When Jonna Fraser went to the writing camp of music project New Wave on Schiermonnikoog eight years ago, he came to rap and was only going to stay for two days. But because he hadn’t finished his lyrics at a studio session with Ronnie Flex, he improvisedly started humming the lyrics and melody of what would become the chorus of the hit song ‘High/Low’.
He ended up staying at the camp all week, he recalls on Wednesday evening, during the first of two sold-out concerts at AFAS Live in Amsterdam. Jonna Fraser turned out to be the infectious voice of the crop of rappers who conquered the national mainstream in the wake of New Wave. With his two concerts he kicks off a series with successful rappers of his generation; Friday is a sold-out performance by Lijpe at the same place; next week Boef will be there twice.
Jonna Fraser emerged as one of the most popular acts in the years following the Popprijs-winning hip-hop project New Wave. A remarkably driven rapper who, as a singer of sizzling and infectious melody lines, helped determine the relaxed success sound of his generation – with influences from bubbling, trap, afrobeats and r&b, among others.
Also read the interview with Jonna Fraser: ‘This generation is unstoppable’
Musical power
On a big screen, Jonna Fraser shows the critics who once said that as a ‘boombap rapper’ he should never start singing. Now he celebrates his success with his biggest concert yet – featuring a band, a DJ, stylish dancers, flames, smoke and light effects. His musical strength is also live the flexibility with which he switches from technically strong, solid rap flows to glowing vocals.
With his strong sense of melody, he sharpens his rap style – just as his breath control and technique as a rapper give his vocals extra expressiveness. He croons and raps alternately on exciting rustling electronic club beats and organic, dragging soul jams with echoing chords and drum sounds. Sometimes subdued and delicate; but also flaming, funky, colorful and raw.
De Zaandammer celebrates his success with colleagues. He sings duets with Yade Lauren, while sparks spew up around them. Presents a stimulating block of dancehall energy with Dopebwoy, Henkie T calls the stage, Nobody, KM, Frenna and Broederliefde and ends with a jubilant gospel choir.
What do you do as a Dutch artist when you have sold out AFAS Live twice, Jonna Fraser wonders. He immediately gives the answer on his screen. Next year he will give his concert at the neighbors – in the Ziggo Dome, which is roughly three times the size.