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Drizilik summer concert in Washington DC’s iconic Howard Theatre on
It will be the Sierra Leonean Afrobeats star's first US show after last year’s teaser at One Salone Fest in VA.
Afrobeats fans in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area are in for an exciting treat on the Fourth of July weekend. Drizilik, the breakout star of Freetown's music revival, will be headlining a star-studded concert at the 1200-capacity historic Howard Theatre in Northwest, D.C. Known for his captivating live performances, Drizilik combines afrobeats with Sierra Leonean goombay, bubu, milo jazz, and hip-hop, creating a unique fusion of afrosounds. His exceptional songwriting skills, infectious one-liners, and profound cultural metaphors on his award-winning album "Shukubly" have earned him the title of Sierra Leone's king of new school music.
Drizilik's versatility as a rapper and singer and his unmatched delivery have resulted in several chart-topping singles and collaborations. Some of his popular tracks include "Vote" and "Ashobi" featuring Idris Elba, as well as "Move Right" with BAFTA winner Big Zuu. Having graced stages from London to Lagos, Drizilik has headlined prestigious events such as YouTube's Africa Day Concert, Madeng Festival, Gambia Music Festival, and Hull City's Freedom Festival.
The highly anticipated show at Howard Theatre will be Drizilik's second North American performance. Last year, he gave fans a taste of his music at the One Salone Fest and even made a live appearance on FOX5 DC. This upcoming performance is particularly significant as Drizilik will be Freetown’s first Sierra Leonean artist to perform on such a prestigious stage. It is a moment that all Sierra Leoneans in the US can be proud of, and they shouldn't miss the opportunity to witness the biggest night for Salone pop music in North America.
For those interested, a limited number of early bird tickets to Drizilik's show at Howard Theatre are now available for $40. VIP Booths and Balcony tickets are also available for $150.
Drizilik at Howard Theatre is brought to you by Humble Management and the campaign to Make Sierra Leone Famous. The lineup of artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
Drizilik’s new single “City Boy Freestyle” states the obvious
Drizilik’s "City Boy" the latest single from the Central Boy Drizla mixtape is out now. The song is freestyle inspired by Burna Boy's Grammy-nominated single of the same name.
"Traveling comes with its own inspiration," said Drizilik.
"I made 'City Boy' in Maryland with two other songs, on the same night. It's one of my favorite songs on Burna Boy's album."
The award-winning artist believes that freestyles and mixtapes offer a unique form of creative expression.
“di game need kolat en speed
leh man dem lef badheart en greed
wan promoter try for book for 5 minute performance a tell am say dem nor sell granat by seed
Im used to the growth e nor new to me
so anything a say a lek bring two for me
The last tem a cut me coat to me size when a wake the next morning for go dress e nor do for me “
"When working on mixtapes, there is a certain level of freedom that allows me to do whatever I want. I've never felt that same freedom when working on an album," he explained."
City Boy Freestyle'' is the second single from Drizilik's upcoming mixtape, "Central Boy Drizla (CBD)," which is scheduled to be released before the end of 2023. This will be his first mixtape in eight years.
"City Boy Freestyle" is exclusively available on Audiomack and YouTube. The video was produced by Vickie Remoe and filmed and directed by Cracked Visualz.
"Finesse": The New Braggadocious Hip Hop Anthem from Drizilik is Out Now
Fresh off the success of his sold-out concert in Freetown and last week's feature with Incredible JJ that has tongues wagging, Drizilik is back with new music. "Finesse" is the new braggadocious hip-hop anthem from the multi-award-winning Krio lyricist.
With its catchy beats and clever lyrics, "Finesse" showcases Drizilik's signature wordplay and metaphors. From the first verse, he wastes no time asserting his dominance and confidence. "The tier na top dem man dem de flop, di reason I'm not competing." In the second verse, he reflects on his journey and recent highlights, such as fashion week in London with Labrum and the "Japanese Kimono," referencing the Sydney Davies outfit he wore in the music video for "Decide."
