UK-based Ghanaian broadcaster and entertainment analyst Austine Woode says Shatta Wale’s latest single Street Crown draws inspiration from the Bible.
Reviewing the song on Joy FM’s Music Lab hosted by Kwame Dadzie, Austine explained that the opening verse carries a strong Biblical orientation.
“Where the dust rises the kings are made
No throne no robe just a shadow’s shade
Brick by brick we build from pain
Under the streetlights we carve our name,” the first verse reads.
He noted that words such as “dust”, “kings”, “robes” and “thrones” immediately reminded him of scripture.
“It is Biblical. It is in 1st Samuel 2:8,” Woode said.
The verse in the Bible states: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.”
According to Woode, the lines in Street Crown could be attributed to Samuel’s words.
Released about a month ago, Street Crown has earned endorsements from fans and industry figures, including Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel, and is currently topping several music charts.
Joy FM’s Music Lab, which reviewed the song, takes listeners behind the scenes of Ghana’s most talked-about tracks. The programme breaks down vocals, lyrics, instrumentation, arrangement and production, while featuring commentary from music producers, musicologists and other creatives.
This week’s edition featured Austine Woode, audio engineer Kofi Boachie-Ansah (Beatmenace), voice coach and artiste development manager Freeman Daniel Ame, and music producer Hubert Kofi Anti (Ubeatz).
According to Joy FM, Music Lab seeks to educate and entertain music lovers, creatives, students, and industry professionals. Its goals include demystifying the creative and technical processes behind hit songs, celebrating skill in Ghana’s music production, highlighting the evolution of Ghanaian music, and providing a platform for learning and critique.
The segment airs on Showbiz A-Z every Saturday from 2pm to 6pm on Joy 99.7 FM. The show is hosted by Kwame Dadzie and produced by Philip Nai, with support from Anita Teye, Oliver Fangnon and DJ Wobeti.
About the Author
