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Pa Salieu’s ‘Afrikan Di Alien’: A Powerful Journey from Confinement to Freedom

  • November 7, 2024
  • 2 min read
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Pa Salieu’s ‘Afrikan Di Alien’: A Powerful Journey from Confinement to Freedom

Afrikan Di Alien is more than an album; it’s a powerful memoir from Pa Salieu, a raw and reflective journey that traces his path from confinement to freedom. Born from deep introspection and the harsh realities he faced while incarcerated, these tracks are infused with stories of resilience and self-discovery. Each collaboration—whether with Byron Messiah, ODUMODUBLVCK, or Black Sherif—comes across as authentic and deeply connected, like a home-cooked meal rich with culture, love, and the spirit of the motherland.

The title track, “Afrikan Di Alien,” is a standout, inspired by profound discussions with Black Sherif about Africa’s struggles with corruption and the systems that hold its people back. Pa Salieu’s lyrics are filled with the conviction of someone who has seen both the worst and the best life has to offer. His music serves as his voice to the world, a declaration of his identity and purpose. Having processed through the system, he found freedom within, a mindset that keeps him grounded even when faced with barriers like venue restrictions. With nothing to prove, he channels a new energy in each track, inviting listeners to find a sense of peace in a world full of chaos.

The album’s artwork is as symbolic as the music itself, featuring a crown, tribal marks, and the Marcus Garvey flag of Pan-African unity—each element a proud nod to Pa’s heritage and strength. Afrikan Di Alien is a rallying cry for unity and a tribute to roots that run deep. Pa’s words remind us of the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire solidarity among people. To him, this project embodies freedom—freedom to create, to express, and to embrace a shared purpose.

Pa Salieu’s rise since his debut “Frontline” has been meteoric. From being named BBC’s Sound of 2021 to captivating audiences with performances on The Tonight Show and Later… with Jools Holland, Pa has established himself as a force in British rap. With high-profile collaborations, and partnerships with Givenchy, Burberry, and Dior, he’s as much a cultural icon as he is a musical innovator. Afrikan Di Alien promises to be another milestone, cementing Pa Salieu’s reputation as a powerful and unique voice in today’s music landscape.

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Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

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