“Okay Baby, Let’s Do This”: Baaba J is ready for greatness on sophomore EP

Baaba J‘s sophomore EP, “Okay Baby, Let’s Do This”, is a soulful love letter to herself, and we all should consider ourselves privileged to be able to listen to it.

Baaba J, the Ghanaian musician who was selected as the Spotify EQUAL Africa artist for April 2023, expertly weaves themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and the emotional nuances of searching for belonging into the seven distinct tracks on “Okay Baby, Let’s Do This”.

The phrase “Let’s Do This” is often used to convey a sense of enthusiasm, determination, and readiness to take on a challenge or task, and guided by the mellifluous strains of guitar melodies, this EP delivers on that promise.

On “Kaakpa”, the first song, Baaba J implores us to keep choosing ourselves despite the challenges that life throws our way.

‘do you think you’ve made up your mind?
when it’s time for you to decide
what are you going to sacrifice?
how many things are a waste of time?
how many times do you need a sign?
when are you gonna make up your mind?’

Baaba J’s poignant questions echo the universal struggle of making choices and the inherent sacrifices that come with them. If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads where you realize that saying yes to one thing means saying no to another desired thing, then you will relate to Kaakpa.
The repetition of inquiries about making up one’s mind and needing a sign adds a layer of urgency that is enhanced by the sped-up twanging sounds of the guitar in the production by Grammy-nominated Guiltybeatz.

Transitioning seamlessly, the next song, “Last Drop” encourages us to seize the essence of each moment, reminding us of the transient nature of time.

‘You’ve got to fight for your spot,
You’ve got to prove your worth, will it ever be enough?
Finish my bottle till the last drop drop drop drop
Meni wɔ baa ye po, naagbee ji last stop stop stop’

Last Drop is a song about the struggle for recognition that resonates during the moments when being yourself feels like doing too much. Using the imagery of finishing a bottle till the last drop, Baaba J shares with us their commitment to fully experiencing and savoring life, even in the face of challenges. The folk elements of this song, produced by Loudaa, complement the depth of Baaba J’s writing and together create a compelling song.

“227”, the next song, has a 2-part arrangement and is sung solely in Ga language. The first part of the song conveys a profound message about the duality within individuals.

‘mɔ fɛɛ mɔ yɛ subaŋŋ ni yɛ feo
mɔ fɛɛ mɔ yɛ subaŋŋ ni bɛ feo
je lɛŋŋ nakai eyɔɔ
keji otao ekpakpa lɛ no ni obaa na
no hewɔ tawo mɔ ekpakpa
tawo mɔ no ni osumɔɔ
keji otao ekpakpa lɛ no ni obaa na
no hewɔ tawo mɔ ekpakpa
tawo mɔ no ni osumɔɔ’

(“Everyone has light and shadow in them,
that’s the way of the world
you find what you seek,
so seek out what your heart desires”)

Baaba J suggests we deal with the duality of life in two ways: by embracing our complexities and also focusing on the sense of agency we have in shaping our own experiences. “Tawo mɔ no ni osumɔɔ” is a call to pursue our heartfelt passions and aspirations.

The second part of 227 offers us a glimpse of longing and a heartfelt plea for connection.

‘ole ake mibɛ moko eh eh eh
mibɛ moko eh eh eh
ke mi tsɛ bo ni onu lɛ ba’

(“You know I have no one of my own
I have no one of my own
Answer me when I call out to you”)

The repetition of the sentiment “mibɛ moko eh eh eh” creates a stark emotional landscape, echoing the experience of isolation and the absence of a personal connection.

“227” was produced by MERK, Baaba J’s cousin and longtime collaborator. The simplicity of the message, poetically delivered and paired with the kpanlogo drum elements, evoked a yearning within me. Listening to “227” felt like sitting on my grandpa’s porch in the late afternoon and hearing the sounds of ET Mensah’s “Nkebo Baaya” wafting out from his bedroom. [Fun fact: “227” is titled in reference to the code of the University of Ghana’s Introduction to African music course which Baaba J took].

The next song, “Different” speaks about our shared humanity despite perceived differences. The phrase ‘Ain’t that different from you‘ creates a powerful refrain about our commonality. Coupled with the assertion that ‘You ain’t different from me‘, Baaba J reinforces a message of unity that can be achieved by focusing on the common features that make us all human.

Wonderful is an uplifting and refreshing song that feels like a newfound sense of joy. The line ‘I see what you are, and it’s always been enough for me‘ conveys a profound acceptance and appreciation for someone’s true nature. It speaks to the idea that, despite imperfections or differences, the essence of the person has always been sufficient to inspire positive feelings.

With “Ole,” Baaba J shares a story of mutual recognition and the potential for a romantic connection. The repetition of ‘I know you see me, I see you too‘ hints at shared affection, while the mention of a shared vibe that ‘we can’t deny‘ implies an unspoken chemistry or attraction that transcends words.

Concluding the EP, “Outside” which was released as the lead single is a record about staying true to oneself despite the cold hearts and closed minds that may surround us. Baaba J’s choice to use candid language contributes to the intensity of the song as she may be expressing frustration with a culture or community that can be harsh and unaccepting. The repeated use of “niggas” in the context of “cold-hearted” and “close-minded” suggests a broader societal critique, addressing issues of emotional distance and lack of open-mindedness.

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A thing I appreciate about this EP is how well-sequenced it feels. The tracks transition beautifully such that it feels immersive. The skilled craftsmanship of a stellar lineup of producers, including MERK, 4play, Guiltybeatz, NiiQuaye, and Loudaa yields a rich sonic landscape that complements Baaba J’s emotive storytelling.

“Okay Baby, Let’s Do This” stands as a testament to Baaba J’s growth as an artist and highlights her ability to navigate the complexities of the human soul with finesse. The EP not only captivates but is also a call to action that leaves an indelible mark through its relatable, thought-provoking lyrics. I look forward to seeing Baaba J perform these songs live.

Listen to “Okay Baby, Let’s Do This“.

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