-tech airwaves and has broken into the 6-digit tier on Youtube views, few people know the story behind the release and it’s accompanying album of the same namesake.
It’s the opening song of the LP ‘Obaa Sima’ by the Ghanaian rapper Ata Kak that was self-released in Ghana and Canada way back in 1994. A blend of highlife, funk, disco and Twi-language rap and recorded with the authentic, lo-fi charm reminiscent of early Chicago house, the release fell on deaf ears and struggled to find any listeners until it was rediscovered eight years later. The founder of Awesome Tapes label Brian Shimkovitz dug up one of the only copies of the tape in Cape Coast, Ghana in 2002 and was so delighted with the discovery that he made it the inaugural post for the Awesome Tapes From Africa blog and last year breathed new life into the LP with a remastered release.
The self-taught song craft and perceptive combination of rap, harmonies and rhythm of this first track have since made it a cult favourite among listeners across the world.
Fact Mag has more about the release as well as info on the man behind the low-grade rapping: Ata Kak, one of the internet age’s most enigmatic musicians.