Hiplife eulogized in Apple commissioned shoots by Prince Gyasi

Photographer, Prince Gyasi has released shots, commissioned by Apple, titled ‘The Changing Landscape Of Ghanaian Music: A Great Day in Accra’

The significance in the photos Apple commissioned was in two folds.

Besides taking iconic photographs of both old and new crop of musicians, the venue of the photoshoot also added to the relevance.

Prince Gyasi photographed the Ghanaian greats including Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Reggie Rockstone, Abrewa Nana, Okyeame Kwame and younger talents such as Joey B, Kwesi Arthur among others at the Independence Square.

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Commissioned by Apple. “As a creative, it’s important for me to have the freedom to tell the truth through my art. I was happy to shoot my series, ‘A Great Day in Accra,’ here in Independence Square, where Martin Luther King Jr. watched Kwame Nkrumah declare Ghana’s freedom back in 1957. By reuniting and photographing both old and new hiplife artists, I’m letting the rest of the world know about the genre’s impact in Ghana and beyond. People need to hear about the culture, the source of our rhythm, our music, what influences our arts. It’s our history from our perspective. I want to make sure the new generation doesn’t lose their identity or forget about the pioneers who paved the way for them to lift their own voices.” #MLKDay #ShotoniPhone by Prince G. @princejyesi, featuring @g_7596 @reggierockstone711 @okyeamekwame @rab_bakari @abrewa99 @dahammergh @iambeatmenace @gurunkz @1realjoeyb @elrepgh @djbreezygh @stargogh @kiraniayat @pureakan @kiddblackrapgod @ansahlive @imani_n.a.d @toyboi1 @kwesiarthur_ @shadowxwayne Check out the full story on IGTV. Hiplife playlist on Apple Music: apple.co/hiplife

A post shared by apple (@apple) on Jan 21, 2019 at 8:47am PST

This was influenced by the Martin Luther King Jr. Day which is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King had a great relationship with Ghana and Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Some 62 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr.(MLK) joined hundreds to watch Kwame Nkrumah declare Ghana’s independence from Britain.

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Commissioned by @apple . I was happy to shoot my series, ‘A Great Day in Accra,’ here in Independence Square, where Martin Luther King Jr. watched Kwame Nkrumah declare Ghana’s freedom back in 1957. ” One of the artists featured in my series is Ghanaian Artist @pureakan Akan is a musical genius. He uses the twi dialect to explore the relationship and conflict between the desires of the heart and one’s consciousness. (Onipa Akoma his debut album translates as ‘The Heart of Man”). Lust, love, greed, jealousy, kindness, patience and death etc. #ShotoniPhone #apple #africa #Ghana #music #hiplife #art #AGDIA

A post shared by Prince Gyasi (@princejyesi) on Jan 22, 2019 at 11:40am PST