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Bantu Soul Single WHAT ABOUT ME by Batila

WHAT ABOUT ME is a single from Berlin-based Batila's 2021 debut album TATAMANA – Hold Onto What You Love. WHAT ABOUT ME is an infectious pop song that crosses many genres and stands up as a proud Afro-beat pop song with its beautifully layered harmonies with a melodic chorus that has the strength of any Top 40 pop song:

"And don't you tell me now,
what about all night shifts that you've worked so hard,
what about that hustle just to be someone,
what about me the one you say you love
Let your light shine"

Berlin is a heaven for international musicians. WHAT ABOUT ME features leading African and Europe musicians, all superbly well placed to craft Batila's song into a supremely catchy and memorable pop song. Mauro Pandolfino and Andre Matov on electric guitars are accompanied by the legendary drummer of Germany's electronic duo, Mouse on Mars, Dodo NKishi's mighty beats on drums. Tunde Alibaba, son of the late Benin musician, Bayo Agongolo from Black Santiago fame, also performs percussion. Italian keyboardist, Alex Trebo plays keys for Berlin-based jazz group, Mop Mop, while Zambian bassist, Jeff Chappah holds the groove of WHAT ABOUT ME with style.

WHAT ABOUT ME was recorded at Trixx Studios in Berlin which has been frequented by the likes of Billie Eillish, Nicki Minaj, Fleetwood Mac, Bryan Ferry and was mixed and mastered by Mighty KK.

Batila's November 2021 album is TATAMANA translates from Kikongo as "Hold On To What You Love". The album is Batila's journey to African spirituality, self-love and black love. WHAT ABOUT ME is an exciting track from Batila Ange da Costa, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised between Berlin and London as the first- born child to a set of Congolese and Angolan parents. Batila's name proudly comes from his grandfather and is Kikongo meaning "one who protects, conserves and holds it together." As Batila says,

"I am proud and in love with Congolese music so you can always find a little bit of my childhood sounds in it… That's why I also name my sound Bantu Soul... it's music for my people by people. Everything and nothing inspires me. I am a very melancholic but not a sad person. I dedicate my music to music- lovers, people who like to dive a bit deeper without sounding too intellectual. I dedicate my music to the youth and my generation in the diaspora, who are not fighting to be accepted by the white man. I AM, I don't need permission, I don't need to be cool, trendy."

Batila has managed to create the perfect pop song on his debut album,
WHAT ABOUT ME. A joyous celebration from a superbly talented producer, singer and songwriter. Outstanding. WHAT ABOUT ME releases through Galileo Music on 22 October, 2021.

WHAT ABOUT ME/Batila Official Video launches on 22 October on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=651FPeNXKHI

Batila Online – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

Musicians on WHAT ABOUT ME
Batila: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Dana Shanti, Micky (Michaela Rosemarie Wörlein), Dodo NKishi,
Batila: backing vocals
Mauro Pandolfino, Andre Matov: electric guitars
Dodo NKishi: drums
Tunde Alibaba: percussion
Jeff Chappah: bass
Alex Trebo: keys

Artist: Batila
Single: WHAT ABOUT ME
Label: Galileo Music
Playing time: 4:06
Single Catalogue #: DIGIGMC096S3
Release date: 22 October 2021
Language: English
Genres: Afrobeats, Bantu Soul



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