The African Music Connoisseur, Julian Nicco-Annan aka Juls is a multi-talented British-Ghanaian music producer, DJ, and radio presenter. He was born on the 25th of October, 1985 to a musically-inclined family and was raised in London and Ghana. His influence in the African music industry cannot be overlooked. Whenever you hear “JULS BABY” on any song, you know it is about to be fire.
Afrobeats, as we know it today, is an evolution of hard work by several creatives utilizing their resources to put African music under the global spotlight. However, while telling the story of the evolution of Afrobeats, some names and personalities may be forgotten. The onus, therefore, falls on us as writers to tell the stories of the behind-the-scenes pillars and shapers of our industry and sound as Africans.
…I don’t think our aim or my aim anyways is to rub shoulders with “foreign counterparts”. It’s about spreading the culture and our music and getting heard.
-Juls
This article delves into the life of Ghanaian record producer and Disk Jockey, Juls. He is one of the notable names who have influenced the growth of African music especially Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Alternative music in the UK. He doesn’t like to be boxed in the description of his craft because he creates travelling sounds that can resonate with several cultures.
his Music Career
Like many producers around today, Juls began his musical journey when he discovered Fruity Loops, a DAW for music production. Under the influence of several producers, including Kanye West, Juls has indeed cemented his place as an African music pioneer. Juls usually would venture into the world of production where he would tap into his Ghanaian roots. This, he fuses with other genres like hip-hop and Caribbean sounds, among many others, to create his own. This results in a smooth blend of sounds like a mix of cognac and coke. He always stands out, no doubt!
Juls is an exceptional producer, regarded as one of Africa’s best A&Rs with multiple projects and hits under his belt. He has worked with some of the biggest names in Afrobeats from Ghana, Nigeria, and the U.K. His contribution dates as far back as 2012 with his production of “Feel Alright” by Show Dem Camp.
His collaborations with Mr. Eazi, as well, stand out in his journey. At a time when Azonto and other fast-tempo African sounds were the order of the day, the pair would introduce a more relaxing and slower mid-tempo version of African music which would merge with others to birth Afrobeats. However, the collaboration would see both acts enjoy success in Ghana, Nigeria, and the U.K., which would become one of Afrobeats’ major international fronts. The success of Afrobeats in the U.K. would see the introduction of other variants like Afroswing. Juls won the Producer of the Year award at the Ghana Music Awards U.K. and AFRIMA Awards in 2017
Projects Produced by Juls
Juls has released several projects and has worked with several creatives in Africa and the diaspora. He has collaborations with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Niniola, Mr. Eazi, Nonso Amadi, Wande Coal, and Cruel Santino, among many others.
Juls has worked on several projects and has put out several in collaboration with notable artists. His projects include Leap of Faith which featured a lot of Alternative acts in Nigeria and the U.K. Ojekoo and Colour are projects that showcase the versatility of African sounds, including features with artists from Nigeria, the U.K., and Jamaica. Happy Place was Juls exploring the Amapiano sound after visiting South Africa for a first-hand experience. He released his debut album, Sounds of My World last year.
Most recently, he produced the track “Special ft Don Toliver” on Wizkid’s newly released album, More Love Less Ego
Notable Songs Produced By Juls
This is a list of some of my favourites, in no particular order.
Feel free to comment with your faves as well. Let’s take it from way back.
- Feel Alright- Show Dem Camp: Fans of the Camp know this song from way back. Can’t wait to sing this palm wine national anthem at the Palmwine Music Festival again this year
- Bankulize- Mr Eazi ft Pappy Kojo– The song that became a cult hit way back in 2014 and kick-started Mr Eazi’s rise within the Ghanaian Music scene.
- Soweto Blues– This has to be my all-time favourite from Juls. It calms my soul
- Skin Tight with Mr Eazi- What is a 2016 party without this song? The DJ will have to leave the set if he doesn’t play this song.
- HollUp Mr Eazi ft Joey B – 2016 was definitely Mr Eazi’s breakout year and Juls was behind all the cult favourites that came out that year. Any party where you don’t hear this song was not a party.
- Gwarn ft Burnaboy– This is a mid-tempo song you can grind to with your partner in the club.
- True Love- Off Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album.
- So mi so- Wande Coal
- Love Me- Niniola
This list will go on forever if I decide to list his works. You can as well add yours in the comments below.
Juls is exceptional in his craft. He is indeed an African Music Connoisseur! Check out his artistry here julsbaby | Twitter, Instagram, TikTok | Linktree
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