Adomaa
Adomaa | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Adomaa, Musician | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Joy Onyinyechukwu Adomaa Serwaa Adjeman |
| Born | 14 August 1989 Kaduna, Nigeria |
| Genres | Afro-Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Actor, Model |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Labels | VI Music |
| Associated acts | Stonebwoy, Efya, EL, Flowking Stone, Magnom, Wanlov, Worlasi |
Joy Onyinyechukwu Adomaa Serwaa Adjeman (born 14 August 1989), is a Ghanaian-Nigerian singer, actor, and model known for blazing a trail in the genre of afro-jazz and the Ghanaian alternative music.[1] Adomaa, as she is popularly known, initially announced her presence on the music scene with a mashup of Stonebwoy’s “Baafira” and Sarkodie’s “Adonai”. With a beautiful voice and a striking personality, she attracted admirers.[2] In her subsequent video titled “Evolution of GH Music,” Adomaa captured Ghana’s highlife journey from its genesis to contemporary times.[3] “Evolution of GH Music” earned Adomaa a lot of praise, including being mentioned by The Guardian UK as a “Voice of The Future”.[4] Following the release of her Afraba EP, Adomaa has slowly carved an enviable niche with her pioneering afro-jazz melodies.[5]
Early Life[edit]
Adomaa was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, to a Ghanaian father and a Nigerian mother.[6] Having had her primary education in Nigeria, her family moved to Ghana in 2004, where she continued to Wesley Girls High School to pursue high school education. She later enrolled in the Ghana Institute of Journalism where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.[7] The songstress has often pointed out that she had a passion for music at a very young age, being first drawn to the music of yesteryear. “I’m a die-hard, hardcore jazz music lover! I fell in love with that sound very early in life. I realized early in life that I’m very drawn to vintage sounds. I love soul, blues, old RnB, and classical music”.[8]
Career As Artist[edit]
Adomaa’s transition from a journalist to a singer was quite a subtle one. Before the eventual switch happened, she was making covers of music she liked, which she recorded on her phone. This simple approach to embracing her passion did not make her an instant star, but people warmed up to it as time passed. Slowly, she built an organic and loyal following. In an interview with Harmattan Rain, one of Ghana’s leading music curators, Adomaa mentioned that contemporary music did not tickle her fancy. She draws influence from the likes of Michael Buble, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Amy Winehouse.[9][10]
Baafira/Adonai Mashup[edit]
The world was given a preview of the singer’s abilities with the release of the Baafira/Adonai mashup video on YouTube in February 2015.[11] The video was the genesis of what would become Adomaa’s musical career, albeit in an unconventional way. Subsequently, she would go on to release “Evolution of GH Music” which has been described by critics as extremely creative and inventive and is still rated very highly.[12] In 2016, Adomaa further made several covers and mashups which were well received by fans and critics alike.
Afraba EP & Afraba Concert[edit]
The Afraba EP, Adomaa’s debut body of work, was released in January 2016. It was a special one for the singer herself and her fans, as it took her beyond covers and cemented her as a bona fide artist. “Afraba” which means “a Child” in Fante, drew an analogy between the growth of an artist and that of a butterfly. The singer mentioned that it was a pleasant coincidence. “The actual meaning of ‘Afraba’ was coined from two words which mean butterfly (‘Afrafranto’ in Twi and ‘Labalaba’ in Yoruba) I just picked out “Afra” and “Ba” from both words!”, she said. “On the 6-track EP, you will hear the various stages of the growth cycle of the butterfly which also falls in line with my growth as an artist”[13][14] The Afraba Concert was the first major concert for Adomaa following the release of her debut EP, Afraba on January 31, 2016. The concert, which was slated for 2nd April 2016, took off after a late start at the Alliance Francaise Amphitheater, Accra. However, the show proved to be a beautiful experience with entertaining performances by Adomaa and her guest artists on the bill. Among the list was Robin Huws, Cina Soul, Adina Thembi, Eli Muzik, Yaw Prodi, Luigi, TiTi, Six Strings, and Reynolds the Gentleman.[15] The concert was not without challenges, especially sound quality which had a negative scar on the various performances. Nonetheless, it was an experience worth writing home about.[16][17][18]
Vodafone Ghana Music Awards[edit]
At the 2016 edition of the coveted Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Adomaa won the “Unsung Category” award as she beat stiff competition from Nii Funny, Feli Nuna, Ebony Reigns, Wan O and Perez. The unsung category is awarded to budding talents ahead of the main event with an opportunity to perform on stage. Adomaa performed on the VGMA stage alongside Sarkodie, Efya, Stonebwoy, and Bisa Kdei.[19][20]
Film Career[edit]
Adomaa starred in “Bad Luck Joe” (2018), a romantic dramedy alongside popular Ghanaian actors Chris Attoh, Sika Osei, and Michelle Attoh. The movie was written, directed, and produced by film veteran Ramesh Jai. Adomaa won the “Most Promising Actor” at the 2019 Golden Movie Awards for her role in “Bad Luck Joe”.[21][22] January 28, 2020, saw the release of Contradict, a documentary produced by Swiss filmmakers Peter Guyer and Thomas Burkhalter in which Adomaa was featured. The documentary sought to capture emerging ideas, shifts and developments happening in Ghana and Africa. Other artists featured in Contradict alongside Adomaa are FOKN Bois, Akan, Mutombo, Worlasi, and Poetra Asantewaa.[23][24][25]
Discography[edit]
Adomaa has quite an extensive discography for a relative newcomer. She has two Extended Plays (EPs) to her credit including an array of mashups and covers.
