New Road & Guava Trees

An in-depth conversation with Ghanaian rap innovator M.anifest

With ‘New Road & Guava Trees’, Ghanaian rap icon M.anifest delivers a deeply personal yet globally resonant body of work that reflects his journey—both literal and artistic. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in Madina, Ghana, the album is a symbolic exploration of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Known for his masterful storytelling and boundary-pushing sound, M.anifest weaves together elements of hip-hop, highlife, and afrobeats, creating a project that is as introspective as it is expansive. Featuring an eclectic lineup of collaborators, including Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, The Cavemen., and King Promise, the album is a testament to his ability to bridge cultures and genres while staying rooted in his heritage.

At the core of ‘New Road & Guava Trees’ is an artist unafraid to take creative risks, blending intricate lyricism with rich sonic textures. Tracks like ‘Puff Puff’ featuring The Cavemen. and Flea, push the boundaries of jazz, highlife, and hip-hop, while songs such as ‘Eye Red’ and ‘Highlands’ dive into themes of systemic struggles and perseverance. Throughout the album, M.anifest strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and reinvention, offering listeners both deeply reflective moments and vibrant, danceable anthems. As he continues to push African hip-hop into new global spaces, New Road & Guava Trees solidifies his place as one of the most forward-thinking and innovative artists on the continent today.

‘New Road & Guava Trees’ is a deeply personal title, referencing your childhood in Madina. How did this idea shape the direction of the album, and what does it symbolize for you now?

Personal memories are powerful triggers of inspiration for me. I knew instinctively from the beginning of the creative process that I wanted to embark on an entirely NEW ROAD. The title having a personal tinge to it pronounces this.

You’ve collaborated with an incredible lineup of artists on this record, from Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers to A-Reece and King Promise. What was the most unexpected collaboration or creative moment that shaped the album?

Going back to lock-in with my friend and producer Budo after 14 years was probably the most significant and unexpected creative decision that molded this project. Not only is he brilliant, but it was legendary how well we understood each other even after a decade of walking completely different creative paths on two completely different continents. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-pilot on this journey.

Your ability to weave storytelling, cultural commentary, and genre-blending production is a signature of your work. What were some of the biggest creative risks you took on this album?

I love genre-blending. It’s at the core of my creative make-up ‘cause it represents my composition as a worldly African human. I am in the same breath well known as a lyricist and there is an expectation sometimes that I prioritize dropping heavy and lengthy bars. This project though was executed with such great intent to be concise and honor what the music most called for.So that meant cutting out lyrics, shortening verses, and defying traditional verse and hook song structure in favor of making ideas more potent. This is how ‘TIME CATCH’ is a formless repetition of a melodic stream of consciousness and chants, while ‘MY GOD’ is one lengthy verse sandwiched in-between an opera-like hook and no drums. Funny that this reply was far from concise.

“Personal memories are powerful triggers of inspiration for me”

‘New Road & Guava Trees’ explores themes of resilience, love, identity, and self-discovery. Was there a particular song that was the hardest to write, either emotionally or creatively?

Frankly, not a single song on the project was difficult to write. I suppose that is one of the glues of the project. I chose to walk down the road of effortlessness. The greatest challenge was finding the best way to execute the ideas. ‘HIGHLANDS’ was emotionally tasking but necessary so it still poured out of me without restraint.

‘Puff Puff’ with The Cavemen. and Flea blends hip-hop, jazz, and highlife. How did this track come together, and what was it like working with Flea?

The track began with an ear-worm of an idea that The Cavemen. sent over. They’re definitely one of my favorite bands in the world right now. Budo and I then decided to transform it into this multi-genre blend without losing the Highlife essence or forcing hip-hop on it. Flea is brilliant and open-minded.I remember seeing his eyes close and head bobbing subtly when I first played him ‘PUFF PUFF’. It was truly special for him to play trumpet on it because that’s low-key his first instrument before the bass which he is most known for. And honestly the man is just a bad ass with a very remarkable human spirit so it was lovely to commune with him once again.

Tracks like ‘Eye Red’ and ‘Highlands’ tackle systemic struggles and perseverance. What personal or societal reflections influenced the storytelling behind these songs?

‘EYE RED’ is the loud cries and desperation of Ghanaians. Most Africans can relate to this too because we all live in lands where public servants serve themselves and economic escape is the daily battle cry of the young and old. ‘HIGHLANDS’ is what comes out when your heart hurts from a world at war. It’s a ‘what’s going on’ Marvin Gaye moment.

“I love genre-blending. It’s at the core of my creative make-up”

You’ve consistently redefined your artistry over the years. How does ‘New Road & Guava Trees’ represent your evolution as an artist compared to past projects like ‘Madina to the Universe’ or ‘The E.P.ilogue’?

‘New Road & Guava Trees’ is me in a more mature and intentional place with the ability to genuinely manipulate my ideas with a more global reach in mind.

You’ve often spoken about bridging cultural divides through music. With this album, how do you see yourself pushing African hip-hop and highlife into new global spaces?

Hip-hop is not narrow, it’s always been broad to me. Which other art form unapologetically roots itself in so many genres and places? Being African and being Hip Hop, in an Afrobeats era, is possible in a very authentic way. That choice and combination can also exist beautifully in global spaces. This project proves that.

With over a decade in the industry, how do you balance staying true to your Ghanaian roots while evolving to meet new musical landscapes and global audiences?

The balance is an intuitive one. I live a home and away life that nourishes me in the right ways. I keep the company of many great minds and personalities for whom intellectual discourse is not a chore. I also spend a considerable amount of time in the company of myself. Both of these serve me very well.

Looking beyond ‘New Road & Guava Trees’, what’s next for M.anifest? Any plans for touring, visual projects, or expanding your musical storytelling in new ways?

I’m looking forward to Europe and North American shows this year. I’ve announced my London show for May 21st and more show announcements are on the way. I’m also more immediately looking forward to being in a couple of African cities spreading the gospel of ‘New Road & Guava Trees’.

New Road & Guava Trees

Credits:

Artist: M.anifest / @manifestive
Interview: We Plug Good Music / @wepluggoodmusic
Album streaming : https://orcd.co/nragt

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