The album, titled, ‘Wonder’ was released on the 25th of December 2023 by Ghanaian spoken word artiste and poet, Nana Fredua-Agyeman Jr. This is his sophomore album after releasing his critically acclaimed maiden album, ‘Ponder’ in 2021. Both albums were considered for nomination in the ‘Best Spoken Word Poetry Album of the Year’ for the 65^th and 67^th GRAMMY Awards respectively.

The eleven-track album has a total running time of thirty-four minutes, and thirty seconds (34:30). In light of the first anniversary of the release of this brilliant album, a review is essential. Nana has showcased his artistry through his poetry. His thought-provoking lyrics and storytelling skills paint vivid pictures in the listener’s mind.

His records often explore complex themes, demonstrating a high level of intellectual depth and emotional intelligence. The album has a unique soundscape that blends elements of hip-hop, soul and spoken word poetry, making it sonically appealing and refreshingly original. The review is done in chronological order as arranged.

It begins with the ‘Intro’, which sets the tone for the album’s central theme hinting at the concepts of curiosity, wonder and the search for knowledge and understanding that are explored in the subsequent tracks. The lyrics are open to interpretation, inviting the listener to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation. A distorted sound frequency and a tap on the microphone commence the evocative atmosphere. It then zooms in to introduce the new project, which entreats listeners to brace themselves for an avant-garde poetic journey, preparing them for the sonic and lyrical themes that follow. It was performed by Judith Aba Takyiwa Acheampong, the same voice behind the introduction for ‘Ponder’, who shares the same birthday with the artiste.

‘Solemn Rhetoric’ opens the album after the introduction with an ambient sound that subtly sustains attention. The theme is the such for truth and clarity. The lyrics ask questions about the nature of the universe, the story of creation and the role of the divine. The record also touches on the idea that truth can be hidden or distorted and that people often claim to fight for a higher power without fully understanding its nature. It encourages the quest and thirst for knowledge and truth by questioning illogical narratives. This record addresses a plethora of phenomena that have been the dominant world order for centuries. This begins from self-introspection as a viewpoint through misfortunes, and diversity. It deploys rhetoric to stimulate the mind and a charge to find answers to seemingly mystical theories and practices. The tactical but passionate delivery indicates that a lot bemoans questioning in an evolving world. The record will leave you with a quest to find answers to inexplicable critical subjects.

‘Sense For Sale’ is a record that addresses the commodification of wisdom and the sale of truth. “Where did we stash our brain cells” … and “They seem to have it in abundance, yet when it is needed, they begin to dance” … These and many more hard-hitting lyrics will be heard on this inquisitorial-styled record. The record critiques a society where knowledge and insight are treated as commodities that can be traded rather than valued and sought after for their own sake. The lyrics touch on the sad reality that people are willing to pay for answers that confirm their biases, and chips of religious doctrines rather than seeking genuine understanding. It features the indefatigable David Dontoh, the man fondly referred to as ‘Ghanaman’, a veteran actor and consummate artiste. He brings his experience to bear and together with Nana Fredua-Agyeman Jnr. they create a formidable piece of art nuanced in perspective and delivery. It’s refreshingly blunt with consciousness at its epicentre. If Sense were for sale, would you be a seller or a buyer?

‘12:34’ is a piece that unpacks the meaning of a distinct time that catches the eye of the poet. The peculiarity is that he randomly locks his eye with it almost every day. This pattern sparked his curiosity to decode this occurrence and birthed this record. The time in question is 12:34 pm which is coincidentally sequential in numerical arrangement. Hence, the significance of the numbers and how they relate to the artiste’s growth, creativity and balance are unravelled. The symbolism of each number is explored, with number one representing new beginnings and personal control. The number two represents balance and equilibrium, three represents creativity and expression and so on. Most vitally, it touches on the concept of embracing initiative and perseverance in pursuit of one’s goals. It was written using personification; the poet’s favourite figure of speech.

‘Hodge-Podge’ is a record that highlights the interconnectedness of the world and its complexities, as well as the importance of empathy, kindness and understanding in the face of adversity. It affirms the point that the world is connected no matter how minute or geographically remote it may seem. One may enquire how the actions of someone very remotely situated may affect them. The world is connected and that, connecting the dots in itself may be confusing. References to human rights, freedom and the consequences of oppression are very present. Lyrics like, “If Gaddafi lost his life by Bouazizi’s suicide, the realization should hit you, how close someone far is by your side” settle the misconceptions. It features T. Monterisi, a multidisciplinary artist and poet, who gives a stellar performance.

‘Honest Liar’ is the exploration of contradictions and paradoxes in human nature. The record’s title is an oxymoron, highlighting the tension between truth and deception. The lyrics delve into the idea that people can be both honest and dishonest at the same time, and that our words and actions can be driven by complex motivations. It touches on the concept of self-deception and how we rationalize our own contradictions. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking reflection in respect of the self-accountability. The concept of ‘Honest Liar’ was cinematically depicted in the 2021 movie ‘Honest Thief’ which stars Liam Neeson and the critically-acclaimed series ‘Breaking Bad’ which Bryan Cranston leads.

‘If Only You Knew’ is a self-explanatory record with the conscientization that if people only knew the truth, they would act differently. The lyrics of the first verse begin with “If only you knew…” and then describe something that would change how people act if they had an insight into the backstory. The instrumental abruptly switches from 2:02 and Nana dishes one of his most compelling lyrical deliveries for the second verse and ends with mind-boggling questions.

‘The Coffin Maker’s Prayer’ is themed on the daunting experience of a coffin maker who has to live off of the deaths of others. The poetic record is a lamentation of the fact that his livelihood is dependent on the sorrow of others and the demise of people. The artiste describes how the coffin maker has to put up a brave face act professionally and be emotionally detached to continue doing his job.

‘New Year’s Eve’ is a bubbly piece that is situated on the last day of the year and its dynamics. The record reflects on the year in retrospect and a hopeful leap into the new year. The sound effects inculcated into the production make it audibly dramatic and pleasurable.

‘Never Give Up’ is a blend of spoken word poetry and highlife. It is a motivator not to despair and positive determination in the wake of adversity. The record encourages resilience and focus on goals, regardless of challenges and setbacks. The lyrics promote a positive mindset, self-belief and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. It features singer and songwriter, Yaw Stone, winner of TV3 Mentor VI.

The album ends with the ‘Outro’, an interview-styled record featuring Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong (The Soulman) popularly known as Nokus, an ace radio presenter and actor. The soothing tones of the interaction create a peaceful ambience, perfect for a closing record. It serves as a conclusion and a farewell, wrapping up the sonically poetic journey. The artiste responds to questions about his artistic trajectory and projection, his creation process and resolve. Themes such as introspection, self-awareness and the passing of time leave the listener with a sense of contemplation and finality. The album was programmed, mixed and mastered by Frederick Bossman (3nity) at Steeze Yard Studios.

In summary, ‘Wonder’, is a worthy work of art and will be remembered as the body of work that propelled the artiste, his genre and audience to great heights. The album is available on all digital streaming platforms. 

Stream ‘Wonder’ on songwhip.com/nanafreduaagyemanjnr/wonder