With the help of contemporary pop and R&B frameworks, the Ghanaian singer-songwriter King Promise, real name Gregory Bortey Newman, builds on the success of his 2019 debut, As Promised. While the guest appearances on 5 Star’s songs, which mix American hip-hop, Dutch and Nigerian afropop, and British drill, provide half of the songs a strong synergistic quality, the other half emphasize King Promise as a capable soloist.

The making of his second album also occurred amid periods of deep solace and reflection:

“Lockdown literally had my ass sitting at home, and I had enough time to think about what really matters—family, life, and love.” The end result is a persuasive blend of sincere lyrics and all-encompassing production from a variety of indigenous and Afro-diasporic artists. One tenet is followed throughout: “I only go to the studio to make music that I love, and it’s always worked for me. I only go to the studio to make music that I love.

15 songs make up the 5 Star album, which also includes WSTRN, Omah Lay, Vic Mensa, Headie One, and Bisa Kdei.