Dec 06, 2024
Ginton & &friends Team Up on "Naam"
We’re thrilled to have Ginton and &friends join us as they celebrate their latest release, "Naam," out now on Woody Trees. This track brings together Ginton’s evolving solo artistry and &friends’ talent for blending cultures, all anchored by the soulful vocals of Ghanaian legend Christy Azuma. Let’s dive into the story behind “Naam,” the impact of Azuma’s musical legacy, and what 2025 has in store for these artists.
Hey guys, thanks for being with us to celebrate your new track "Naam" out on Woody Trees. Let's explore this further! Can you share the inspiration behind your new track, "Naam," and how you both came to work with Christy Azuma's vocals?
Ginton: The inspiration behind “Naam” was rooted in the power of connection—between generations, continents, and musical styles. When we heard Christy Azuma's vocals, we were captivated by their soul and authenticity. It felt like a bridge between the past and the present, and we knew we had to incorporate that energy into our track.
&friends: When Ginton first sent me Christy Azuma’s vocals, I immediately felt something profound. Her voice carries so much soul, spirit, and raw emotion that I knew it deserved to be reintroduced to listeners today. My favorite part of producing music is the ability to blend cultures, tell stories, and honor those who came before us. Bringing her beautiful voice back to life felt like a way to do just that.
Christy Azuma was a trailblazer in Afrobeat and highlife. How did her story and legacy influence your approach to creating "Naam"?
Ginton: Christy Azuma's story reminded me that music has the power to transcend time and place. “Naam” became a way to celebrate her contributions while exploring how those same elements can be reimagined in today's context.
&friends: Exploring Christy Azuma’s story and role in shaping music was a profound experience. She wasn’t just a musician but a powerful voice for her community, an artist who channeled strength and beauty through her music. “Naam” became our way of honoring the essence of what she represented—a tribute to her pioneering spirit and the cultural richness she upheld. We wanted to keep the roots of her sound alive, grounding it in the timeless pulse of Afrobeat while evolving it with both Ginton’s and my style to resonate with today’s listeners.
Were there any specific elements in the original track by Christy Azuma & Uppers
International that you felt particularly drawn to or wanted to highlight in your reinterpretation?
Ginton: The vocal delivery was mesmerizing—it had this raw, emotive quality that drew us in. We wanted to keep that emotional depth while layering it with modern production techniques.
&friends: What struck me most is Christy Azuma’s emotional, vibrant energy that seemed to pulse through the heart. There’s an unmistakable authenticity in the rhythm and a deep sense of connection to tradition that resonated with me. In our reinterpretation, we wanted to keep these core elements alive, allowing that same heartbeat to carry through but with a modern twist. It was essential to me to let these textures shine, creating a bridge between the past and present.
"Naam" brings together African vocals and modern electronic elements. How do you approach blending these distinct musical styles in a way that feels both rooted and contemporary?
Ginton: The key is to let each element breathe. African vocals bring a natural warmth and humanity, while electronic sounds add layers of depth and atmosphere. Together, they create a rich, immersive experience.
&friends: Ginton said it best; keeping the vocal spirit at the forefront, letting the traditional elements breathe and set the foundation. It’s all about honoring the original rhythms and textures, allowing them to guide the direction while our electronic layers add new dimensions to get a dance floor grooving without overpowering. It’s a delicate balance of respect and reinvention—letting each element shine in a way that feels authentic, connected, and alive.
Ginton, your solo career has grown tremendously this year. How has this journey impacted your artistry and vision for your music?
Ginton: The journey has been incredibly rewarding. I've had the chance to connect with new audiences and push my creative boundaries, which has only fueled my passion for making music that resonates globally.
&friends, what are some of the highlights of your year? Any memorable shows, releases, or collaborations that stand out?
&friends: Oof, there are too many to count—this was a big year for me! Some of my favorite shows were playing the Do Lab at Coachella, an incredible one in the mountains of Lebanon and another on the North Coast of Egypt—both solo shows with over 3,000 people. Playing my debut at Space Miami was unforgettable, and I can’t leave out the recent show with the King, Amr Diab, at Ushuaia Dubai, performing for 18,000 people.
On the release side, it’s been an amazing year, too, with official remixes for Sofi Tukker, RY X, and Myke Towers, plus some exciting original collaborations with Bayanni, Bob Sinclar, and Zakes Bantwini.
Ginton, signing with Bullit Agency is a big step for any artist. How do you see this shaping your career in the Americas?
Ginton: Joining Bullit Agency feels like a pivotal moment as they represent a network of incredible talent and expertise. Being part of it is already opening doors for unique collaborations and performances in regions I’ve always dreamed of playing.
Both of you premiered the track in London and met for the first time there—what was that experience like, and how did it influence your musical chemistry?
Ginton: That was a surreal experience! London has such a vibrant music scene, and premiering “Naam” there felt like the perfect way to introduce it. Meeting &friends for the first time just added to the magic.
Ginton: That was a surreal experience! London has such a vibrant music scene, and premiering “Naam” there felt like the perfect way to introduce it. Meeting &friends for the first time just added to the magic.
&friends: Meeting someone in person for the first time and feeling like you’ve known each other for years is always special. Ginton is an incredibly talented musician and an even better human being. Performing “Naam” live together in front of a beautiful, diverse crowd in London was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait for us to play more shows together.
As this is both of your final releases for 2024, what are some of your proudest achievements this year, and what would you like to bring into your music for 2025?
Ginton: 2024 has been a defining year, with “Naam” being one of the highlights. As I look to 2025, I want to continue exploring cultural narratives through music and pushing boundaries in my sound.
Ginton: 2024 has been a defining year, with “Naam” being one of the highlights. As I look to 2025, I want to continue exploring cultural narratives through music and pushing boundaries in my sound.
&friends: 2024 felt like my lift off pad with some major milestones including playing at Coachella, opening for Amr Diab in front of 18K people, releasing official remixes for some of my favorite artists, and now ending it on a high note with “Naam.” For 2025, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have a full release plan of the best music we’ve put out and the launch of a new show I’m going to be doing (can’t say too much about it yet).
You can stream or download Ginton & &friends - "Naam" on your platform of choice today! https://ffm.to/Naam_
short link 1001.tl/hw5h7b
