Gambian-British artist Pa Salieu is set to release his highly anticipated mixtape Afrikan Alien on November 15th, 2024. Following his 2020 debut Send Them to Coventry and a turbulent year marked by a stint in prison, Afrikan Alien represents a pivotal moment in Salieu’s artistic evolution. The mixtape reflects his journey of resilience, self-discovery, and cultural identity, with a sound that blends the essence of Afrobeat, grime, and reggae.

After the success of his debut, Salieu faced significant personal challenges, including his imprisonment earlier this year. Yet, it was during this difficult period that Afrikan Alien began to take shape. Created through reflection and a deep processing of his life experiences, the project was completed after his release, marking a fresh start for the artist.

The mixtape features 11 tracks, including his recent singles “Belly,” “Round & Round,” and “Allergy,” as well as collaborations with artists such as Byron Messia, Black Sherif, and Odumodublvck. These collaborations further expand Salieu’s global reach, blending distinct regional sounds while staying true to his roots. Each song offers a glimpse into Salieu’s personal journey, offering listeners a narrative that balances hardship with hope.

Salieu describes Afrikan Alien as “my story, my purpose,” explaining that the mixtape is not just a collection of songs, but a deeply personal account of his life. It explores the duality of his Gambian and British heritage, with the title representing the feeling of being an “alien” in both cultures, while still claiming both as part of his identity. The project delves into the complexities of navigating these two worlds, confronting themes such as displacement, identity, and survival.

The sound of Afrikan Alien reflects this blend of cultures and experiences. With Afrobeat rhythms, reggae undertones, and the raw energy of grime, Salieu weaves together a musical landscape that speaks to his roots while embracing the global influence of modern genres. The result is a mixtape that’s as introspective as it is infectious, offering a soundtrack for resilience and self-empowerment.

“Afrikan Alien is like home-cooked food from the motherland—raw, real, and filled with love,” Salieu says, emphasizing the deep emotional connection to his heritage that drives the project. It’s a mixtape born from adversity but filled with truth, unity, and the power of self-realization.

As Pa Salieu prepares for the release of Afrikan Alien, fans and critics alike are eager to see how the mixtape marks the next chapter in his career. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles, finding strength in one’s roots, and ultimately, embracing the alienation that comes with being both from nowhere and everywhere.