From the moment the first beat lands, “Dem Dead” arrivs as a statement, and a cultural rally cry that shouts with confidence, rhythm, and soul. Nigerian-born Drela, the rising voice out of Jos, Plateau State, and Ghanaian dancehall giant Stonebwoy unite to create a cross-continental anthem that refuses to be ignored. With their powerful collaboration, the borders blur, and Afro Dancehall finds a new peak.
Drela, known offstage as Mohammed Salisu, is a sonic alchemist, taking the heartbeat of modern African life and channeling it into “melodies never heard before.” From his Jos upbringing to the global stage, Drela’s music carries the hopes, truths, and fire of African youth. And with Stonebwoy, Ghana’s 1GAD and a certified dancehall king, in his corner, “Dem Dead” becomes a lyrical uppercut and a celebration of African excellence.
The track’s production is fierce. It rides a crisp, percussive foundation—West African drums colliding with Caribbean swagger, layered with a hypnotic groove that never lets go. The beat feels alive, refusing to sit still, and perfectly mirrors the energy Drela and Stonebwoy bring to the mic.
From the opening shout—“Call me Drela! Yah yuh know!”—we’re dropped into a high-energy zone where confidence is currency. Drela’s delivery is full of raw fire and flair, a lyrical sprint driven by purpose: “Am anti fragile so anti social. Anytime I burst down is a massive pull-up. Dem dead. You know dem dead…” This hook slaps hard, repeating like a chant, a warning, and a celebration. Drela’s voice punches through the mix with grit and swagger, standing tall beside the seasoned, silky fire of Stonebwoy’s flow. The Ghanaian star enters with calm power, gliding across the beat with his trademark finesse: “We heading to the top e yeah. Feels good at the top e yeah. Straight to the top yeah oh oh ai oh ai…”
It’s this blend of unshakable confidence and melodic elevation that gives the track its soul. Stonebwoy doesn’t just feature; he elevates, proving why he’s an icon on the dancehall stage. And Drela, matching his energy blow for blow, proves he’s not just the future; he’s the now.
Lyrically, “Dem Dead” taps into themes of resilience, ambition, and cultural pride. It’s a track for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, silenced, or counted out. Drela speaks for a generation pushing forward against the odds: “My journey has never been easy. Holiper focus steadily speeding. Ah so the blessings doubling everyday…”
The chorus soars like a victory lap, the production swelling with subtle synths and layered harmonies that lift the mood sky-high. It’s both a dancefloor igniter and an emotional charge, merging movement with meaning.
“Dem Dead” is a song of global ambition rooted in local fire. Drela and Stonebwoy don’t just collaborate—they combust. With its infectious beat, unrelenting energy, and unfiltered pride, this track is a dancehall declaration and a career milestone for Drela. It’s not just that dem dead—it’s that Drela lives louder, rises higher, and brings all of us with him.
Listen to “Dem Dead” on Spotify
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