Unfinished Business – Akuvi

If you’re on the lookout for something fresh, with a new sound – this might be it right here. Unfinished Business by Akuvi is founded upon neo-soul and afrobeats, mainly. And her story as to how she got to this point is rather inspiring.

Backstory
Neo soul and afrobeats. The idea itself may not be entirely outside of the box. Afrobeats has swooshed in like a tangible wave over the globe these past few years. While neo-soul has found itself resurrected and redefined. The idea is especially close to already vivid afro-indie and afro-soul, not least South African soul. Perhaps then it’s not so strange that Norwegian-Ghanaian artist Akuvi draws influences from it. For until last year she’s been residing in Cape Town, South Africa to pursue her studies in peace, conflict and religion. Whilst there, she found her sound too.

“Her exploration led to the birth of Akuvi, the artist, who turns diary pages into soulful Hip Hop and RnB music, heavily influenced by African rhythms and Caribbean flow.” – Bio

Now she’s back on Scandinavian grounds. Currently Oslo-based and focusing on making her way internationally. And she’s not off to such a bad start, as she’s pre-qualified for the finale of Melodi Grand Prix 2020 (Eurovision Song Contest take-outs of Norway). But before you’ll watch her on TV and give her your support, let me tell you just why I think she deserves it!

Review
In her debut album Unfinished Business, released in December, Akuvi shows us that she’s confident. Or perhaps she’s just so devoured by the music that she can’t think twice about anything else. What I mean is, not everyone would dare to take on the challenge of combining these styles with rather different core elements. But Akuvi does, and she does it well.

I’d like to say that Obligations and the Amin Zana remix of Free Me from Me especially stand out. The first named most clearly showing the influence from African folk music, accompanied with Akuvi’s raw jazzy voice. The other carrying the typically heavy beat of European afrotrap/bashment, with the soulful vocals as the sprinkle on top. While there might always be room for improvement, any flaws in this album are utterly overshadowed by its ambition and musicality.

Check out her music video here below!