Ghana: Paapa Versa shares new single Bouquet

Self-produced, the record follows previously released 2024 tracks like ‘Brand New’ and ‘Treadmill’ and is part of the artist’s ambitious 24 Songs In 2024 project, aiming to release 24 songs throughout the year.

Sonically, ‘Bouquet’ explores emotive Afro-soul, incorporating instruments such as the acoustic guitar, shekere, djembe, bass guitar, cello and soft acoustic drum samples.

Thematically, it addresses the theme of love amid financial difficulties, highlighting the struggle of facing challenges such as inflation and loans, which hinder the ability to afford material things like a bouquet of flowers. But more than that, it conveys determination to overcome these obstacles in the future and hopes for a better tomorrow, while emphasising love and dedication over material possessions.

Paapa Versa told Music In Africa that the new song, arriving a fortnight before Valentine's Day, partially drew from personal experiences. “There aren’t enough songs out there that communicate this level of vulnerability, strength, determination and love all in one piece and from a masculine voice, so I felt inspired to create this for anyone feeling financial pressure.”

Paapa Versa is behind critically received albums, including Solar (2011), Songs for Kukua (2013) and the Technical Difficulties (2018) trilogy. His latest collection Versa Villa was released in 2023.