NEWS
Pa Salieu has continued his comeback run and dropped two new powerful freestyles, ‘Epiphany’ and ‘Crash’. Check them out below.
The BRIT-nominated rapper was discharged from prison last month after serving roughly 21 months in prison. Back in 2021, he was convicted of possessing a bottle as an offensive weapon and a second count of violent disorder, stemming from a 2018 fight following the stabbing of his friend Fidel Glasgow, grandson of The Specials’ Neville Staple. Shortly after his release, he dropped the massive comeback single, ‘Belly’.
Today (October 11), he continued his streak by dropping the double single ‘Epiphany/Crash’ – both songs being produced by Salieu’s frequent collaborators, Felix and AoD. On ‘Epiphany’, Salieu holds a mirror to systemic corruption and global injustices, going after the current and former British Prime Ministers: “Greed always falls in power, ask Boris [Johnson] / Puppets always looking confused, fuck Rishi [Sunak] / I used to vote for Labour, now I don’t know what to do / No hope, fuck Keir Starmer, he a puppet too.”
The Coventry star also brings up his time in prison and many societal issues such as poverty, war, prison reform and climate change: “They’ll be no more ego, when we learn how to take the truth / Take away the evil politician, no corruption.”
In contrast, ‘Crash’ is focused on offering an intimate glimpse into the Gambian-British rapper’s journey through pain and adversity – showing his vulnerability and painted a portrait of himself seeking redemption: “The lord will not favour the man of corruption / But I still try heart full of kindness / Never been perfect, I pray for more guidance.”
Speaking on the inspiration behind the freestyles, Salieu said: “While I was in jail, I realised how fortunate I was to always have my thoughts for company. My mind was my escape, and I fell in love with the pen and paper and that’s when I had an epiphany – I have a voice, a platform, and something meaningful to say.”
“Growing up in a Pan-Africanist family, I was raised with a strong sense of history, and I know the power of words,” he continued. “Reading Tupac’s [1999 poetry collection] The Rose That Grew from Concrete inspired me, especially the way he expressed himself through poetry. I love philosophy, history, culture and humanity. ‘Epiphany’ and ‘Crash’ are raw reflections of that, taken directly from my jail notes.”
The double single came a month after ‘Belly’, which peaked at Number Four on the UK official singles chart. The 27-year-old then shortly followed up with ‘Allergy’. The latter song soundtracked Arsenal’s recent North London Derby ‘hype film’ and will feature on the EA FC 2025 soundtrack.
The last body of work Salieu released was his 2021 EP ‘Afrikan Rebel’. In a four-star review, NME shared: “Pa Salieu is forever championing his heritage as a proud fan and contributor to Africa’s growing subgenres all over the continent. He might be known here in the UK as an alternative grime ground-breaker, but he is truly more than that when he dabbles in making music with his fellow Africans. Taking his rebellious nature in his stride, ‘Afrikan Rebel’ is a great EP to tide us over for his debut album proper.”
The rapper also performed at the 2022 edition of Glastonbury at Worthy Farm, which earned him a glowing five-star review from NME. Sam Moore wrote: “Let’s hope he’s prepared for a good few more years of this, then: watching a talent like Salieu put in such a polished and poised performance at the world’s biggest music festival so early in his career bodes very well indeed.”
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
