Uganda based and multi award winning artist Ambassada is part of the international band NINE BEATS COLLECTIVE. On their album ‘Nine Beats to the Bar’ he wrote and performed the wonderful track ‘Kosi’ with Nine Beats Collective producer Tony Bean from the UK.
The song became the start of an idea and Ambassada set up and organised the much anticipated project originating for East Africa – the KOSI EA ALL-STARS single. He has brought together high-profile artists from Uganda and Kenya: Pallaso, Eddy Kenzo, Arrow Bwoy, Beenie Gunter, Nina Roz, Jabidii, Dufla, Wamboi Katee and Ghetto kids to re-imagine, add to and remix the original song. The new version is called ‘Kosi (All Star Remix)’ and the project’s aim is to empower and motivate a new generation of African youth
KOSI is short for kosisikeleli – one of the punchlines in the former Tanzanian and South African national anthem, meaning ‘freedom’. The song’s title was chosen to inspire, motivate and encourage a new generation of young people to free their minds to a positive outlook and attitude to life.
“I know what it is like to live on the streets, I have been there, and I can tell you that there is another way” says Ambassada; “The Nine Beats Collective project for which I originally wrote this song is all about living out the old wisdom of the teachings of Jesus from the bible, know as ‘the beatitudes’ in today’s new world – and I believe this new generation is ready to hear it and live it! That’s why all of us artists have collaborated on this new version of KOSI – it’s time for Kenya, Uganda and East Africa’s youth to seize the day for a better future.”
We have released the brilliant single today (May 29th) onto all major digital music sites/platforms Worldwide (with the exclusion of some mainland Europe territories). Ten per cent of sales of the single will go to The Ambassada Foundation, set up by Ambassada to practically help and support children and young people from incredibly tough situations. With such a talented group of artists joining forces, KOSI is set to start to make a difference and impact the creative/music media of East Africa and beyond with sound, visuals and positivity.
Watch the official video on YouTube: CLICK HERE