Y’akoto, Dreambug Review

Dreambug: Y’akoto’s Soulful Odyssey Rooted in Ghanaian Essence of Empowerment

Y’akoto, a Ghanaian singer born in Germany and raised across the diverse landscapes of Africa, effortlessly blends her deep soul roots with a diverse palette of musical influences. These range from electronic, reggae, and rock to folk, pop, and smooth jazz. Her sound, echoing the profound resonance of legends like Nina Simone, enchants listeners worldwide.

Her latest offering, “Dreambug,” produced by the Grammy-nominated Nabeyin—known for his collaborations with industry titans like Kanye West and Drake—dives into the theme of women’s empowerment and the relentless chase of one’s desires. As Y’akoto eloquently says, “The Dreambug strikes mountains with vision and attitude. It’s a symbol for anyone who tirelessly chases their dreams—a glitch in the system, but a dreambug with a purpose.”

Inspired by Y’akoto’s recent return to Ghana, the song resonates with her connection to her roots. As she explains, “Being an artist is about growth. In Ghana, I’ve found a deep connection to the culture, language, and energy of the capital.”

“Dreambug” gracefully opens with ambient synth chords that drift over rhythmic hand-claps, setting the clave’s tone. Y’akoto’s pristine soprano lines deftly convey the song’s empowering message. However, the perpetual presence of the hand-clapping clave throughout the song becomes a tad monotonous. A minor setback in production also sees Y’akoto’s vocals being slightly subdued in the mix, which could have been more prominent.

A refreshing change in the song comes during the bridge, providing a brief respite from the clave, only for it to return unchanged. A particularly memorable moment arrives with a cadential figure, introducing a catchy guitar riff. This could have elevated the track further had it been placed immediately after the bridge.

In conclusion, “Dreambug” showcases Y’akoto’s continued commitment to delivering her signature soulful sound infused with heartfelt emotions. Although there were some missed opportunities in its production and development to truly spotlight her vocal skills, there’s no doubt that Y’akoto’s innovative blend of Ghanaian influences with electro-pop soul positions her as an artist to keenly watch.