Fuse ODG: 10 Things You Need To Know About The 'Azonto' Star
He brought Afrobeats to the mainstream along with the dance trend of 2013. Here's everything you need to know about the British musician.
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1. What Is Fuse ODG's Real Name?
Believe it or not, Fuse's real name isn't actually Fuse ODG. His real name is Nana Richard Abiona.
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2. What Does TINA Stand For?
TINA stands for 'This Is The New Africa'... Fuse ODG is passionate about raising the profile of Africa and Africans. TINA, the movement he founded urges Africans to rebuild communities and present a positive image of the motherland to the rest of the world.
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3. How Did Fuse ODG Choose His Name?
The stage name Fuse came about from his fusion of musical styles and ODG stands for 'Off Da Ground'. He is known for his unusual combination of music styles, including Afro-pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk and rock.
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4. Where Was Fuse ODG Born?
Despite his focus on Afro-pop and culture, Fuse, of Ghanian descent, was born and raised in London. He does, however, speak fluent Ghanian, and spent time in the country later in life in order to learn about his cultural background.
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5. What Is The Azonto?
Fuse brought the Azonto to the world in a single (the follow up to 'Antenna') of the same name.The dance, which "involves a set of hand movements that mimic everyday activities..to embrace depictions of ironing, washing, driving, boxing, grooming, praying, swimming," was performed by real life fans of Fuse ODG in the music video which accompanied the single.
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6. The 'Azonto' Music Video
The music video for the smash hit 'Azonto' featured real fans performing the dance trend.
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7. Fuse ODG And Charity
Fuse ODG uses his skills as a musician and producer to help young people. As well as working with young offenders, Fuse pioneered and runs a group called Escape which promotes creativity in young people with the aim of keeping them off the streets and away from crime.
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8. What Is Wyclef Jean's Collection To Fuse ODG?
Wyclef Jean was inspired to remix Fuse ODG's fist single 'Antenna' after seeing the amazing reaction by the crowds at a concert to the original version of the song. The pair made a makeshift studio in a hotel room the very next day to work on the track.
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9. Fuse ODG And The Ghanian Music Awards
Fuse is the first UK born musician to be nominated for two awards at the Ghanian Music Awards. The producer later posted this picture on his Instagram page along with the words: "Chilling with my Ghana Music Award in Ghana...Thank u all for the love & support. I enjoyed my performance."
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10. Fuse ODG And David Cameron
Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed himself to be a fan of the Azonto dance craze! Fuse shared this picture with the message: "Mr Prime Minister David Cameron on his AZONTO buzz with my manager @mrhackett1 ... it's a worldwide mooooovement #TINA."
