Renowned Ghanaian reggae legend Shasha Marley has released a new album, Africa Rise, which he describes as both “a revolutionary album” and “a call to action.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview on The One King Show, Marley said the project was born out of his desire to raise awareness about Africa’s challenges while inspiring people to rise above them.
“It’s about time Africa rises to make this beautiful continent great again,” Marley declared. “The music is not just entertainment — it’s awareness, it’s revolution, it’s consciousness.”
Since its launch in Kenya earlier this year, Africa Rise has struck a powerful chord with East African audiences. Marley performed ten sold-out concerts in Nairobi and other cities, with fans of all ages singing along to every word.
“In Kenya, even the children know my songs,” he shared with pride. “When Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta signed their peace treaty, it was my music that played in the background. They’ve embraced Shasha Marley like family.”
For Marley, this response is proof that conscious reggae still resonates deeply across the continent. He now considers Kenya his second home, a place where his vision for African unity finds eager supporters.
While Marley is celebrated internationally, he admitted that Ghana has not yet embraced his music with the same intensity as East Africa. Still, he reframed this reality as part of an artist’s journey rather than rejection.
Quoting scripture, he reflected: “A prophet has no honour in his own country. Sometimes your own people may not celebrate you as much as others do, but that doesn’t change the mission.”
He emphasized that his passion for Ghana remains strong and that he looks forward to sharing Africa Rise with more Ghanaian audiences in the months ahead. “I believe the appreciation will grow at home just as it has abroad,” he said with optimism.
The Africa Rise album features standout songs including Talking Out of Babylon, Dream Generation, and Dan Suman Bredin. Marley revealed that Dan Suman Bredin was inspired by childhood friends he reconnected with after nearly 20 years — a reminder of the healing power of music and memory.
“All the songs are my favorite,” he said. “The messages are super — every home in Africa can relate to them.”
Marley confirmed he will return to Ghana this December while also continuing his strong relationship with East African fans. With Africa Rise available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube Music, he is determined to spread the message of African unity far and wide.
“This is music for the African youth, for the people, for the revolution,” he said.
As Shasha Marley continues to bridge cultures through his sound, his journey reflects not division, but the power of music to bring Africa together — one conscious song at a time.
