Darryl Paa Kwesi Bannerman-Martin, popularly known as Joey B, is a talented rapper, singer and songwriter from Ghana. Creating music in five languages (English, Ga, Twi, Fante and Pidgin), he dabbles in Afrobeats, hip hop, RnB, house, dancehall, hiplife and highlife. Influenced by his father's passion for music, Joey B became the main songwriter for a musical group he joined while still in school.
In 2009, he signed with Skillions Records, founded and owned by Ghanaian producer and musician Jayso. A successful compilation titled "The New Generation Skillions", featuring all the label’s artists, created a lot of buzz for Joey B in Ghana. After leaving Skillions Records, he worked with Ghanaian producer Hammer of the Last Two, recording material and featuring on various chart-topping singles.
In 2012, having played a vital role in making a hit of D-Black's song "Vera", he was signed to the artist's label, Black Avenue Muzik. During that time, Joey B supported D-Black on stages in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK and Europe and released his own hit songs, "Strawberry Ginger", "Azonto Bomb", "Chop Kenkey" and "Benedicta", which received massive airplay in Ghana and the UK.
His first music video, for the remix of "Strawberry Ginger" featuring D-Black and E.L, was also released under Black Avenue Muzik. In 2013, he performed at the Afrobeats Concert, as well as the O2 in London. During his latter performance he caught the eye of the BBC who featured him in their Afrobeats documentary that same year.
At the tender age of 24, he has already received nominations for numerous music awards. These include Best Discovery Video and Best Hiplife Video for "Strawberry Ginger" at the 2013 4syte Music Video Awards in Ghana. He also received six nominations for the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in 2014 for Best New Artiste, Best Collaboration, Best Hiplife Song, Vodafone Most Popular Song, Best Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste and Song for Development. He walked away with the award for Best New Artiste.
The diversity of his musical influences explains his unique style and approach to music. "I listen to music from artists like Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Cyhi The Prynce, Krayzie Bone, Tyler The Creator (OFWGKTA), Drake and Travis Scott. The call to make music is more than just a call to fame for me, it’s a resolution that I am very passionate about." Joey B is currently working on his debut album, tentatively titled "Greater Than". It will feature collaborations with artists such as Sarkodie, R2Bees, Shatta Wale, D Black and E.L. For now, make sure you catch his fiery passion on the Big Brother Africa stage this Sunday.
tangaz
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