Ko-Jo Cue is a Ghanaian-born hip-hop artist from the Ashanti Region, widely recognized for blending rap with Afrobeats. He made his entry into the hip-hop scene with the release of his debut project, Growing Pains, in 2010. Shaker, also known as Lil Shaker, is a Ghanaian-born hip-hop artist from Accra, known for his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and producer.
“Up & Awake” is a track from Pen & Paper, a collaborative project by Ko-Jo Cue and Shaker that was released on October 20, 2017. The song opens with an instrumental arrangement featuring violins and piano layered over bass and electronic cymbal-driven beats, giving it a subtle EDM influence. Light use of autotune enhances the song’s atmosphere and emotional tone.
At its core, “Up & Awake” focuses on gratitude and appreciation for life. Throughout the track, the artists thank God for waking them up each day and for continuously blessing them, enabling them to pursue and grow in their craft. The song emphasizes resilience and perseverance, highlighting the importance of pushing forward despite personal struggles or societal injustices. Performed in a blend of Ghanaian Pidgin, Twi, and English, the track reflects the artists’ cultural roots. It also underscores their strong religious faith, which appears deeply tied to their culture and serves as a source of motivation throughout their journeys in the music industry.
Listeners looking for a song that is both reflective and empowering may find “Up & Awake” especially appealing. As part of the Pen & Paper project, the track suggests a broader theme of artistic reflection, with the artists using the project as a space to examine their craft and personal journeys. The song’s uplifting contemplative tone, paired with smooth instrumentals, subtle electronic elements, and melodic vocals, creates a listening experience that feels both calming and motivating. For listeners drawn to this style and message, exploring the rest of the tracks on the project would be a worthwhile experience.
Listen to Up & Awake Here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5km5EQPqGlSTNGGVj6qtHd