Set to become a global smash with its infectious dancehall and afrobeat fusion, “Taxi Man” by Camidoh, Miss Lafamilia, and Vybz Kartel, featuring DJ Lara Fraser is the worldwide link-up we can’t get enough of. This release acts as the follow-up to Camidoh’s feature on M.O.G Beatz sped up version of the single “Pay as You Go” alongside Sarkodie; Miss Lafamilia’s single “Harder”; Vybz Kartel’s collaboration with Likkle Vybz on the single “Birthday”; and DJ Lara Fraser’s 2020 collaboration with Shingai on the single “In This World”.
Camidoh, born Raphael Camidoh Kofi Attachie, is a Ghanaian sensation at the forefront of the country’s burgeoning Afropop, R&B, and Afrobeats scene. Raised in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region of Ghana, Camidoh’s musical journey took flight after obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Professional Studies in Accra. His musical career surged when he signed with Grind Don’t Stop Records in 2018, releasing hits like “For My Lover” featuring Darkovibes and “Sugarcane,” which went viral on TikTok and soared to the top of charts across Africa. Camidoh’s fusion of sweet R&B and Afrobeat, coupled with lyrics in both English and his native Ewe language, has garnered acclaim and admiration from industry heavyweights and led to a nomination for ‘Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act’ at the 2023 Black Entertainment Television Awards, cementing his status as a rising star in the global music scene.
As for Miss Lafamilia, she is a dynamic 30-year-old hailing from Winson Green, Birmingham, and is a rising force in the UK’s music scene, smashing stereotypes and taking the rap game by storm. Her compelling blend of harmonious R&B vocals and self-assured lyrical prowess sets her apart as one of the UK’s most promising female artists. Motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal resilience shape her narrative, infusing her music with lessons and inspiration drawn from her own experiences. With tracks like “Dumb Flex” featuring Abra Cadabra and a vibrant dancehall collaboration with Jamaican sensation Popcaan titled “MONSTA”, Miss LaFamilia’s talent knows no bounds, making her a super versatile artist to watch closely. Her journey, from running a modelling agency to unexpectedly becoming a musical sensation, exemplifies her determination to explore new horizons and defy conventions in the male-dominated music industry. Miss Lafamilia is a testament to the power of self-belief and unapologetic creativity in carving one’s path to success.
Then there’s Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer in Waterford, Jamaica, who emerged as a controversial yet influential figure in the dancehall music scene. His journey began at the young age of 12 when he released his debut single “Fat Women” under the alias Adi Banton. As he transitioned into a solo career, he gained recognition for his unique lyrical style and collaborations with renowned artists like Bounty Killer and Wayne Marshall. His 2003 debut album, “Up 2 Di Time”, catapulted him to dancehall stardom. Vybz Kartel’s rise was marked by headline-making clashes, including a notorious showdown with Ninjaman at the Sting festival. His music, often featuring explicit content, drew both acclaim and controversy, and he faced backlash over concerns of homophobia in his lyrics. Vybz Kartel’s career was also characterized by feuds, notably with Bounty Killer and later, Mavado, leading to a division among fans into “Gaza” and “Gully” camps. Amid these controversies, Vybz Kartel made attempts at reconciliation, releasing tracks like “Live We Living” as a call for peace. His music transcended boundaries with hits like “Clarks” and “Ramping Shop”. However, in 2011, he faced legal troubles, including charges related to the murder of music promoter Barrington “Bosie” Burton and the alleged gang member Clive “Lizard” Williams. Despite his incarceration, Vybz Kartel continued to release music, including the 2016 album “King of the Dancehall”, maintaining his status as a prominent figure in the dancehall genre.
Then on top of all of them, there’s the featured artist, Australian-born DJ Lara Fraser, renowned as one-half of the dynamic duo The Lallas alongside Laura Pradelska, who has become a fixture in the global fashion and music scenes. Transitioning seamlessly from the fashion world, where they’ve graced prestigious events like the London Fashion Awards, Monaco Grand Prix, and Cannes Film Fest, DJ Lara Fraser and her partner have made their mark as sought-after DJs. Their infectious beats have resonated across international Fashion Weeks, while DJ Lara Fraser, herself, holds the title of resident DJ and global ambassador for esteemed brands like Fashion for Conservation and Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Charity. Beyond the turntables, DJ Lara Fraser has ventured into music production, collaborating with artists worldwide on tracks like “Paper Guns” with Efya and “Animal” with Art Bastian. The Lallas also captivate audiences with their Resonance FM radio show, “Around The World With The Lallas”, making DJ Lara Fraser a multifaceted force to be reckoned with in both the fashion and music realms.
Watch the official visualizer for “Taxi Man” by Camidoh, Miss Lafamilia, and Vybz Kartel featuring DJ Lara Fraser here:
Speaking about the inspiration behind “Taxi Man” and how the exciting collaboration came together, DJ Lara Fraser says, “The song is a feel-good summer vibe about spreading love and being loyal to your girl. We linked up from all over the world for this one, and I loved every step of the process”, with Miss LaFamilia adding that, “it was so much fun making this record, I can’t wait for everybody to hear it”, and Camidoh touching on what it was like for him to work with Vybz Kartel on the song, sharing that, “It’s always great vibes when you get to do a record with a legend”.
Written by Adidja Azim Palmer, Bright Kwame Appiah, Farra Heidi Monica O’Hanlon Douglas Blake, Lara Fraser, Raphael Camidoh Kofi Attachie, and Thomas M Bell, whilst it has been produced by The Street Beats, Mix Pro, and Toddla T, “Taxi Man” is full of vibes from dancehall to afrobeats to rap to R&B to hip-hop, this has got it all. A complete fusion of genres but melodically driven together giving us this flawlessly addicting track with an unforgettable chorus – we’ll be singing this hook for the rest of the day. Impressing with their rap flow, Camidoh and Miss Lafamilia completely shine giving strong energies and creating lustful harmonies that just hit us deep inside. Add that to the infectious vocals from the legend, Vybz Kartel, and DJ Lara Fraser’s rhythmic additions, and “Taxi Man” is a formidable multi-genre anthem that we can’t get enough of.
Accompanying the single release is a portrait-style visualizer directed by burgeoning filmmaker Amane Akbaraly. It’s mainly a performance piece music video with Camidoh, Miss Lafamilia, and DJ Lara Fraser showcasing who they are as artists, while segments of the video go behind the scenes of a day in their lives, especially at the renowned Zap Studios in the heart of London’s Camberwell.
Stream the newly-released single on Spotify here:
“Taxi Man”, by Camidoh, Miss Lafamilia and Vybz Kartel featuring DJ Lara Fraser, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Ceek Global Entertainment, under exclusive license to Virgin Music Nigeria.