“It feels so good to be restless.”
(Moving)
It is restlessness which drives her.
There is this urge which impels her never to stand still and to keep growing and learning. The feeling of never arriving yet always being there. The conviction that one must lose oneself first in order to someday, find oneself.
In the life of Y’akoto it is precisely this restlessness which has been the root and motive force behind all her work, the fount of her being and ultimately, the reason why her voice embodies so much more inherent depth, experience and life, than a singer of 23 years of age would otherwise, under normal circumstances, be endowed with. But let’s start at the beginning!
As the daughter of a Ghanaian father and a German mother, Jennifer Yaa Akoto was raised a cosmopolite from her infancy. She was born in Hamburg and grew up in Ghana with sojourns in Cameroun, Togo and Chad before finally ending up shuttling between Hamburg, Lomé and Paris, a wanderer between worlds, a modern-day nomad who has always drawn strength from a state of permanent transition, which she has always seen as the inexhaustible source of her inspiration. “The numerous relocations, all the travel, and the global adaptability this entailed – all these things strongly influenced me.” states Y’akoto. “Yet I feel no sense of displacement or inner conflict. On the contrary, it is all these stages of a journey, all the impressions and experiences en route, which together, form a sum that is greater than its parts – a greater whole – the sum of me, my totality.” And to be sure, this statement characterizes her career as an artist to date, which has turned out to be just as exhilarating and multifaceted as her eventful personal life.
Music has always defined Y’akoto’s life: her father was a renowned artist of the West African Highlife music genre while Y’akoto herself was given piano lessons at a very early age. At the age of 13, she sang in a band for the first time. With their effervescent fusion of Rock, Reggae, Soul and Funk, they toured the youth clubs and won numerous band competitions. At 16, she made a brief excursion into electronic music in a fit of adolescent whimsy which lasted until she ended up in a line-up involving beat box, guitar, bass and vocals. “The turning point in my music only came when I turned 20” reminisces Y’akoto. This was shortly after successfully graduating as a certified teacher of dance when the solo artist Y’akoto emerged full-blown, which meant, in concrete terms: less experimentation and getting down to basics; no more compulsive innovation for its own sake, but focusing upon the essentials. In short: effectiveness meets avant-garde. “Nowadays the most important thing is to tell stories with my songs. That is why the sound is stripped down to the very basics. Less is more. I took great pains to make sure that in this album, things were kept consistently purist and unadulterated.”
This record, her debut album, ‘Babyblues’ is a splendid collection of songs full of meaning and depth which Y’akoto wrote herself in the course of the past two years in close collaboration with Mocky, Haze and the Kahedi production team (Max Herre, Samon Kawamura and Roberto Di Gioia). “A number of songs on the album such as ‘Good Better Best’ or ‘Moving’ have a very strong Afro feel to them, but for me, they are, above all, folk music, because I want to address people at a very personal level. The songs deal primarily with real life, with the things that happen to each and every one of us every day of our lives; stories that everyone has experienced and can empathize with.” In consequence, Y’akoto’s tracks excel so impressively for reason of a fascinating universal validity which they express with no trace of being clichéd.
With her songs, Y’akoto follows in the footsteps of such luminaries as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Erykah Badu as she manages effortlessly to encapsulate grandly intense feeling in exquisite narrative vignettes, moving miniatures in which the concerns of a single individual become the concerns of many. And yet, Y’akoto is simply on a hegira of soul-searching.
At least that is what a spiritually empowered woman in Africa asserted, who Y’akoto consulted - just for fun, actually - in the course her latest sojourn there. The old lady took Y’akoto’s hand, looked deep into her eyes and solemnly declared that Y’akoto had lost her soul. A short, sharp shock. “Then the old lady said that I was in constant search of my soul, which immediately made perfect sense to me” declared Y’akoto, late of Hamburg. “And I then realized that’s why I’ve always refused to say that I perform ‘soul’ music. ‘Soul-searching-music’ would be the better term.”
And indeed, Y’akoto is actually on a hegira of soul-searching.
One thing’s for sure: a voyage of self-discovery like that can hardly be undertaken alone. You need a crew of capable, trustworthy hands to make a musical manifesto out of this soul-searching mission. And Y’akoto found this crew of kindred spirits in Mocky, Haze, as well as in Max Herre, Samon Kawamura und Roberto Di Gioia aka Kahedi. “What I like best about Mocky is his impulsiveness”, enthused the female vocalist about her work with the Canadian now residing in Berlin. “Without wasting words he knew immediately what I wanted. He always managed to bring the right spirit into our studio work and his love of experimentation was perfectly in tune with my approach to music.” Her collaboration with Max Herre turned out to be similarly rewarding. “Things could get tricky and complicated while recording vocal passages where raw, inmost feelings are revealed, but since Max is a vocalist himself, he has a profound understanding of my needs as a singer” states the 23 year-old about the studio sessions and adds: “Everyone involved were, first and foremost, really great musicians. Each an every one of them, a master of his craft. But what amazed me most was the fact that every one of them poured so much work and love into this project. Everything came so harmoniously and naturally, everything felt so right – it didn’t feel like just another job.”
