Alkebulan Rising: Patoranking and Buju Banton Unite for 'African Soldier'

Beyond the Latitude of Greenwich: Patoranking and Buju Banton's 'African Soldier'

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"...In an era of being socially and politically woke, Mother Africa summons her sons beyond the latitude of Greenwich to embrace their true identity, fight for their rights, and strive for unity." 

'African Soldier' Review by Roy OC Chukwu 

Nigerian singer, Patoranking teams up with prominent Jamaican reggae and dancehall artiste, Buju Banton in 'African Soldier'. Patoranking's deep ties with Caribbean music create instant chemistry with Buju Banton. The two-minute track, amidst the danceable tune engraves emotional hurt between the verses and chorus. The record stirs against the cultural displacement of Black Americans while embracing their Alkebulan ancestry (African history).

Produced by Jazzwad, 'African Soldier' sits in a slow-tempo rhythm as the drumbeats interweave with the melodic bassline. This makes it lean heavily into reggae. The trumpet adds a flavour to the entire cut. Patoranking relaxes and claims the song, Buju Banton adds a sonic flare as he comes in like an excited visitor who feels honoured and is expected to be present. 

Buju Banton's energetic tenor vocals complement Patoranking's laid-back verse. In Patoranking's verse, he sings about the richness of Africa and boasts how unshakeable Africans are, while Buju Banton, the Rastafarian sketches Africa by mentioning a few countries and cities while singing of the pain his forefathers went through. Buju Banton centers his theme on the African Revolution showing his lyrical depth as he sings, "There is a fight against evil and corruption /

My ancestors bled for generations /

The children's cry for liberation," while Patoranking leads the chants "I am an African, an African Soldier" in the chorus.

'African Soldier' is a conscious reggae song which is laced in a modern cultural impact — Pan-Africanism. 'African Soldier' is not only a declaring piece but it is a daring and encouraging music that roots in social awareness against double consciousness and split identity. 

Another Jamaican and Nigerian hit beyond just music and entertainment but a deeper reflection on purpose and pedigree.

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