SKILLIONS’ PAAPA BEGINS SOLAR EXPERIENCE ON 11.11.11

Ghana’s Contemporary Gospel new kid Paapa Mensa from the creative bank of Skillions Records will from Friday 11th November, 2011, begin what he calls the ‘Solar Experience’ much to delight of his growing fan base after having released two prelude singles, ‘Be Youtiful’ and ‘Dear Grace’, off his initially planned ‘Solar’ album.

In an interview with this writer from his current location in Portland, USA, where he recently landed to begin his college education at Reed College, Paapa disclosed that owing to many reasons most importantly God’s direction, he has decided to transform his much-awaited album into an experience with his fans and the world at large.

“So due to several reasons, (main one being a strong conviction God has put in my heart), I will not be releasing the album commercially on 11/11/11 any longer. I have decided to transform the 'Solar' project from an album into an experience...which begins 11/11/11 with the release of an 'anthem' for the experience along with a short video announcing what I call ‘Solar Sundays’ where I'd be releasing each track off the project for free over a series of Sundays. Each track would have a visual interpretation, and a bit of writing (on my blog) to go with it; giving background info, further insight into each song, etc. This is to ensure that as many people as possible get the music, so that the only barrier between people and my music would basically be internet access and not money. Also, it's to establish a strong relationship with fans via social media by asking them to give me feedback and hold some kind of discussions on the songs and the messages and all that,” Paapa explained.

He went on passionately that, “I feel strongly in my heart that I am not as yet ready to release a commercial album given that I just started college in a whole new country and all that. Although I've planned to release this thing commercially and everything, I feel God wants me to approach things His way now...and it's His work I'm doing so I best follow His lead”. Born into arts-loving Christian family where music is adored, Paapa’s childhood is a fairytale and only usual of rare music prodigies- magical milestones at young ages. At age 5, he encountered his first piano and by 7, he was already playing by ear. He later took interest in several other instruments and taught himself percussions from age 9, guitar from 12, drums from 15 and saxophone from 16. Owing to severe stammer, Paapa took to writing from 12 years old – penning his thoughts and feelings mostly into songs as an escape from his struggle with speech and a year later began making his own beats. Following an improvisation of the Suzuki method, Paapa learns music mainly by ear, although being musically literate.

Paapa’s music and artwork, however, blossomed during his senior high school career at the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College, Tema. Right from his first year, Paapa did everything from conducting choirs and leading the school band, to directing and starring in school plays. Paapa’s undying love and devotion for music and art dictated his every move at SOS, and earned him popularity in and out of school as “The music man”, all the while excelling in Mathematics, Economics, Physics and other academic subjects. It was also at SOS that Paapa developed a deep love and reverence for Christ and decided to consecrate the rest of his existence to serving God.

Just before his fourth year at SOS, Paapa, a few weeks before turning 18, had the chance of visiting Jayso’s studio with very little intention of joining the Skillions team. All Paapa wanted was his work, which was formerly only heard and reviewed by his 5 siblings, to be scoped by a professional like Jayso. Armed with his keyboard full of beats and their lyrics in his brain, Paapa blew Jayso’s mind away, and received lot more than a thumbs up from him. He was instantly invited to join the team, and accepted without hesitation.

Paapa grew up listening to literally all kinds of music and cites his main musical influences as Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Osibisa, Freshlyground, OneRepublic, Lupe Fiasco, Timbaland, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Kiki Sheard and Smokie Norful. With a fusion of as many genres as one can think up, Paapa now seeks to overwhelm the profanity and immorality conveyed in most of today’s music and art with his fresh clean lyrics and God-inspired themes. Be it hip-hop, funk, soul, or high-life, Paapa, a devout Christian, steeps a message of God, hope and love in his works. Now a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, singer, rapper and producer, Paapa strives to be the 21st century David – the unremitting worshipper.

Paapa begins his ‘Solar Experience’ on Friday 11th November with an online release of an anthem and a concert at the Living Room in Portland, USA. Paapa is a contemporary gospel artist, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His music is diverse on inspirational themes that points to his hero, Jesus!