The vibrant and diverse music scene of Lisbon has a new summer anthem that’s quickly making waves. $tory Teller, the multi-talented artist known for his unique blend of rap, hip-hop, afrobeats, and urban world music, has just released his latest single, “Arraial,” featuring the captivating vocals of Jéssica Portugal. The track is accompanied by a visually stunning music video available on YouTube, which also features a special appearance by Portuguese pop sensation, Ruth Marlene.
Watch the Video:
YouTube – “Arraial” by $tory Teller feat. Jéssica Portugal
Stream the Song:
Spotify – “Arraial”
Download the Audio:
Google Drive – “Arraial”
$tory Teller, born Geoffroy Tshiabu Nziuki in Kinshasa, DRC, has always been a connoisseur of eclectic sounds. Raised between New York and Lisbon, his music is a melting pot of his diverse experiences and cultural influences. His father’s love for Congolese rumba and world music legends like Césaria Évora profoundly shaped his early musical inclinations. His passion for music led him to explore rap and hip-hop, inspired by icons like 2Pac and Snoop Dogg.
$tory Teller’s journey in music began with his unofficial mixtape, “Crystal Don,” released in 2014. The positive reception from his friends, who reminisced about their high school days, fueled his passion. His first official EP, “Lisbon City Finest,” followed in 2016-2017, marking his entry into the professional music scene with notable tracks like “Green” and “Sex, Sun & Drugs” featuring Mc Zuka.
Over the years, $tory Teller has continued to evolve his sound, blending various genres and languages, from French, Portuguese, English, to Lingala. His music, characterized by its cross-cultural and international appeal, is what he describes as “Urban World Music” or “Bakongo Music.” His collaboration with DJ Diego Miranda on “Paradise Streets” and his pandemic release “Bordel” showcased his versatility and ability to connect with a broader audience.
In 2022, $tory Teller released “Amour Interdit,” a Kizomba/Ghetto Zouk track produced by Kitoko Sound. The song’s success, with over 100,000 views on YouTube and significant radio play, solidified his status in the music industry. This was followed by “Vai,” a fusion of Brazilian funk and afro sounds, which also achieved over 100,000 views.
“Arraial,” the latest single from $tory Teller, is a celebration of life, resilience, and cultural fusion. The song, set against the backdrop of summer festivities, tells the story of immigrants who start with nothing in a foreign land and gradually climb the ladder of success through hard work and perseverance. The light-hearted and fun narrative is set to an infectious beat that combines afro and urban sounds with Portuguese popular music.
Jéssica Portugal’s soulful vocals add a captivating layer to the track, perfectly complementing $tory Teller’s lyrical prowess. The special appearance of Ruth Marlene in the music video adds a nostalgic touch, connecting the past and present of Portuguese pop culture.
Review by Mr. Benjamins from This Is Hip Hop HQ:
“Hello $tory Teller, Thank you for your submission. This is a fantastic song! I love the calm, laid-back, and relaxing party vibe, and the passionate, emotional delivery by all the artists is truly commendable. The simple yet professional structure of the song, following a chorus-verse pattern, is remarkable and will undoubtedly make it easy for your fans to remember. I will be posting this on my site shortly, as I am thoroughly impressed with your work and rate it 10/10. Keep up the great work!”
The production of “Arraial” is a collaborative effort by Kitoko Sound, known for their work on $tory Teller’s previous hits “Amour Interdit” and “Vai.” The vocals were recorded at Favelita Studios in Lisbon, with Savy Bastards handling the mix and master. The music video, co-directed by Real’Ish and $tory Teller, was edited by WAT Agency, showcasing the artist’s commitment to high-quality and engaging visual content.
$tory Teller’s personal journey is as inspiring as his music. After losing his mother at the age of nine and facing financial hardships, he relied on scholarships and the support of family friends to continue his education. Despite the adversities, he remained dedicated to his music, drawing inspiration from his multicultural experiences and encounters with international artists like Akon and the Black Eyed Peas.
Having lived in various neighborhoods of Lisbon, from Campo de Ourique to Vila Franca de Xira, $tory Teller embodies the spirit of a true Lisboeta. His music, infused with the essence of the city, resonates with listeners across the globe.
Fans are encouraged to watch the music video on YouTube, leave a like, comment, and subscribe to $tory Teller’s channel. Stream “Arraial” on Spotify and add it to your summer playlists. Your support helps bring more vibrant and diverse music to the world.
Stay tuned for more exciting releases from $tory Teller as he continues to blend cultures and sounds, creating a unique musical experience that transcends borders.
