We Speak Music

4Play Shapes the Sound of NSG’s The Big 6

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2025

UK-based production trio originating from Ghana and Jamaica, 4Play has stamped their sound across NSG’s new album “The Big 6,” producing 13 of the 14 tracks. The longtime collaborators continue their strong working relationship with NSG on this project.

The album’s only track not created by 4Play is “Sacrifice.” For everything else, the production team handled the beats.

The Big 6 boasts an eclectic mix of global collaborations, featuring artists from Ghana, Nigeria, the UK, France, and the Netherlands. With 4Play at the helm, the album delivers dynamic beats and rich soundscapes across standout tracks like “Venus” featuring UK singer LYVIA, “Tell Me” with French artist Tayc, and “Tesco” alongside Ghanaian rapper Medikal. Other notable productions include “Council Flat” featuring Jay Bahd, “Coi Leray” with Jeriq, and the electrifying “NFA” with Nigerian rap heavyweight Phyno.

4Play has been a long-time collaborator of NSG, and their growing impact on the group’s sound reinforces their position as one of the main drivers of its distinctive sound. With The Big 6, the group maintains their position as an influential group in the booming UK-Afro music landscape, spanning continents with inventive production and tracks that merge genres.

We Speak Music

Stephan Folkes Shines on Reflective New Single ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Philomena Marie

Stephan Folkes returns with a transcendent new release, ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’, and it’s clear the London-based artist is charting his own course through the cosmos of contemporary music. Following the critical success of his debut single ‘Say It Like You Mean It’, Stephan’s latest offering is a richly layered, genre-defying meditation on time, adversity, and personal growth.

A self-described “Visionist” and “King of Fantasy,” Folkes approaches music with a rare kind of fearlessness. His newest single doesn’t chase trends—it questions them. From the very first note, Stephan draws listeners into a reflective space, encouraging them to consider the lessons learned from life’s most difficult moments.

“Music should be a space for self-reflection,” Stephan says, and ‘It’s All Within Time’ lives up to that mission. Carried by his velvety vocals—reminiscent of George Michael at his most heartfelt—Stephan weaves a soundscape that blends soft rock, R&B, jazz, funk, and ambient pop with effortless finesse. The result is a sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking, dreamy yet grounded.

Lyrically, the track urges listeners to embrace their journey in its entirety. It’s not just about where you’re going—it’s about how you’ve grown through the fire. There’s something deeply empowering in that message, and Stephan delivers it with authenticity and grace.

Born and raised in Leytonstone, East London, Stephan’s music is deeply rooted in personal experience. Surviving a life-threatening hospitalization at five and a near-drowning in his youth, he emerged with a profound sense of purpose—one that pulses through every word and every chord. Since beginning his journey in music at just 11, he’s grown into a full-fledged artist, working alongside industry talents like Nick Michaels (Bethnal) and producer Phil Curran.

With a strong presence online and plans to bring his message to the stage across the UK, ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’ marks a powerful new chapter for Stephan Folkes. It’s not just a song—it’s a reminder to honour your past, trust the timing of your life, and never be afraid to walk your own path.