Chima Anya and Thabani Nyoni brilliant collaboration single LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM.

The song LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM written by Thabani and Producer/bass player Fabrice Quentin is a tribute to Nelson Mandela and it will be featured on Thabani’s third album Ekaya set to be released later this year. This version of the song features UK MC Chima Amya.

The contrast between Chima’s rapping, Thabani’s soaring vocals and Sabelo Ntuli and Tshepo Rakobo’s unmistakable South African tone and phrasing make for an interesting listen and viewing. A video of the single can be watched on you tube at the link below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqorvnhZf28


Chima Anya
Meet the doctor!!! Born to a Nigerian research scientist & Romanian economist, this nationally rated MC is also a bona fide GP. “The doctor” made his first step onto the national stage as one of the UK’s premier MC’s with his first solo mixtape release “Higher Ground”. The mixtape instantly drew acclaim from prominent DJ’s on the UK’s most influential radio stations such as Radio 1, 1xtra, Kiss and Choice FM as well as international attention. “Higher ground” was followed by the independent release of the album “New Day” (on his own imprint Phoenix Down). Despite minimal promotion and a demanding work schedule the album made multiple end of year “best of lists” (including Itunes best of 2010 hip-hop alongside artists such as Kanye West and Big Boi). 2010 also saw numerous high profile international performances across Europe and as far afield as Bahrain. Having shared stages with legends such as Amp fiddler, KRS 1,Flava Flav, Jay Electronica, Brother Ali, Wale and Homeboy Sandman it’s no surprise that when asked Chima states his greatest joy comes from the live show. Always engaging, energetic and charismatic, Chima also fronts his own genre-leading 4 piece electronic / hip-hop outfit; a group that can only be described as a “must see“. www.chimaanya.com

Thabani Nyoni was born in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. His family moved to the UK, Newham, London when he was five. African music was very much part of Thabani’s upbringing. His father was a singer in a band called Amabutho, an all male harmony choir with a repertoire sung in Zulu. The band performed internationally alongside major western acts. Thabani joined the church choir as a teenager and sang for various bands until he decided to form his own to perform his material, essentially soul music. Thabani released his first album “Mind is a rebel” in 2006 and toured UK universities, Europe, US and Japan clubs. Although the first album was very much “Soul” music in style and spirit, it already featured African influences. The African influence is more prominent on “Child of Independence”.