Pa Salieu’s ‘Afrikan Alien’ – An Unflinching Testament of Resilience and Musical Evolution
With his latest 11-track collection, Afrikan Alien, Pa Salieu solidifies his standing as one of the most vital voices shaping modern music. Fusing Afrobeats, UK rap, R&B, and even experimental jazz, the album resonates with Salieu’s signature blend of infectious rhythm and deep, reflective lyricism. The project, born from a period of intense introspection during his 2 ½ years of imprisonment, reveals the vulnerability, emotional depth, and defiant conviction that have defined his meteoric rise. For listeners eager for a behind-the-scenes look, Episode 8 of Afrikan Rebel Diaries offers a glimpse into the making of Afrikan Alien, showcasing the journey of a visionary determined to tell his story.
Afrikan Alien opens with “Afrikan Di Alien,” driven by soulful keys and poignant storytelling that reflects on the transatlantic slave trade and systemic racism faced by the diaspora to this day. From this powerful introduction, Salieu takes listeners on a dynamic sonic journey, weaving through diverse soundscapes that encapsulate both his heritage and his vision for the future. The futuristic, forward-facing jazz of “Belly” merges seamlessly with the gentle, African-inspired guitar of “Round & Round” and the vibrant, classic Afrobeats rhythm of “Allergy.” The electricity of “Dece (Heavy)” is particularly striking, marking the first time Salieu records in his mother tongue, adding authenticity and cultural depth to the project.
Pa Salieu’s reach extends far beyond his own voice; across Afrikan Alien, he collaborates with a global cadre of talented artists from across the diaspora. Nigerian rap sensation ODUMODUBLVCK, Ghanaian lyrical powerhouse Black Sherif, and Jamaican dancehall artist Byron Messiah contribute their unique voices, each adding layers to the album’s rich tapestry. Together, they tell the complex, often harsh reality of being a “first-generation alien,” while embodying the resilience, community, and unwavering conviction that reflect the true strength of the diaspora.
The album reaches its emotional apex with the track “YGF – Young, Great and Free,” a defiant anthem celebrating Pa Salieu’s hard-won freedom. It’s a declaration that encapsulates both his release from physical imprisonment and his liberation from internal struggles, offering listeners a cathartic and uplifting conclusion to the journey.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Pa Salieu shares, “I refuse to be broken down. Prison taught me that bitterness won’t solve anything. Acceptance of my situation led to my personal growth. I was gone two years, so what? There’s going to be plenty of bad times in our lives. We just need to stay prepared and know that there’ll be better times ahead.” This sentiment permeates every track on Afrikan Alien, making it more than an album—it’s a manifesto of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of music.