Joey B and Sarkodie Heat Up with "Tonga"

Although “Tonga” (which you can buy/download from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tonga-feat.-sarkodie-single/id808026797" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://open.spotify.com/album/21RhbIIQ8i06WMDavhdgs8" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tonga-feat-Sarkodie-Joey-B/dp/B00HZJO0X2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>) has been kicking around for a few months now, the song has yet to receive the love it deserves outside Ghana. However, within West Africa it definitely blew up, creating a bit of stir among the controversy-seeking media. Joey B is a newcomer to the Ghana music scene, first breaking through last year with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EWoP0d-DAg" target="_blank">“Strawberry Ginger.”</a> In a short period, he’s gotten the backing of some of the country’s biggest stars--D Black and E.L., who appeared on “Strawberry Ginger,” and now the <a href="https://afropop.test.ejaedesign.com/wp/3570/sarkodie-and-wizkid-jointly-win-bets-best-international-act-africa-award/" target="_blank">BET award winner</a>, Sarkodie. The production of "Tonga" from DJ Breezy is uncomplicated and the rapping calmly matter-of-fact, but the song nevertheless pops with an undeniable pulse. Most of the rapping is slang-filled pidgin English stocked with local references, but the song does enter familiar territory with a Sir Mix-A-Lot quote ( you can probably guess which one we mean). The video for "Tonga" features some next-level azonto/alkayida dance moves, moving into the red zone of daggering territory. The word <em>tonga</em> itself is considered a bit risqué in some circles, though <a href="http://www.ghanamotion.com/news/joey-b-explains-the-word-tonga" target="_blank">Joey B insists</a> it simply means “the only nice girl around.” As some pundits decried the song's supposed vulgarity, rumors swirled that the song would be banned from Ghana’s airwaves, though they <a href="http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/artikel.php?ID=298408" target="_blank">proved to be unfounded</a>. Depending on your workplace's stance on rather intimate dance moves (obviously not a problem at Afropop), this video may not be kosher. Either way, "Tonga" is a hit for a reason. Check it out below: <iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8Yrd_Vq6TNQ" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>