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5 Apr 2024 ///

RAH & The Ruffcats Debut ‘Agidi’, The Lead Single From Their Album

Renowned as one of the most coveted and technically adept live bands in the German music scene, the Ruffcats, based in Berlin, have become somewhat of a staple. This ensemble of eight, composed of some of the nation’s most esteemed session musicians, amalgamates their diverse influences to form The Ruffcats, offering a unique perspective on their musical passion.

Since forming in 2007, and via their live jams at Bohannon Soul Club in Berlin, Ruffcats have found themselves acting as the backing band for artists such as Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sweet Charles, Lady Alma, Jaguar Wright, Miles Bonny & many more. In the meantime, and for over a decade, Rapturous Apollo Helios, better known as RAH, has been making a name for himself as one of Berlins‘ most outstanding rappers, songwriters and vocalists. Originally hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, RAH’s music has always been influenced by his environment as well as a rich history of black music from hip hop to soul and, of course, Afrobeat.

Since relocating to Berlin, RAH has made waves in the German capital with his weekly Swag Jam sessions. At these live events he has not only been able to show off his prowess as an exceptional MC and something of an improvisational genius, but also attract such luminaries as Erykah Badu and Bilal to join him on stage.

Having crowned his journey from Lagos to Berlin with the release of his debut album, ‘How Far?’ in 2018, RAH began the next stage of his sonic adventure by hooking up with long-time friends, the Ruffcats band. Their first collaboration on the Curtis Mayfield influenced single Shifting Sands, dropped the same year to huge acclaim, and it wasn’t long before both parties looked towards working on a larger project together. After a pause for the pandemic, their collaborative process really began to bear fruit, and they are now set to release their debut full length LP ‘Orile to Berlin’ in July this year.

‘Agidi’ debuts as the lead single from the album, representing the band’s first recorded track for the project. Originating from a jam session-inspired loop reminiscent of Fela Kuti’s style, the song came into its own with RAH’s dynamic vocal addition. Translating to “a very stubborn person,” ‘Agidi’ not only critiques entrenched politicians but also examines our own persistent behaviors in personal contexts. Offering a traditional Afrobeat experience, the track features captivating guitars, immersive keys, commanding horns, RAH’s distinctive vocals, and a poignant spoken word segment. This release signals the exciting collaboration between RAH and The Ruffcats, with plans for further recordings and live performances, including a German club tour slated to commence in November of this year.

Listen to ‘Agidi’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

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