M.anifest Collaborates with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea and The Cavemen on New Single ‘Puff Puff’
Celebrated as one of Africa’s most innovative hip-hop artists, M.anifest has joined forces with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ legendary bassist Flea and Nigerian highlife fusion band The Cavemen for his latest single, Puff Puff. The collaboration blends hip-hop, jazz, and highlife, showcasing a powerful synergy between diverse musical worlds.
The idea for the track took shape after a conversation between M.anifest and The Cavemen during his annual festival, Manifestivities, in Accra two years ago. The creative spark ignited when they reconnected in Lagos to develop the song further. M.anifest later traveled to Los Angeles to collaborate with Flea, whose love for jazz and admiration for Afrobeat legend Tony Allen added a unique dimension to the song. Though best known as a bassist, Flea delivers an unexpected yet soulful trumpet solo that enriches Puff Puff.
Produced by Budo (Doja Cat, Macklemore) and The Cavemen, Puff Puff is an uplifting anthem that artfully combines infectious rhythms with deep lyrical reflection. The song speaks to life’s challenges and the resilience needed to overcome them, with M.anifest offering raw verses that capture the pressure of everyday life. The Cavemen’s melodic hook, “Puff puff pass, keep the fire burning,” emphasizes perseverance, using the phrase as a metaphor for passing on strength and wisdom. Flea’s trumpet solo enhances the song’s emotional depth while maintaining a laid-back groove.
Speaking about Puff Puff, M.anifest said, “It’s one of the most seamless blends of highlife and hip-hop you’ll ever hear. The transitions from dreamy highlife to pithy verses and then the jazz trumpet solo are so smooth yet so unexpected. It’s one of my favorite collaborations because it’s innovative yet familiar.” The accompanying music video amplifies the song’s free-spirited energy, with M.anifest, Flea, and The Cavemen vibing against sun-soaked Californian landscapes, offering a laid-back but vibrant visual experience.
About M.anifest
M.anifest, a Ghanaian hip-hop artist, is celebrated for his lyrical prowess and unique ability to fuse African music with hip-hop. With critically acclaimed albums like Nowhere Cool and Madina to the Universe, he has carved out a reputation for storytelling and cross-genre experimentation. Known for his socially conscious lyrics and unexpected collaborations, M.anifest’s discography includes five studio albums, two EPs, and a mixtape. He has hinted at an upcoming sixth studio album, promising another ambitious chapter in his career.
