Afro-pop singer Emmie Deebo says the release of her debut album First Born brings both feelings of accomplishment and nervousness.
With seven singles under her belt, the 23-year-old’s career has already been adorned with a number of accolades both locally and internationally, brand ambassadorial roles and features on international music outlets such as Channel O.
But Emmie Deebo had to wait until now to release her first studio album which has borne 12 songs.
“I am anxious on whether my fans will like the album. But at the same time, it feels great that I have achieved this big milestone. I have composed some good songs and I believe my fans will be in for a good treat,” she said in an interview yesterday.
The Hapa hit maker said the album captures her journey in music as a person as well as an artist.
Said Emmie Deebo: “It has not been an easy ride. It has been a little bumpy, but great at the same time. It has not been easy to be where I am now.
“I had to put my all into my music career. The setbacks I had, I used them as steppingstones for improvement.”
First Born comprises songs such as Katatu featuring Gemini Major, Malire, Eyo (remix) featuring Zeze Kingston, Mtima, Akumbutseni, Phuli, Hustle Vibes featuring Sean Morgan and Zinyama which features Bee Jay and Kumatikhala.
The artist said nine music videos will be released from the track list and the first is First Born (Pena Pake) which features Lulu.
In the song, Emmie Deebo, who addresses Lulu as uncle, is submitting her fears in a conversation, asking how she can navigate the path despite the challenges.
Taking his turn, Lulu offers advice on what she needs to do to get to the top. His advice is simple; she needs to toughen up because the challenges will always be there.
The album was recorded in Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania and it was produced by Macia.
The artist has announced plans to go on a national tour from August, which will also feature some of her unreleased material.
Emmie Deebo is signed under Deebo Creatives and the distribution of her content is handled by entertainment company Akometsi.
Speaking in a separate interview, Akometsi operations and marketing manager Laurent Kwakwala said the release of Emmie Deebo’s debut album shows that the artist is growing and heading in the right direction.
“Our next step is to cement her presence on the international scene, which we have already started penetrating as evidenced by the artists she has featured in the album and the single Hapa which has Platform from Tanzania. It set a really good path for her internationally,” he said.