Extended Plays[edit]
Mashups & Covers[edit]
- Baafira/Adonai (2015)
- Evolution of GH Music (2015)
- Adomaa Meets Naija (2015)
- Lay me down/Adore You (2015)
- Chandelier/Turning Tables (2015)
- Kakai/Go Higher (2016)
- Odo (2018)
Filmography[edit]
- Bad Luck Joe (2018)
- Contradict (2020)
Awards & Nominations[edit]
| Year | Event | Prize | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Unsung Category | Won | [29] |
| 2019 | Golden Movie Awards | Most Promising Actor | Nominated | [30] |
References[edit]
- ↑ Lael, Harmattan Rain "Adomaa: The Need To Know", 09 January 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "Interview With Adomaa", 08 December 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ Kobby Ankomah-Graham "How Adomaa’s ‘Afraba’ EP reminds me of Rihanna’s ‘ANTI’", 15 February 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "Interview With Adomaa", 08 December 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "Adomaa-Afraba EP Review", 15 February 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ The Mirror "Here Come Adomaa", 02 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ The Mirror "Music Is My Drug - Adomaa", 11 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "Interview With Adomaa", 08 December 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ Lael, Harmattan Rain "Adomaa: The Need To Know", 09 January 2017. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ The Mirror "Music Is My Drug - Adomaa", 11 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ Phiona Okumu "The playlist: African pop – Adomaa, Ntjam Rosie and Mashayabhuqe KaMamba", 18 May 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ Kobby Ankomah-Graham "How Adomaa’s ‘Afraba’ EP reminds me of Rihanna’s ‘ANTI’", 15 February 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ Kobby Ankomah-Graham "How Adomaa’s ‘Afraba’ EP reminds me of Rihanna’s ‘ANTI’", 15 February 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "Adomaa Afraba EP Review", 15 February 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "CONCERT REVIEW: AFRABA CONCERT WITH ADOMAA", 07 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ Kasapa FM "Adomaa Afraba EP Review", 08 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ Kasapa FM "REVIEW: Adomaa’s Afraba concert at Alliance Francaise", 08 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ In-house Nigeria "Ghana's 'musical butterfly' Adomaa to perform 'Afraba' EP live", 29 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ David Mawuli, Pulse Ghana "Adomaa wins 'Unsung Category' award", 05 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Julitta Gbagbo, Kuulpeeps "Adomaa Wins Unsung Category Ahead of VGMA 2016", 02 May 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Daily Guide "‘Bad Luck Joe’ Premieres This October", 29 August 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Jerry Wonder "Chris Attoh in Accra for Bad Luck Joe premiere", 03 October 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Martyn Pepperell "A Matter of Representation – Documenting Ghanaian Artists", 14 January 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Al Jazeera "Ghana Controversial: Music from the Ground Up", 22 August 2019. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Pop-Kultur 2020 "Contradict. Ideas for a New World", 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ CulArtBlog "Adomaa Afraba EP Review", 15 February 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020
- ↑ Daily Graphic "Adomaa drops first EP off ‘Adomaa Vs Adomaa’ on Saturday", 07 September 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Margaret Sagoe "Relax And Just Vibe To This Beautiful Project From Adomaa, 'Barely Adomaa'", 23 March 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ David Mawuli, Pulse Ghana "Adomaa wins 'Unsung Category' award", 05 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2020
- ↑ Glitz Africa "Nominees’ list for 2019 Golden Movie Awards out", 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020
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