Don Dada releases double album, ‘The Heart’ and ‘The Mind’
Ruff Cutt Studio owner and multi-platinum selling South African Reggae/Hip-Hop artist, Menelik Nesta Gibbons professionally known as Don Dada, has released a double album, ‘The Heart’ and ‘The Mind’ with the first predominantly Reggae-Dancehall, and the other Hip-Hop.
The two albums have an oxymoron play on each other, expressing the power that comes from a united effort between the heart and the mind. It also express and tackle moments in life where the two become immensely opposing forces.
“The mind is a great tool, but the heart is a great guide. When the heart and mind are in sync, the soul can sing,” said Don Dada.
The first track in the double album “Rise Up” was released May 2024. It rose to the Reggae VIP Playlist top 100 playlist, holding the number one position for four weeks, and continuing to remain within its top ten.
“Rise Up” gives a new generation of hope as Don Dada shares his song with messages of love, unity and kingdom values with the world, inspiring everyone to feel and think positive.
The Heart reggae album has tones ranging from pop to dancehall, and amapiano, harnessing and showcasing Don Dada’s unique sound, voice and song writing ability. It tackles issues like depression and resilience with songs like “Memories,” “No Love,” “Fire & Water” and “Ghetto” to name a few on the Reggae-Dancehall side.
Melding the sounds of Southern Africa with Hip-Hop, The Mind’s Hip-Hop album is unique and refreshing with Don Dada’s multitude of flows across the project. It tackling issues like loss, love and everyday struggles ensuring an entertaining and captivating experience for his audience.
Part of the tracks “Ke Monate Fela” in Southern Sotho which loosely translated “It’s Just Fun” brings the feelings of a township party vibe. Others like “Menelik III,” and “Lutho” to name a few are set to reshape Don Dada’s unique style of music.
With this double album tracks Don Dada is expected to have the radio waves continuously buzzing. His music debates common sentiments among young Black Africans around the world, exploring social ills, deviances as well as trials and tribulations.
His music is born out of the African life and struggle, which in itself is also a celebration of the resilience of African people, especially, the youth. According to Don Dada, many of the opposing forces between the heart and the mind are born of neo-colonialism and the continued exploitation of Black people.
Don Dada has achieved a great deal as a Reggae/Hip-Hop artist and social influencer since he made his debut on the 2016 Mandela Day Concert stage in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He has grown his Reggae/Hip-Hop career; established himself as a social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, Radio Host and events MC. With his vision to encourage the youth, Don Dada continues to “breath life through music.” Follow Don Dada on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.
Source: Tuff Gong
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
