Ghanaian diva TiTi Owusu graces us with her newest masterpiece, Make Me Believe (Nana). A song that pays homage to Adowa, music native to the Ashanti people of Ghana, Make Me Believe (Nana) effortlessly blends the time-honoured genre with Contemporary Pop and Ghanaian High-Life music genres. This magic was created by a collaborative team consisting of Jayso, Kaasare, Klasikbeatz and Owura, with lyrics by TiTi Owusu and Jayso. Indeed, magic is a very fitting word to describe this gem with its tranquil and mesmerising melody.
Several of the songstress’ releases have been love-themed, such as her most recent song Odo Ntia, which loosely translates to Love is the Reason, and Until I See You, for which she earned much acclaim for her vocals.
On why she tends to gravitate towards love-themed songs, TiTi said: ‘I think love is such a beautiful thing, I love love. I love seeing people in love and I love being in love. Knowing that you are loved brings you comfort and happiness. And I’ve come to realize that you get back what you put out in the universe, so I intend to put out as much love as possible.’
The Adowa rhythm is quite prominent throughout the rhythm of the song, making one want to sway their body along and perhaps even attempt the traditional Adowa dance. Mixing in acoustics from a more modern music style makes the song’s melody thought-provoking. The music’s flow almost seems like it is asking the listeners to come and have a discussion.
TiTi Owusu has earned many accolades for her impressive voice, and Make Me Believe (Nana) puts the proof in the pudding. Her euphonious yet soulful voice conveys the song’s lyrics, persuading the listener to understand her viewpoint. Her technique when belting high notes shows that the singer is right at home in the music field. Her addicting vocals complement the instrumentals without overpowering them. Indeed, the vocalist is worthy of the genre-less and genre-bending moniker often associated with her.
Since her new song revolves around love, we asked the songstress about her ideal type and if any notable figure fits the bill. She wittingly replied: ‘My ideal type would be someone who is both respectful and respectable, who has a passion for the arts (whatever art form that is). Someone who is patient, loving and kind, oh and looks good too. So far, I haven’t thought about any celebrity in that regard.’
Though it is easy to be jaded about love today, TiTi offers a refreshing outlook on the emotion without being naïve. She challenges the take that no man can be trusted, drawing on her memories with fatherly love. However, like most of us, the road to love hasn’t been smooth for the singer.
‘I have been through a couple of heartbreaks, not just romantic relationships but friendships too, and those were very difficult times for me. Not being on the same page as someone who you love can take a toll on you,’ TiTi mused. Despite that, she still fiercely believes in the beauty of love and the joy and comfort it gives. It is hard to deny that such a mindset requires a lot of bravery and optimism, something that we often lack after we’ve been hurt.
‘Make Me Believe (Nana) is a song of hope.’ TiTi continues ‘Despite everything I’ve been through, no matter how many times my heart gets broken, I’ll always give love a chance.’
TiTi Owusu’s latest release, Make Me Believe (Nana), is a commendable showcase of her courage and commitment to spreading hope and healing through the power of love. By seamlessly blending traditional, local and contemporary genres, TiTi demonstrates her artistic versatility and cultural appreciation. As the world becomes more cynical about love, TiTi’s approach offers a refreshing perspective. With Make Me Believe (Nana), she captivates listeners with her musical prowess while inspiring them to embrace love with renewed optimism.
