South African Reggae/Hip-Hop artist Menelik Nesta Gibbons, known as Don Dada, has released his latest project, The Heart & The Mind Double Album [August 2024]

05 October 2024

Multi-Platinum selling and multiple award nominee South African Reggae / Hip-Hop artist, Menelik Nesta Gibbons, affectionately known by his fans across the world as Don Dada, has released his latest offering, The Heart & The Mind.

The Heart & The Mind is set-up to be a double album, one predominantly
Reggae / Dancehall and the other Hip-Hop.

“The mind is a great tool, but the heart is a great guide. When the heart
and mind are in sync, the soul can sing.” Don Dada

The two albums have an oxymoron play on each other, while speaking of the power that comes from a united effort between The Heart and The Mind, his music also expresses and tackles moments in life where the two are immensely opposing forces.

The Heart & The Mind

Such is Don Dada’s music as these are common sentiments among young Black Africans around the world.  Exploring social ills, deviances as well as trials and tribulations is characteristic of his music. It is music born out of the African life and struggle, which in itself is also a celebration of the resilience of African people, especially, the youth.

Don Dada, however, does not shy away from the plea of his people and continent. Many of the opposing forces between the heart and the mind are born of neo-colonialism and the continued exploitation of Black people. And music being his outlet and a universal language, on The Heart & The Mind, Don Dada proves he is one of the most eloquent voices of his generation, pouring his emotions out and yet inspiring his peers and the masses alike at the same time.

Image: Don Dada [FB]

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. – Nelson Mandela

Ultimately, Don Dada has incorporated two very closely married genres, genres close to both the hearts and minds of Africans, in order to be disseminate what stands to be a powerful message, especially in light of global occurrences. The first track for this double album titled “RISE UP” was released May 2024 and quickly rose and remained on the Reggae VIP Playlist top 100 playlist holding the position of number one (1) for four weeks and has remain within their top ten (10). “RISE UP” gives a new generation of hope as Don Dada shares his song with messages of love, unity and kingdom values with the world, inspiring everyone to not only feel and also think positive

Talking in a language for The Heart, the reggae album has under tones melding pop, dance hall, Amapiano is sonically cutting edge, harnessing and showcasing Don Dada’s unique sound, voice and song writing ability while tackling topics such as depression and resilience with songs like “Memories,” “No Love,” “Fire & Water” and “Ghetto” to name a few tracks on the Reggae / Dancehall side. Melding the sounds of Southern Africa with Hip-Hop, The Mind / Hip-Hop album is unique and refreshing with Don Dada utilizing a multitude of flows across the project whilst tackling subjects such as loss, love and everyday struggles ensuring an entertaining and captivating experience for the listener.

To lighten the mood are the tracks “Ke Monate Fela” in Southern Sotho which loosely translated “It’s Just Fun” brings the feelings of a township party vibe, “Menelik III,” “Lutho” and to name a few that are set to reinvigorate, reshape and most importantly have you dancing to Don Dada’s own unique style of music. 

With this double album Don Dada is set to have the radio waves continuously buzzing. 

Production on the album was handled by some of South Africa’s most highly talented and sought after engineers: Super Producer Rapz a seasoned producer who has earned multiple production accolades, industry awards and credits which includes Don Dada’s VIVA Mandela 2017 track that reached a multi-platinum sales status within four months of release. Rashid Lanie, Winner of the 2018 SAFTA (South African Film & Television Award) for Best Achievement in Music/Score as well as the Winner of the 2016 Rapid Lion Award (BRICS) for Best Soundtrack. TipsyT who has previously produced for Don Dada with their track entitled Gin Franco earning Don Dada his first nomination for a Zimbabwe Hip-Hop award as well as working with Don Dada on his tribute to Mama Winne Mandela memorial tribute. LwaziHipHop411 produced the track Sondela on Ricky Ricks Family Values, this LP achieved Gold status and is heralded as a South African Hip-Hop classic ,while on the visual front Lwazi  established “HipHop411” a trailblazing full-service production media agency and premier visual online platform for South African Hip-Hop.

Engineers out of Jamacia; Delroy Thompson who is the founder and producer of Juice TV in Jamaica and Bernard ‘Touter’ Harvey a multiple Grammy award winner. Together they offer an eclectic and sonically astounding body of work.

The album artwork hand was created by South African acclaimed portraiture and mixed media artist Ras Silas who holds a string of powerful accolades and brand endorsement for collaborations by brand giants such as Lamborghini South Africa 60th celebrations, Chivas Regal whiskey, Penrod Ricard South Africa and Sisonke Mzansi to mention a few.

About Don Dada
Menelik Nesta Gibbons aka Don Dada has been continuously pushing boundaries, changing the norm in the music scene, quickly moving beyond static thinking by reinventing the way things are done in the game.

Don Dada has achieved a great deal as a Reggae / Hip-Hop artist and social influencer since he made his debut on the prestigious 2016 Mandela Day Concert stage in Johannesburg, South Africa. Entering the entertainment industry with an immense amount of energy, enthusiasm and positivity, as well as an unwavering passion for Africa to RISE, Dada has not only achieved a great deal as a Reggae / Hip Hop artist and social influencer but also as an African who wants to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Don Dada’s vision of United Africa is evident in his music as he endeavours to encourage the youth at home and abroad to step into their destiny without fear and continue shining the light of the continent through education and unity.

Don Dada has also established himself as a social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, Radio Host and an events MC.

STREAM DOWNLOAD 

The Heart & The Mind (Reggae)

The Heart & The Mind (Hip-Hop)