‘True To Self’ – From Nungua To The World

King King Promise- Stars no ye Baako Baako Baako five! Standing ovation for the Nungua boy with a just-ended Asia tour and three studio albums to his name, Gregory Bortey. For the purposes of this write-up, let’s call him King Promise. I had the ultimate pleasure to speak to King Promise earlier this year about this album, and I was
assured that it was going to be a good one. The album has arrived, titled ‘True To Self.’ Now, prior to the release of the album, I had certain expectations, particularly with regard to the
content of the album, the message, or the story the album was going to tell. The cover art further increased my expectations. In that image, you find King P standing before himself—what I interpreted as Gregory Bortey Newman speaking to King Promise, more of an alter ego, and the very natural self of the same individual coming to have a conversation, hence the title, ‘True to Self.’
I took my first listen, second, but my expectations weren’t met, I thought. So I kept listening
until I chanced on King P’s interview with Kwadwo Sheldon, then I got a clear understanding.
Let me share that with you: So Gregory and King Promise are indeed in a conversation but not
with each other; rather they come together and speak to us as one. King Promise is speaking to us about his “truth,” but there’s no better way to do it without being true to yourself, no? Bingo! This theory of mine now got me like “King Promise pɛ ɔdɔ dodo.” (King Promise is a fan of love) The majority of the songs are love-themed, and that’s okay; that’s his truth, remember?

Enough of the introduction, let’s dive straight in. There’s a whole meal for us!

Believe

The story isn’t different from what we’ve heard from other champions in the world. There’s
always this measure of doubt that sets in, usually in the early stages of the career, but thank God say “Onipa nyɛ Nyame.” (Man isn’t God) We all believe the boy now! He’s proven beyond a reasonable doubt he is indeed the 5 Star General. This does the job well for an intro; that’s his truth not just to himself but to us as well.

Continental

Whew! King Promise featuring Shalipoppi. I must admit, it was a collab I never saw coming, at
all. Was it a good one? Let’s find out. Now, one word that could pass as a theme for the song is
“Hope.” Listen: Continental we “go” chop, international we “go” fly. This is a declaration into the future, metaphorically that life will get better. Did King Promise say this song brought out another side of Shalipoppi? I am quite unsure of that; that is the usual Shalipoppi, no? Great song! A proper jam for days! E no be competition, but he’s the best though!

Permission Granted

“Come closer, go slower, permission granted to do what you want to do me, make you dey lose all your senses for me.” You should sing this at the top of your voice! My favorite song on the project. The melodies just hit right, Fave’s verse? Oh my God! Exceptional! This is an awesome collaboration. Remember I said the album was more love-themed? Yes, we’re entering that zone now. Permission granted to progress to the next song.

Paris

Imagine being loved so much that you’re embarrassed at how much money your man/woman spends on you. What a feeling that will be. Well, one babe somewhere is enjoying that from our 5-star General. To top it all, she’s being flown to Paris as a result of too much embarrassment. Very danceable tune. Ghana loves it, the world loves it. Wicked one there, King P.

Perfect Combi

You see how this love thing works sometimes? You’re too stuck on the exterior than the most
important things. Too much weakness for the biggie bum bum. Gabzy was asking King P critical questions about the new girl he’s found, and all he could say was “see the face fine, yeah she fine of course, she dey talk much and I’m quiet of course, perfect combi oh.” King P, Hwe biribi yie oh, ayoo.” Another solid one from King Promise and Gabzy.

Paranoid

For someone who said all he said in the previous song and is asking these questions now, I’m stunned. Oh, so it’s the Dona who’s paranoid and not Gregory. He began as though he was the paranoid one. If your partner ever feels insecure about your relationship, send her this song. Thank you, King P and Fridayy, for this one. The mandem is grateful. And oh, did you catch the D Cryme bar? Go listen now!

Ringing In My Head

“How you go bring sunshine to my life and still bring rain.” Isn’t that supposed to be the nature
of life? What is love without hurt? So many voices ringing in Gregory’s head, wondering if his
baby had stayed with him. Unfortunately, we cannot hear her side of the story, but Greg says he broke his back for her; he did his best, but she still left. He hopes life treats her well, though. I hope life treats her well too. For every feeling with regard to the love thing, King Promise got us covered with the songs on this album. Thank you, King Promise!

9:45

The King of melodies was recruited on this one. Let’s be honest, Gregory’s had one of the
toughest love lives. It’s 9:45 pm, and baby says she’s still at work. Man is stressed; the more
attention he pays to baby’s attitude, it could lead to the end of his life, so he calls Lasmid and
Ladipoe to help him out. Did you hear what Lasmid did on the track? Madness! Ladipoe brought in this stylish rap as well. A jam!

Mad Oh

I’ll describe this song as the epic collaboration that never came to fruition. Nothing spoil though; King Promise still banged on this one. Seriously, Gregory’s been through so much. At this point, he’s unsure what to do to prove his love. The girl dey make he mad oh. What make I do for you to see say I dey love you my baby oh? What make he do, Ohemaa? Much love to you brother Gregory. We dey together!

Favorite Story

This was the moment it all came to an end. Gregory is done with love. What a journey! He’s
tried and tried and failed. He is using his head now, onye kwasia. (He is not foolish) Sarkodie
explained the situation even better. “Aden na wo gyegye me so if you had a man.” (Why did you lead me on when you knew you had a man) All along, our baby had a man; that’s why Gregory had to go through all the pain. The left side of his chest be the right place, but now he go use ein head. Olivetheboy did magic on the song! The love tear everybody eye top. Let’s see what’s next.

Own It

Oh Greg, what did you tell us just now? You’re here begging again for her to control what You’re on your own at this point, man. After all you’ve been through, what is hers is hers, and
what is yours is hers too? Herh! For her love, you will be commando? Bro is finished. I hope this
one works out for you!

Terminator

The first time he performed this song was a day after it was released, at the VGMAs in 2023.
They made fun of him for performing a song with zero audience reactions. Fast forward to today, see the damages Terminator caused. A big record! What a way to end the ‘True to Self’ album. He’s okay. I’m glad you’re okay, King P. I’m glad. Sometimes, just sometimes, the love thing isn’t for everyone. Quality productions, outstanding features, crazy streams. This will go down to be one of the best albums in African history. Big shouts to all the producers on the project and to all who made this happen. Biggest congratulations to you, King Promise, our Afrobeats/Afropop artiste of the year.

Written by: Cyril Senason Anani (Senason)