We Speak Music
‘THE PRODIGAL SON’: $STEEN’S SELF-PRODUCED COMEBACK ALBUM
Super-talented Ghanaian producer and artiste, $STEEN has finally returned to action with the release of a self-produced project dubbed “The Prodigal Son” – a title that best fits his comeback. Listen Here.
Returning from a long musical hiatus, $STEEN draws inspiration and comparison with the biblical story of a father’s long-lost son returning home. However, unlike the biblical prodigal son, $STEEN returns with his new found production ability and seven songs ranging from Afro Pop to Amapiano, artistically compiled into a master project.
“The Prodigal Son,” officially announces his comeback with two moderato tracks; “Nirvana” and “Jago,” as cautions for the listener to probably call 911 before lightning up gasoline on the entire body of work.
Not even the impatient fan heard on the intro of “Gasolina” might be fully ready for the breakneck speed, energetic vibes and overdose of Amapiano on the track.
Halfway through the project and it’s evident that adequate time and work has been invested in producing this classic. Mid-journey still, $STEEN’s hopeless romantic past comes haunting again on “Sister Fatima” – a likely sequel to his last release. His luscious vocals failed to win the damsel but just enough to get the listener’s sympathy with resonating lyrics.
He talks unreciprocated energy, heartbreak and sheds light on a local taboo subject – drug use as a coping mechanism. $STEEN taps superbly into the Afro Pop instrumentals as sweet-flowing melodies gush out nonstop. He again proves to be a problem on “Asem” before switching from moderato to allegro on “Bust Down.”
$STEEN completes the journey as a “Prodigal Son” on the ultimate song which delightsomely features the lyrics “don’t let me go.”
Hold on to $STEEN, “The Prodigal Son,” a potential classic forever and stream on all digital streaming platforms.
ABOUT $STEEN
Augustine Blay otherwise known as $STEEN is a Ghanaian artist and producer who experiments with afro- beats and rap music. Despite the life changing move from Waldorf Maryland to the hectic streets of Accra Ghana at the age of 15, he came to his own, constantly learning the ins and outs of the music industry. $STEEN prides himself in his versatility which can be seen throughout his discography. Having always been surrounded by music, he participated in mainly musical instruments at a young age such as the clarinet and bass guitar; as well as the church choir which would soon manifest into his love for music today. His life’s story continues to unfold through his music; we can only listen to where he’ll go next.
London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.
Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’
‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.
Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.
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