07 Mar 18: Believe - Ric Hassani

Song: Believe

Artist: Ric Hassani

Album (Year): The African Gentleman (2017)

This is an example of the beauty of music coming from all over the world.

One thing that I don't do is leave my music on shuffle whenever I'm playing it around other people because of all the variation of types of music. In no way is that a negative - I love different types of music and will entertain them at different times. There's just something about African music that sets it apart from everything else. This is almost certainly my own bias as a result of growing up in Africa and being exposed to this type of music but the music is always something I play when I'm in a good mood!

Ric Hassani is a singer a friend of mine recommended I listened to last year. His album "The African Gentleman" is so appropriately titled because that is precisely how he comes across. Someone who - through his music - unapologetically portrays the qualities of a respectful, caring, and thoughtful person.

I also really enjoy his versatility and range of music within the album from the "kizomba-esque" rhythm in Only You; the contagious west African energy in Oge Na Ga; and his soothing melodic tune in Gentleman and the #SOTD Believe. His songs would certainly not be out of place if played next to 2Face Idibia (think African Queen). With a hint of Nico & Vinz to cover some of crossover into more pop-like music of these times.

To wrap it up, this is just one of the lovely songs on Ric Hassani's album that fill you with a warm feeling. If you enjoy this then I recommend listening to the rest of the album!