And this feeling of uncompromising consistency is a recurring theme joyously audible through all the songs of the album. Each effortlessly rendered track leads smoothly to the next, the appeal of each individual song seemingly interwoven with that of every other in the album, within the greater context of an encompassing love for music which is the leitmotif.
Take, for instance, the lively and infectious song ‘Moving’, a musical allegory of melancholy mysticism and effusive sensuality. ‘Moving’ is a track which stays with you, imprinting echoes of itself in your mind, a breathtaking, continuous adventure which seems to have neither beginning nor end, with a compelling melody which stems mostly from Y’akoto’s experimental side, from her penchant for non-conformist artistic expression.
This individualistic bent is also strikingly manifest in the choice of track for her first single off the album: then instead of regaling the public with a cheerful effort like ‘Good Better Best’ styled with the help of Haze into a nimbly catchy world music hymn replete with captivating allusions to the music of traditional African dance, Y’akoto chose the moving ‘Tamba’ where she tells of the terrible fate of an African child-soldier. The song is fraught with mordant images which bury themselves into the listener’s mind like a spray of shrapnel, making the frightful lot of the child-soldier a thing to be heard and felt. “Of course, this isn’t a song that conjures a smile on the listener’s face. But it gives him food for thought” offers Y’akoto as explanation for her choice of ‘Tamba’ as first single release. “Music simply doesn’t always have to present a pleasant face. Sometimes music must hurt to make a difference.” That this album will have lasting impact is undeniable.
‘Babyblues’, where Y’akoto reveals her innermost feelings, is testament to the emotional gravity in which she was occasionally immersed in the course of writing her songs. More than anything, her title track ‘Babyblues’ underscores the mystery and darkness inherent in such an otherwise luminous personality as Y’akoto’s, where, accompanied by delicate strains of the piano, she mines the depths of her soul for that black, lightless pulsing core which she then brings to light, transmuted into a glittering prize. “There was actually a time when I felt the blues within me” confesses Y’akoto and laughs. “I got totally absorbed in the blues and that was hard – still, it was fun. A rather silly, childish sentiment came to life at the time – that’s the reason for the title ‘Babyblues’.”
The way in which the 23 year-old adds astounding weight to the meaning of her words with profound emotion; the way in which she combines her youthful vitality with the technical accomplishment of an avowed female vocalist of stature and experience; the way in which her acute flair for creating moving moments of emotion and sensibility emerges from her supreme artistic composure – all this touches the soul, moves the listener; makes a lasting impact.
There is this urge which impels her never to stand still and always to keep growing and learning. This feeling of never arriving yet always being there. The conviction that one must lose oneself first in order to someday, find oneself.
It is restlessness which drives her.
Sites: De.Wikipedia
Diamonds
Y'akoto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Live your life
You are too busy seeing what you want to see
You are trap in your vision so far away from reality
Why dont you let us be what they want to be
You are gonna change your satisfactory
Nothing you cant achieve without thinking about your
Crack the code live your life find the diamonds of your life
Who cant fight your way to freedom
Crack the code live your life find the diamonds of your life
Crack the code live your life find the diamonds of your life
Find the peace of mind to push it away if it is positive
While enjoy enjoy enjoy
Crack the code live your life find the diamonds of your life
Crack the code live your life find the diamonds of your life
The lyrics of Y'akoto's song Diamonds appear to be directed at someone who is too caught up in their own perspective to realize the opportunities and potential in their life. The singer urges the listener to "crack the code," to break out of their narrow view of the world and embrace what they could achieve. The repeated phrase "live your life" emphasizes the importance of taking action and making the most of one's time, rather than being passive or settling for less.
The lines "why don't you let us be what they want to be" and "nothing you can achieve without thinking about your" suggest that the person the song is directed towards may be judgmental or critical of others, holding them back from being themselves. By contrast, the singer encourages the listener to find their own "diamonds" in life, the things that make them truly happy and fulfilled. This may involve breaking free from negative influences, whether internal or external, and pursuing one's own goals and dreams.
Overall, Diamonds is a motivational and empowering song, encouraging listeners to seize the day and make their own way in the world. The imagery of diamonds suggests something precious, valuable, and enduring, worth struggling and striving for. The song's message appears to be one of hope and optimism, that no matter how trapped or stuck we feel, there is always a way out and a brighter future to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
You got to crack the code
You must figure out the solution or secrets to live your best life.
Live your life
Focus on living and enjoying your own life, rather than comparing it to others.
You are too busy seeing what you want to see
You are blinded by your own desires and not seeing reality clearly.
You are trap in your vision so far away from reality
You are stuck in your own way of thinking and it's preventing you from seeing the truth.
Why dont you let us be what they want to be
Allow others to be themselves and pursue their own dreams and goals.
You are gonna change your satisfactory
You will have to change your perception of what is satisfactory in order to achieve greater success and happiness.
