Baaba J is a breath of fresh air. In an industry that is quick to put people in boxes and label them, Baaba J refuses to be stereotyped. Her 2020 EP ‘Lumumba Street’ and 2021 single ‘Lovin 21’ proved that she is cool enough to fit in but different enough to stand out. Baaba J navigates multiple genres with finesse and fluidity.
The singer/rapper/songwriter effortlessly blends neo-Soul, Alte, Rap, Afrobeats, Pop and whatever genre she desires into infectious music that can only be described as free. Her new single ‘Outside’ carries on this tradition.
‘Outside’ starts off as a smooth ballad. Baaba J’s calming voice lures you into her world over a backdrop of airy semi-muted guitars. Her melodies are sticky, her carefully woven lyrics are relatable, and her message is clear – Baaba J loves her freedom. Whether through veiled lines like “see I like my peace of mind, ago fit left you I no dey mind” or direct statements like “I do as I like and I don’t care who it bother”, ‘Outside’ positions itself as an anthem for the unbothered and carefree. Around the 1:03 mark, ‘Outside’ transitions into a trap bop with heavy drums that are guaranteed to throw any jam session into a frenzy.
Floating between genres and languages (she mainly employs Pidgin English and Ga here) Baaba J does exactly as she likes.
‘Outside’ was written by Baaba J with production duties handled by 4Play – the geniuses known for their work with UK supergroup NSG on hits like OT Bop.
The production complements Baaba’s delivery, giving her space when she needs her voice to shine, building up energy when she feels pumped and hitting a crescendo at the perfect moment. ‘Outside’ is Baaba J’s first release of 2022.
BIOGRAPHY
Jemima Baaba Haywood-Dadzie (professionally known as Baaba J) is a singer, songwriter, and film director from Tema, Ghana. Born on 27th April 2000 to Ga and Fante parents, Baaba floated between dreams of being in the army and playing football until she finally landed on music and filmmaking in her teens. As a child, she split her time between Teshie Rasta, Santa Maria, and Tema – three distinct Ghanaian suburbs. This gave her a unique perspective on society and helped shape the foundations of her worldview.
Baaba J started writing her own music in high school under the alias BBJ. She sought out local producers whose sound matched the production style in her head and started recording demo songs. Initially, she made music for herself as a way to escape the monotonous nature of life. She started releasing music because it became “too good to keep to myself.” She describes her music as “message-heavy Indie/Alternative Afro” and wants to show people they “can be unconventional and still reach their goals” B A A BAJ
Music Journey
Baaba J lists Asa, Imagine Dragons, and Koffee amongst her various and diverse influences. Her favorite music genres include Alternative, Indie Rock/Pop, Rap, and World music. She is passionate about causes such as mental health, women’s rights & LGBTQIA rights. She spends her free time binge-watching filmmaking tutorials and learning the guitar. She is currently in the last semester of her undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, where she is pursuing a degree in Material Science & Engineering. She is now at work on her next studio project.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Baaba J released her first single ‘Beautiful’ in 2017. In 2020, she released her debut EP Lumumba Street across all digital platforms. The project featured the fan-favorite ‘Tomboy,’ whose video she co-directed with Merk & Yaw Phanta. The project which explored themes of sexuality, individuality, and freedom garnered her a grassroots online following, leading to media coverage by Cheesewave, YEM Ghana, Citi TV etc. She followed it up with Lovin 21, a single that celebrates her turning 21. She also delivered stellar performances on platforms such as Accra Indie Film Festival, The Crusade & The MiM Life Concert – sharing stages with Sarkodie, R2bees, King Promise etc.
BAABA
The single is now available to stream/purchase on all digital music platforms here: .
For further updates and information kindly visit the social media pages of Baaba J (Twitter:
@baaba_jj & Instagram: @baaba_j)
Best Regards,