Drizilik knows that people will talk and question his place at the top, but he invites his haters to listen closely. "Listen close so you nor go lie when you tell di story." He proudly declares himself as the "modern-day king of his territory" with hits, sold-out shows, and accolades. The chorus, "Finesse, we can only go up from here," reinforces the message of the song - no one can stop him. With all his finesse, it's all about moving upward and onward to the next level. Drizilik's confidence is infectious, and "Finesse" leaves no doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with.
"Finesse" is the first single from the anticipated Central Boy Drizla (CBD) Mixtape, set to drop before the end of the year. This will be Drizilik's first mixtape since 2015.
Watch the music video for Finesse, produced by Vickie Remoe and directed by Sahr Fanday, on YouTube. Other creatives who worked on the video include Fennella Miller (Wardrobe), Director Stixx (Photography), and Cracked Visualz. Finesse is an Audiomack exclusive.
Drizilik Announces Two New Shows in Freetown
Drizilik will headline two music concerts in Freetown in 2023, his first live performances in Sierra Leone this year. Central and East End fans can watch Drizilik live at the Freetown Amusement Park (previously Victoria Park) on Saturday 11 November. A month later, on Friday, 15 December, the Shukubly singer and rapper will give an exclusive VIP performance for West End fans at Sports Zone at Lumley Beach.
Tickets for both shows are on sale now. Follow Drizilik on Facebook for the latest about the shows’ lineup and side attractions.
Press: Drizilik live on Fox5 #GoodDayDC
Drizilik made his North American TV debut with a live performance on Fox5’s #GoodDayDC. He performed a medley songs from his Ashobi album released in August 2022. Check it out!
Drizilik performs at The Wisemenz OneSalone Music Fest in Virginia, USA
Drizilik joined other Sierra Leonean artists for celebrate music, culture and community at the Wisemenz OneSaloneMusik Fest in Springfield Virginia. It his was first North American (but surely not the last) concert. He performed hits from Shukubly and Ashobi albums.
Stylist - @FennellaLikeWhoa
Photos - @DirectorStixx
Press: Ashobi Album Review as seen on SwitSalone
Sierra Leonean DJ, Broadcaster, and music connoisseur Kevin MacCormack reviewed Drizilik’s Ashobi album. Below is an excerpt of what he had to say. Check it out on SwitSalone.
“Benjamin Menelik George, aka Drizilik, is on track to be the breakthrough act of this decade. No wonder he has earned the King Of Sierra Leone’s New School moniker–a title this new album no doubt solidifies. He was told he was the future back in 2015 (as he says on the track “Lion”); the future is now, and that prediction has certainly rung true. With each track on this album as strong as the one next to it, ‘Ashobi’ is, without a doubt, a beyond-impressive sophomore effort.
”
Press: Drizilik as seen on BBC
Drizilik took the BBC on a mini tour of Freetown, to talk music and culture. Check out the Africa Show with DJ. Edu.
🇸🇱 The final episode of our first Spotlight season comes from Sierra Leone.
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) October 24, 2022
We chat to the award-winning, singer-songwriter @drizilik about his fusion of Afrobeats, r'n'b & hip hop.
🎧 This is Africa show with @djedu
👉🏾 https://t.co/lRkdGTOaqf pic.twitter.com/Rwrda2LOsj
Drizilik releases new video for Ashobi via Wonderland Magazine
Wonderland Magazine has premiered the official video for Drizilik’s title album single Ashobi featuring Idris Elba.
Here is what the London based fashion and arts magazine had to say:
“The staccato accordians, incisive drums, and commanding delivery of the pair’s team-up exemplifies this ingenuity, signalling the unstoppable surge of Drizilik himself, but also as he highlights, that “Freetown’s musical revival is legit.” One of Sierra Leone’s leading modern acts teaming up with one of the most notable figures from the country’s diaspora, the joint effort is a magical melding of their cultural roots with a global-facing attitude. “
Ashobi was filmed and produced in Freetown by Eminence Visual Studio and Lens Studio. Wardrobe: Mumini Fashion & BT’z Collection.
