
The Making of ‘Give It Up’: A Dancehall Music Journey of Sound, Progression, and Mentorship
Oct 28, 2024
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Welcome to my very first blog post on music! Today, I’m thrilled to share not just a bit of my musical journey but a taste of my sound and style. Although I'm still very much a learner in the vast world of music, I’m confident and incredibly proud of the work I've created. I owe a large part of my growth to my mentor and friend, Mr. Aaron Amankwah, known to many as Enjay together with Okyere Kofi and Chris Baah. Enjay's encouragement and expertise have been a guiding force in my development as a musician.
Enjay and I share a long history rooted in creativity and mutual support. We've had the chance to learn and inspire each other countless times, facing all kinds of ups and downs as we pursued our music dreams. His mentorship taught me the fundamentals and, more importantly, the mindset needed to explore and experiment with sound. Together, we formed part of the Positive Music Crew, a group united by a shared love for good music and expression. One day, I'll share the full story of our journey with Enjay and the crew; for now, though, I want to give you a closer look at one of my latest projects.
My Dancehall Instrumental: "Give It Up"
Today, I want to spotlight an instrumental track I recently produced using FL Studio, titled Give It Up. In many ways, this track is my musical “hello,” much like how an MC might hype the crowd for a special act to follow. This beat is a blend of excitement and anticipation, designed to capture listeners' attention and keep them engaged.
Musical Progression & Structure
For this track, I played around with a 1-4-6-5 progression, one of my favorite chord progressions for its natural flow and versatility in creating mood shifts. Building on this foundation, I layered a powerful Moog bassline and a strong, driving kick that brings an intense, danceable rhythm to the forefront. The arrangement holds a bit of a "call to action" energy, almost as if it’s telling listeners, “Let’s get ready for something big!”

Sound Choices
Sound selection was key in creating the dancehall vibe I wanted. Along with the Moog bass and kick, I incorporated horns and synthesized elements. For the horns, I used a combination of trumpet samples and the Harmless and Sytrus synthesizers. These bright, bold sounds are the heart of the track’s energy, lifting the mood and carrying a sense of excitement throughout. Each section adds a layer, building tension and anticipation.
This track’s texture is further enriched by a crisp, rhythmic high hat in the background, adding a subtle layer of energy and movement to the beat.The soft strings underneath bring a delicate warmth and contrast to the strong Moog bass and punchy kicks.
They help build an atmosphere that’s both energetic and inviting, letting the trumpet and other lead sounds shine through while keeping everything balanced.
Creating Give It Up was a learning process and a chance to explore the fundamentals that Enjay instilled in me. Whether it’s the weight of the Moog or the sharpness of the horns, each element speaks to the basics I continue to master.
At Art in the Round, we embrace the idea that art isn’t confined to just canvas, clay, or textile—it lives within every rhythm, beat, and melody that moves us. This is exactly what inspired my latest track, Give It Up. The project is a true reflection of my philosophy: to let art flow seamlessly across various forms, each one amplifying the other. Music, like dancehall, becomes an art form in itself, allowing for the same depth of expression and storytelling as visual art. Each beat and harmony is crafted with the same careful attention to detail I bring to every creative endeavor at Art in the Round. This is more than just sound—it's art you can feel.
Looking Forward
This track represents just a piece of my journey, and there’s so much more to come. I’m excited to keep sharing more music and to keep building on the foundation laid by Enjay and the Positive Music Crew. Music is a powerful way to connect, share stories, and even learn about ourselves in the process. Stay tuned for more beats, stories, and insights into my evolving world of music.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your support means everything, and I hope Give It Up gives you a taste of the passion and energy I aim to bring to each project. There’s plenty more to come!