| EMPIRE Presents: Where We Come From, Vol. 01 | |
| Type: | compilation album |
| Artist: | Empire Distribution |
| Cover: | Where We Come From, Vol. 01 official cover.jpeg |
| Label: | Empire |
| Prev Title: | EMPIRE Presents: Voices For Change, Vol. 1 |
| Prev Year: | 2020 |
| Next Title: | EMPIRE Presents: House of Empire |
| Next Year: | 2023 |
EMPIRE Presents: Where We Come From, Vol. 01, commonly referred to Where We Come From, Vol. 01, is a compilation album by American record label and distribution company Empire Distribution. The album was released on 30 November 2022, by the label, and features mainly African acts from Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cape Verde, Morocco and South Africa. Featured artists include Tiwa Savage, Kuami Eugene, Kizz Daniel, Black Sherif, L.A.X, Fireboy DML, Bnxn, Wande Coal, Bad Boy Timz, KiDi, Cheque, Tolani, June Freedom, Yaw Tog, Leil, Navy Kenzo, and Group Chat. Producers who worked on the album include Kuami Eugene, M.O.G Beatz, Blaisebeatz, Philkeyz, OG Parker, Tee Romano, Sam-E Lee Jones, Leandro "Dro" Hidalgo, Phil Mango, Mike Robbins, Hitmaka, AyeYP, Sak Pase, Kheilstone, Zay Bandz, Say-Zay, Semzi, Nahreel, Eskeez, Joker Nharnah, Tenroc, Happie, Frankie Bash, BAK, KDE, Kendi Beats and Magicsticks. The album housed the singles, "Cough (Odo)," "Umbrella," "Loaded," "I Feel Nice," and "Thing For You".
The project emerged from a writing camp held at Empire's San Francisco headquarters after the label's "The New Africa" showcase at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March 2022. Reflecting on the collaboration, Bnxn said it was inspiring to be around so much talent and creativity. Wande Coal noted that the familial atmosphere made it easier to bring out his best self when creating music.[1]
Tina Davis, Empire's Senior Vice President of A&R, described the writing camp as a highly creative turning point. She recalled a day when Ghazi Shami took everyone on a tour of San Francisco. The album, spanning Afrobeats, amapiano, drill, trap, and R&B, was described by Davis as an amazing work featuring artists from across Africa. The cover art, designed by Nigerian artist Dricky Stickman, reflects themes of community and culture.[2]
Empire CEO Ghazi Shami called the project a legendary moment, emphasizing the importance of sharing African music with the world.[3]
The album's lead single, "Cough (Odo)," coincided with the accouncement of the album on 14 October 2022 and was performed by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel. The song was produced by Philkeyz and Blaisebeatz and was also third single off Kizz Daniel's fourth studio album Maverick.[4] [5] The second single, "Umbrella," is performed by Nigerian singer Wande Coal and was released on 27 October 2022. The song was co-written by Sean Kingston and Sak Pase, and was produced by Sak Pase, with additional production from Zay Bandz, Say-Zay, and Kheilstone. Its release coincided with its music video which was directed by Austin McCracken.[6] The third single, "Loaded," is performed by Nigerian singers Tiwa Savage and Asake, and was released on 7 November 2022 with an accompanying music video directed by TG Omori.[7] The fourth single, "I Feel Nice," is performed by Ghanaian singer Kuami Eugene and girl group Group Chat. The song was released on 12 December 2022 and was produced by Eugene and M.O.G Beatz.[8] [9] The fifth and final single "Thing For You" was performed by June Freedom featuring L.A.X and was released on 17 May 2023 alongside an Edgar Esteves-directed video.[10]
| Date | Format | Label | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 30 November 2022 | Empire Distribution |