We Speak Music
Iconic Japanese guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei features on ‘Sensei’ by Freddie & The Scenarios!
Freddie & The Scenarios is nothing short of a supergroup. On record and future live plans, the line-up is a musician’s dream, and the record vibes seamlessly across genres, creating its own form of indie, dream pop, world soul sounds that’s parts Beck, and Bach. Not totally, but you get the idea, all the songs were written by Freddie, and he conducts the band as though a full orchestra.
The album consists of twelve tracks of joy, pain and just about everything in between. Freddie’s guitar is flawless, and hopping for the first time onto vocals delivered with an earnestness that touches genuinely. Backed by a brass section and other musicians, Freddie describes working with Vaccine’s old drummer and other past and new friends as follows,
“Pete is such an incredible drummer. He’s phenomenal – calm and so conversational, he just speaks with the drums. In fact, all the musicians on this album were people I’d just unconsciously earmarked over the years. Ethan Johns, the producer, played percussion and he’s the best percussionist probably in the country. Then we went to Mexico and recorded the brass section with players there because we thought if we got a bunch of English brass players, it wouldn’t sound like what we’re looking for. It’s this certain sound. The same way there’s Mexican boxing, there’s a certain fire to it you can’t really replicate.”
And it was, indeed whilst living in a curious time in Mexico City in 2019, Freddie had several serendipitous encounters with some of the musicians living and working there, especially around the city’s Centro Historico neighbourhood – Diego Herrera from Mexico’s legendary Caifanes, who has become a mentor, resident string and brass arranger Dan Zlotnik, and Moises Garcia, the trumpet player for Mexican hero, Juan Gabriel, among many others. These encounters inspired ‘Answer Machine’, a celebration of creative freedom and collaboration, life, growth, and restoration.
The album was recorded in both Mexico City and Somerset and somehow captures both perfectly.
After the album’s release, The Scenarios will tour Mexico in April, with plans to bring the live show to the UK later this year. Freddie explains,
“I want to do a small amount of shows and do them really well and make it really, really interesting, the music business in the ‘60s and ‘70s was much more based around records and when people did play shows, they were amazing. So I only want to play a small amount of shows with the best people.”
Lagos, Nigeria — Benson Ayomide, one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeat, is back with a banger! “Na Money” is a high-energy track that blends catchy melodies with relatable lyrics about chasing success and enjoying life’s rewards.
The song dives into the everyday grind of hustling for financial freedom and the joy that comes with “balling.” With lines like “After hard work na soft life” and “Na money dey give me joy,” Benson Ayomide captures the essence of what it means to hustle hard and celebrate big.
The hook is as infectious as it gets, and the rhythm is pure Afrobeat magic. “Na Money” is for anyone who knows the value of hard work and loves to enjoy the good things in life—designer brands, fine girls, and unforgettable vibes.
“Na Money is more than a song; it’s a vibe. It’s about living unapologetically, knowing your worth, and going all out for your dreams,” says Benson Ayomide.
From the catchy chant “Nowo nowo la wa omo sha ma jubadi” to the powerful message about perseverance, “Na Money” is a track that will resonate with listeners from all walks of life.
“Na Money” is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Fans can join the movement by using #NaMoney on social media to share their favorite moments of the song.
About Benson Ayomide
With a unique sound that fuses Afrobeat with personal storytelling, Benson Ayomide is quickly rising as a must-watch artist in the music scene.
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