ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Yungg Zues
From Accra to Northampton, rising star Yungg Zues teams up with Abigail Asante, Mani, and Grammy-winner Joshua Moszi on “ODO BRA.” Think Afrobeat romance, Ghanaian vibes, and a soundtrack made for love scenes. With dreams of collabs with Stormzy and R2Bees, this one’s strictly for the culture lovers.
1. What’s the story behind “ODO BRA”—was it a love-at-first-beat kind of moment?
Yes, it definitely was that kinda moment. It was just a normal day for me. I woke up to a text from Mani saying he sent a new beat over and thought I was going to like this one. And when I heard the beat, I was like, “This is the next one, bro,” lol.
2. How did you and Abigail Asante first link up. DM slide, studio vibes, or mutual respect?
Yeah, more like mutual respect, but it definitely started from a DM slide. Abigail Asante is a great artist I had been following and always wanted to collaborate with. When the time came for us to jump on a track, it was fairly easy because she also wanted to embrace the Afro sound—and us both being Ghanaians made it easy to make this one for the culture.
3. When you heard that final mix with Joshua Moszi’s guitar on it, what went through your head?
Different kinda thoughts. Obviously, he killed that as always, and being blessed to have a Grammy-winning guitarist on my song was full of emotions. Wish I could translate that into words, but I was very grateful and elated at the same time because the guitars took the song to another level.
4. If “ODO BRA” were a movie, what kind of scene would it play in?
Definitely were the lovers kiss lol . The romantic scenes , the happiness scene etc . It would defo be a love romantic film and I would see it as the man trying to prove his love for the woman eventually proposing to his woman and have a happy ending like a true love story but not with out some issues that’s why he has prove himself to her which is what some of the lyrics and video it’s portraying in the song.
5. You and Mani clearly have a vibe - what’s the secret sauce when you two cook together?
Well, I think it’s more of Mani knowing my sound and my style, which is important for every artist—to have a producer who understands and knows your style and sound. Mani has just been that guy, very talented and dedicated to his craft and to our movement, as we’ve been working together for a while now. He’s my official producer, and he just knows what to give me to get the fire in me released on a tune. Really blessed to have him on the journey.
6. The video’s a visual feast. Any behind-the-scenes chaos or funny moments on set?
Hahaha I could tell you a few lol … video shoot was overall fun. We wanted to at the same time promote the Ghanaian culture that’s why all dishes , drinks and even some of the clothes was 100% Ghanaian. The director Abigail Asante really put in effort to bring the concept to light as well frio films who did the filming made sure we got some great shots and did a great job with the editing etc too . Moving from locations to locations for the scene was a bit challenging but it’s part of the Job besides that everything was spot on .
7. Do you see music videos as just visuals or an extension of your storytelling?
Music videos to me are more than just visuals. It’s part of the craft that brings more meaning to the song itself. So more of a storytelling or visual aid that helps you digest the song. It’s one part of the craft I take seriously—to make sure a great story or picture is portrayed through the visuals.
8. What’s one thing UK fans don’t know about Ghanaian music that you wish they did?
I can’t honestly tell if they’re missing anything—well, it was me, but I’m here now and wish they had known earlier, lol. Ghanaian music in general has always been present in the UK, from the days of Osibisa to not long ago with Fuse ODG, who did great in spreading this current African wave. Not so long ago, people were dancing to Azonto on the streets of London. Fortunately, now, to me, it’s not just Ghana music anymore—it’s more of an African sound. African music has evolved, now arguably under the Afrobeats umbrella, which is a plus for Ghanaian sound and other African music styles. Ghana music is a pioneer in these areas, and I definitely hope to add more to the history through my sound.
9. From Accra to Northampton—what’s the biggest culture shock you’ve had to turn into art?
Well, I don’t know if it’s more of a cultural shock, but I found the UK music industry to be very receptive to other genres. For Afrobeats, I think it’s one of the biggest international markets for the sound. Due to how accepting the listeners and audience are here, you definitely always have to keep them in mind.
10. If someone’s hearing you for the first time through “ODO BRA,” what should they know about you?
This is the future of authentic Ghana sound. That’s what separates me from the rest. Great music and a vintage sound!
11. What do you play when you’re not playing your own songs—who’s on your personal playlist?
I’m really selective about what falls into my ears, because that has a lot of influence on you as an artist. I tend to listen to all sorts of genres, though, but I do enjoy old highlife music a lot—some reggae, jazz, pop, and rap music. I listen to Osibisa, E.T. Mensah, Dasebre Gyamenah, Daddy Lumba , Akon, Tracy Chapman, R2Bees, Wizkid, and Tems.
12. Dream collab time: pick one artist from Ghana and one from the UK to jump on a remix.
Can I be greedy? One each is just not enough, lol. Well, when it comes to a collab for me, I have to be able to like your craft as an artist or your sound. So maybe I could name a few from Ghana because it’s my home country, lol. I rate R2Bees very high—especially when it comes to the Afrobeats sound. They’ve been one of the fore runners for a long time, and I got a lot of great inspiration from them. I like Amaarae—a great artist in both sound and everything. And then Shatta Wale. Shatta Wale, in general, is a very inspiring artist—not just to me but to most of the youth. He affirmed to us that we can really do this. His come-up is an inspiring story and one worth emulating, with great sounds that are just exceptional.
For a UK collaboration, just like I said before in terms of sounds I look for—I think Ed Sheeran and Stormzy would be a great fit for a collab. On the side, I rate Wizkid, Fuse ODG, Burna Boy, and Tems. My dream production would be from Killbeatz.
13. What’s the boldest thing you want fans to feel or do after hearing “ODO BRA”?
Just enjoy the sound, because it’s made with them in mind. Hopefully, it can help lovers fall in love, and people in general have a good time.