Drizilik returns to Freetown's twin city Hull to perform at Freedom Festival
Drizilik Live in Hull for Freedom Festival featuring Freetown Uncut.
Drizilik and Freetown Uncut Band will perform at Freedom Festival in Freetown’s twin city Hull. With back-to-back shows on Sept 2 and Sept 3, the singer and rapper will play music from his new album Ashobi released on 16 August.
“I’m thrilled to return to Freedom Festival to share new music from Freetown’s cultural revival. Our two cities share a historical bond and friendship,” said Drizilik from Cyprus, where he recently performed at Vibes City Festival Arena.
Drizilik made his debut at Freedom Festival with Freetown Uncut in September 2019.
Freedom Festival returns after a two-year pandemic hiatus to celebrate the reformist legacy of abolitionist William Wilberforce. The programme connects world-class film and music talent with expert collaborators and survivors of conflict and slavery to share stories of hope, change, and resilience.
Mikey Martins, Artistic Director, and CEO of Freedom Festival Arts Trust, invites all to “a city with a mischievous glint in its eye that embraces creativity as a force for good.”
A series of short documentaries by Freetown Media Centre led by Emmy Nominated filmmaker Barmmy Boy Mansaray will play in the festival’s virtual event lineup.
Freetown Media Centre Films to show at Freedom Festival
Drizilik arrives in Cyprus for August 27 Concert at Vibes City
Drizilik has arrived in Cyprus to perform atVibes City, Festival Arena in Cyprus on Saturday 27, August 2022. He will perform hits from his debut album Shukubly and songs from Ashobi his new chart-toping album released last week.
Tickets will be available at the door starting at 8:00pm when doors open. For more information or inquiries contact: + 90 539 109 77 90.
You don’t want to miss this show!
Ashobi Album OUT NOW
Ashobi the 14-track sophomore album from Sierra Leonean singer and rapper Drizilik is out now. Stream it on Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay and more!
The track list.
Ashobi featuring Idris Elba
Dig Hole
Bad Padi
Lion featuring Team Salute
Tell featuring Mic Monsta
Said and Done featuring Skillz and Fiokee
Decide
Empty Bag featuring Mic
Opin Yu Yai featuring Mimi Wood
Big Artist
Popular featuring Ramoni
Exodus
Fana Makit
Hype
An Important Update from Drizilik Live In London - Aug 19 Show Cancelled
Thank you to everyone who bought tickets to Drizilik Live In London concert on August 19. We were excited to celebrate Sierra Leone’s music and culture with the community here in the UK.
The band was ready, we had an excellent lineup of your favorite artists, but the show’s promoter, its producer, and the event venue had irreconcilable business differences. It was only on Monday Aug 15, 2022 that we became aware of the pre-existing issues. We did everything in our power to salvage the situation, but the venue notified us today, Aug 16, 2022, that they had cancelled the show.
Shoobs refunds all cancelled events. If you purchased tickets through the promoter’s link via SHOOBS, please request a refund by emailing info@shoobs.com.
When we left Sierra Leone, it was solely to share our music. We relied on our event partners here in the UK to do due diligence while we focused on practicing so that we would put on the best possible show.
We are heartbroken and frustrated about the concert’s cancellation. We hope that we will be able to announce a new concert date and venue in London within the next 30 days.
We want to thank everyone for cheering, praying for us, and celebrating our wins. We are grateful to every person who bought a ticket to this show. We believe every loss is a lesson.
To make up for the disappointment, we are releasing new music today! Drizilik’s highly anticipated sophomore album Ashobi is out now. Stream Ashobi on all platforms, including Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Deezer, and more.
You can watch Drizilik, DJ Rampage, and Freetown Uncut Band live on stage at Freedom Festival in Hull on September 2 and 3rd.
Thank you for your support, and apologies for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
#END
Press Inquiries
Vickie Remoe
Senior Publicist
VR&C Marketing
Email: vickie@vrcmarketing.com