Ghana-born, UK-based sonic oracle K.O.G. (Kweku of Ghana) has announced the release of his second solo full-length, Don’t Take My Soul, to be issued via Pura Vida Sounds / Heavenly Sweetness on September 13.

The follow-up to 2022’s Zone 6, Agege, Don’t Take My Soul constitutes a dynamic culmination of the creative Afro-fusionist’s musical influences, drawing heavily on highlife and hip-hop, as he ruminates on his artistic development, meditating on themes of self-expression and vulnerability.

“This album is a very personal journey,” explains K.O.G. “I speak about three things: the soul of my community, where I found my inspiration. The roots, highlife, soul, going to church, being around ceremonial setups. Taking people to the very origin of my voice, my soul, my impulses, my community, my culture. And the next phase is cross-culture: living half of my life in the UK and half of my life in Ghana… Thirdly, it’s mirroring my personal journey. Starting in Ghana, with my band in Ghana, and my roots, then moving up to the UK, going from Zone 6 all the way to Europe.”

Indicative of this colourful autobiographical approach to songwriting is new single ‘Odo Sronko’, which sees K.O.G. returning to his Ghanian roots as fellow countryman and highlife legend Pat ‘Mr Golden Voice of Africa’ Thomas lends his distinctively radiant tenor to peppy arrangements pulsating with deliciously vamping keys, punchy horns and exultant female choruses.  

About the tune’s message, K.O.G says: “‘Odo Sronko’ means ‘different love.’ What people call love is not love. I have a whole different love for you… a very expressive love.”  

Don’t Take My Soul will be released on September 13 via Pura Vida Sounds / Heavenly Sweetness