Nothing you cant achieve without thinking about your
You can accomplish anything if you don't limit yourself with negative thoughts.
Crack the code live your life find the diamonds of your life
Discover the secrets to living your best life and find the most valuable and precious things in your life with that knowledge.
Who cant fight your way to freedom
Those who don't struggle and fight to achieve their dreams will never truly be free.
Find the peace of mind to push it away if it is positive
You must learn to let go of even positive things in your life if they are holding you back from reaching your full potential.
While enjoy enjoy enjoy
Enjoy your life to the fullest while still pushing yourself to achieve more.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FIDELIS YAW AMO-ANTWI, JENNIFER YAN AKOTO KIECK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Renato Felipe
Você está muito ocupado
Vendo o que você quer ver
E está tão preso a uma visão
Tão longe da realidade
Por que você não deixa as coisas serem o que elas querem ser
Você não pode mudar todas as coisas para sua satisfação
Por que você não sabe o que você pode conseguir
Sem pensar sobre o que você precisa
Vá contra as regras
Viva sua vida
Viva bem
Viva certo
Decifre o código abra seu cofre
Os diamantes são seus
Os diamantes da vida
Se você não pode aliviar
Apenas se dê um bom tratamento
E sinta sua alma, ahh
É você e mais ninguém
Você e mais ninguém
Quem pode decifrar seu código da liberdade, liberdade
Procure sua paz de espírito
E viva toda sua vida
Faria ou diria
Isto é negativo
Bem então afastar-se
Se isto é positivo
Bem curta isto
Se é uma crítica útil
Aprenda agora a usar isto
Expande sua mente
Pense sobre o que você pode achar se você fizer
alen464
You're too busy
Seeing what you want to see
And you're tied up in a vision
Far away from reality
Why don't you let things be what they want to be?
You cannot change everything till you're satisfactory
Know what you can achieve
Without thinking 'bout what you need
[Chorus][x2]
Crack the code
Live your life
Live it good
Live it right
Crack the code unlock your safe
The diamonds are yours
The diamonds of life
[Verse 1]
If you can't ease
Just give yourself a good treat
And feel your soul, oh
It's you and nobody else
You and nobody else
Who can crack your code to freedom
[Chorus][x2]
[Bridge]
Find your peace of mind
And live your own life
Would do or would say
Is it negative?
Well then, push it away
If it's positive
Well then, enjoy it
If it is useful critique
Now learn how to use it
Expand your mind
Think about what you might find if you....
Renato Felipe
Você está muito ocupado
Vendo o que você quer ver
E está tão preso a uma visão
Tão longe da realidade
Por que você não deixa as coisas serem o que elas querem ser
Você não pode mudar todas as coisas para sua satisfação
Por que você não sabe o que você pode conseguir
Sem pensar sobre o que você precisa
Vá contra as regras
Viva sua vida
Viva bem
Viva certo
Decifre o código abra seu cofre
Os diamantes são seus
Os diamantes da vida
Se você não pode aliviar
Apenas se dê um bom tratamento
E sinta sua alma, ahh
É você e mais ninguém
Você e mais ninguém
Quem pode decifrar seu código da liberdade, liberdade
Procure sua paz de espírito
E viva toda sua vida
Faria ou diria
Isto é negativo
Bem então afastar-se
Se isto é positivo
Bem curta isto
Se é uma crítica útil
Aprenda agora a usar isto
Expande sua mente
Pense sobre o que você pode achar se você fizer
André Mello
This is one the best songs ever made!
alen464
You're too busy
Seeing what you want to see
And you're tied up in a vision
Far away from reality
Why don't you let things be what they want to be?
You cannot change everything till you're satisfactory
Know what you can achieve
Without thinking 'bout what you need
[Chorus][x2]
Crack the code
Live your life
Live it good
Live it right
Crack the code unlock your safe
The diamonds are yours
The diamonds of life
[Verse 1]
If you can't ease
Just give yourself a good treat
And feel your soul, oh
It's you and nobody else
You and nobody else
Who can crack your code to freedom
[Chorus][x2]
[Bridge]
Find your peace of mind
And live your own life
Would do or would say
Is it negative?
Well then, push it away
If it's positive
Well then, enjoy it
If it is useful critique
Now learn how to use it
Expand your mind
Think about what you might find if you....
Marcelo Arraz Souza
Que lindo!
Fico feliz de ela existir.
Thabata melgaço canarim
Que delicia de musica, de clip e pessoa.
fd rico
I can't stop hearing/dancing this!!! The lyrics got me crazy. And omg from 0:30 to 0:35 is fucking Amy Winehouse ♥️😍
Joy Mulumba
such a sensual, seductive, languorous voice, can listen to her all day!!!
Cristian Maldonado
Lejos una de las artistas mas notables que he escuchado ahora ultimo....
Rui Silva
fantastic . love it
Lila Gardiene
Wundervoller text, ein entspannt treibender Beat..... ich mag es sehr