Bio of R2Bees

R2Bees is a Ghanaian hip hop and hiplife duo from Tema made up of two cousins, Faisal Hakeem and Rashid Mugeez. They were nominated at the 2013 BET Awards. In March 2019, the duo released their third studio album Site 15.

Career

2007–2012: Da Revolution I

R2BEES’s first single, “Yawa Gal”, was released in August 2008. They then went on to release “I Dey Mad”, which featured Unda melodies. The song topped most Ghanaian Radio Music Charts for weeks. In 2010, R2Bees released “Kiss Your Hand” as their third single.

In 2009, R2Bees released a 17-track album Da Revolution which has already released songs; ‘Yawa Girl’, I dey Mad’, ‘T.E.M.A’, ‘Kiss Your Hand’ with new songs; ‘Radio’, ‘One more Chance’ and ‘Africa’ with production from KillBeatz (Joseph Addison) as well as guest appearances from Wande Coal, Sarkodie, Samini, Kwaw Kese and a host of others.

2013–present: Da Revolution II: Refuse to be Broke

Their second studio album, Refuse To Be Broke – Da Revolution II, was released on 29 March 2013. The album had guest appearances from Wizkid, Sherifa Gunu, Davido, Tinchy Stryder and Voicemail. The album’s production was handled by KillBeatz. R2Bees released their first official single for 2014, “Lobi”. The highlife influenced song video was released on 25 September 2014.

Recognition and music style

R2Bees often sing and rap in their native language Twi and Pidgin. R2bees is one of the top purveyors of Ghanaian hip pop subgenre hiplife, which mixes rap with sounds of highlife (African pop music) and reggae. In 2012, R2Bees was featured in the Forbes list of “African celebrities to watch in 2013”. R2Bees have performed on the same stage with international musicians such as American R&B singers Mario and J Holiday.

Discography

• Studio albums
• Da Revolution I (2009)
• Da Revolution II: Refuse to be Broke (2012)
• Omar Sterling – Victory Through Harmony (2017)
• Site 15 (2019)
• Back 2 Basics (2021)

Awards and Nominations

1. Ghana Music Awards: R2Bees has been a dominant force at the Ghana Music Awards. Over the years, they have received numerous nominations and secured several wins in various categories, including:
– Artiste of the Year
– Song of the Year
– Best Group of the Year
– Album of the Year

2. African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA): The group has been recognized on the international stage as well, receiving nominations in categories like Best African Group or Duo.

3. BET Awards: R2Bees earned a nomination at the BET Awards, which is a significant achievement for African artists striving for global recognition.

4. SoundCity MVP Awards: They have received nominations at the SoundCity MVP Awards, which celebrates the best in African music and entertainment.

5. MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA): R2Bees has also been nominated for MAMA awards, which showcase the finest talent from across the continent.

Honors and Impact
In addition to their awards and nominations, R2Bees has received various honors for their impact on African music:

1. Influence on Afrobeats: R2Bees has played a pivotal role in popularizing Afrobeats, a genre that fuses various African musical styles with contemporary sounds. They are often cited as influencers by younger artists.

2. Collaborations: The group has collaborated with both African and international stars, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Wande Coal, further solidifying their position in the music industry.

3. International Tours: R2Bees has embarked on international tours, performing in different countries and connecting with fans worldwide.

Conclusion
R2Bees’ journey in the music industry has been filled with accolades, nominations, and honors. Their contribution to the Ghanaian and African music scene is undeniable, and they continue to be influential figures in the Afrobeats movement. With their unique sound and dedication to their craft, R2Bees has rightfully earned their place among the top musical acts on the continent.