So 99 Phaces Made A Tape

Thus far 2023 is looking like a year of collectives in Ghana's music space with the return of La Meme Gang, the outdooring of Kanko Worldwide (KWW), The Vvvvillage and now 99 Phaces – the latest of collectives with fresh sounds seeking to make a mark.

99 Phaces consists of three members - Cozy Pols, Freddie Gambini and Moffy who have been buzzing on the emerging artiste scene for some time. Their first project, So We Made A Tape, is an 8-track EP that features amazingly talented artistes like Baaba J, Mel and Insvne Auggie.

It is always exciting to see unique individuals come together to acknowledge the power of collectivism and its ability to provide a safe space, break down differences and open new doors of creativity for its constituents. Having a supportive body of people who share a common passion for music is the ideal breeding ground for diversity and growth and that is exactly what 99 Phaces has done with this first project.

The tape opens with Stand Firm, on which the trio share their hopes and make their goals clear, setting the tone for the rest of the tape. Stand Firm is so chill and laid back but captivating that it arouses one’s inquisition into what the rest of the project has to offer.

Vices are a part of life and vary for different people, some of which are addressed on the second track on the tape, Demons.

The third track on the tape is an instant favourite which comes with a wave of nostalgia and is very relatable for any dreamer. Kiddie Time is bound to take the listener back in time all the while giving room for reflection. Indeed “life is pain and we learn and live.” Hopefully it's never too late to do what we dreamed of as kids.

It was not surprising to hear Baaba J on what seems like an interlude on the fourth track of the project. She has been one of the most talked about artistes with a unique sound and approach to her music and definitely doing justice to her song on the tape.

Other super talents like Insvne Auggie and MLHNAY added their spice to the sauce. So We Made A Tape is chill, laid back and instantly appealing to the listener. 8 tracks with playback value and the potential to lighten the mood and get everyone to loosen up.

The energy the collective brought to this tape is certain to take them places with steady momentum and focus. So We Made A Tape is going to be on replay for quite some time.