One of Africa’s most innovative hip-hop artistes, M.anifest, has teamed up with Flea, the bassist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Nigerian highlife fusion group The Cavemen. for his new single, “PUFF PUFF.”
This collaboration started with a casual chat between M.anifest and The Cavemen. during his annual music festival, Manifestivities, in Accra two years ago. Over time, their discussions turned into a musical partnership, and they eventually reunited in Lagos to create this track.
To add even more flair to the song, M.anifest met Flea in Los Angeles. They bonded over their love for jazz music, books, and the legendary drummer Tony Allen.
In a surprising twist, Flea contributed a striking trumpet solo to “Puff Puff,” despite being famous for his bass playing. The result is a powerful song that blends three different musical styles.
Produced by Budo, who has collaborated with artistes like Doja Cat, Lil Yachty, and Macklemore, “Puff Puff” is an uplifting anthem that combines hip-hop, jazz, and highlife to celebrate life and music.
The song addresses life’s challenges and the resilience needed to overcome them. M.anifest shares his honest thoughts on the pressures of everyday life while encouraging listeners to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
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The catchy line from The Cavemen—“Puff puff pass, keep the fire burning”—reminds us to stay strong and persevere. In this context, “puff puff pass” symbolizes sharing strength, wisdom, and resilience.
Flea’s trumpet solo adds a soulful and reflective touch to the track, enhancing the emotional depth of the lyrics while maintaining a laid-back vibe.
M.anifest shares the inspiration behind the single and its visuals saying, ‘‘Puff Puff’ is one of the most seamless blends of highlife and hip-hop you’ve ever heard. I really dig how we switch up from the dreamy highlife hook into the pithy verses driven by head-banging 808s, and then cap it off with that jazz trumpet solo
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It’s one of my favourite-ever collaborations because of how it’s so innovative and unexpected yet still so familiar. The video came out from a fortuitous happenstance where Flea, The Cavemen., and I were all in California at the same time,” he said.
He added “The song speaks for itself, so we shot easy going visuals where we could amplify the feel of the song through performance. It’s got this free-spirited vibe that flows effortlessly, harmonious yet reflective, set against these warm, natural backdrops. It’s cruising in a vintage car down empty streets, laid back but vibing with the energy of the moment”.
Stream the song here.
