A few weeks back I wrote about upcoming collaborations. Citing the likes of The Neptunes working with Buju Banton and Koffee collaborating with Burna Boy. Before we get to enjoy their work, I will take some time to highlight another collaboration which gave birth to a dancehall track with an old dancehall voice and a Senegalese native.
Senegalese born musician Akon teamed up with dancehall’s Don Yute in Stay Down released a few days back. The track is said to have been recorded a few years back. However, Akon felt now was the right time to release it. It was produced and distributed from his Konvict Muzik label.
For dancehall and reggae newbies Don Yute is an old-school reggae artist. He had his best years in the 90s and 2000s. Don Yute’s first success was Excess Loving where he collaborated with Wayne Wonder in 1995. His other notable tracks include Gal It Wouldn’t Be Easy, You Own Di Man, Livin’ In A Dream and La La La. He has 3 studio albums to his name namely No Parental Guidance, Adrenalin and Golden Child All Stars.
Now America based, Akon made mention of how he grew up in Senegal listening to dancehall and that it was an honour to work with Don Yute. Come to think of it Akon is no stranger to collaborating with huge stars. Akon has previously worked with T-Pain, Gwen Stefani, Rick Ross, Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, Gue Pequeno and David Guetta just to name a few. So he is no stranger to inter-genre collaborations.
The duo pull off Stay Down and it makes for a good chilled track. Akon sings with his unique voice and Don Yute’s raspy voice drops some dope bars.
Rumour has it this is not the only Akon collaboration to come. The Grammy nominated artist is keeping his cards close his chest but expect another dancehall track soon.
