Julian Nicco-Annan, aka
Juls, counts hip-hop heavyweights ranging from
J Dilla to
Swizz Beatz as inspirations, but developed an uncluttered yet detailed hybrid Afrobeats style as traced through minor and major hits headlined by the likes of Show Dem Camp ("Feel Alright"),
Stonebwoy ("Rudebwoy Love"), and
Mr Eazi (most notably "Skin Tight"). The London-born DJ and producer was raised in England and Accra, Ghana. During the early 2010s, he got deeply into beatmaking after a period of casual interest. Once his supporting work gained significant traction, he released singles of his own, including "Teef Teef," "With You," and "Give You Love," throughout 2016. Leap of Faith, his debut album, followed in 2017. Among the collaborators were
Kojey Radical ("Temperature Rising"),
Maleek Berry and Nonso Amadi ("Early"), and
Eugy,
Not3s, and
Kojo Funds ("Bad"). A single, "Maayaa," arrived in July 2019, followed by the innovative
Colour project, which featured collaborations with a host of artists including Sweetie Irie, Sway Clarke, and
Kida Kudz. After a few years of collaborations,
Juls released his debut album,
Sounds of My World, a vibe-centric, globe-spanning collection of Afrobeats anthems. ~ Andy Kellman