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Ramz Turns “Barking” Into a Chart-Topping Afroswing Anthem

South London artist Ramz has released his debut single, "Barking," via Polydor Records, and the track has rapidly climbed to Number 2 on the Official UK Singles Chart. The song, which arrived on December 1, 2017, has been certified double-platinum and earned a BRIT Award nomination for Single of the Year, marking a significant commercial breakthrough for the Afroswing genre.

The Release

"Barking" is produced by Multi and runs just over three minutes, but its impact has been anything but brief. The track pairs a melodic, singalong hook with a bouncy rhythm that feels distinctly localized to London. Lyrically, the song tells a straightforward story of modern romance, one that involves traveling across the capital to meet a love interest. The titular reference to the East London borough gives the track a specific, grounded identity that has resonated well beyond the M25.

Ramz delivers the verses with a laid-back, almost conversational flow. His delivery is not aggressive or confrontational, which separates it from much of the harder-edged drill music dominating the UK scene at the time of release. Instead, the song relies on repetition and warmth, creating an anthem that feels accessible for radio while still maintaining credibility on the street. The production is clean, with a syncopated beat that encourages movement without relying on heavy bass drops or dark soundscapes.

The accompanying music video amplifies the song's authentic London aesthetic. Shot with a vibrant, documentary-style lens, it captures the everyday culture of the city, from housing estates to late-night drives. That visual authenticity helped the track transition from a viral underground favorite to a mainstream sensation. The video has accumulated tens of millions of views, and the song's streaming numbers have remained consistently strong since its initial release. It is a rare example of a debut single that managed to achieve both critical recognition and massive commercial success without compromising its regional identity.

About Ramz

Born Ramone Rochester in Mitcham, South London, Ramz did not originally set out to be a musician. He was studying Sports Development at the University of Portsmouth when he began writing lyrics as a side passion. That academic background is somewhat visible in his methodical approach to songwriting; he is deliberate and measured, favoring clarity over complexity. He eventually abandoned the sports track entirely to focus on his music career full-time.

His sound is defined by a gentler, more self-reflective structure than many of his UK hip-hop peers. Rather than bravado or aggression, his verses lean into vulnerability and sincerity. That stylistic choice has made him an influential figure in the evolution of modern Afroswing, a genre that fuses African rhythms with UK rap sensibilities. He has carved out a lane that is distinctly his own, one that prioritizes melody and emotional accessibility.

Industry Context

The success of "Barking" arrived at a pivotal moment for UK music. The late 2010s saw a surge in British rap acts crossing over into the mainstream, but much of that attention was focused on drill music and its associated controversies. Ramz offered an alternative pathway. His track proved that a song rooted in Afroswing could achieve the same commercial heights as its more aggressive counterparts, without sacrificing its cultural specificity. That had a ripple effect across the industry, encouraging labels to invest more heavily in the genre and opening doors for other melodic artists.

The track's chart performance is particularly notable given the stiff competition it faced. Peaking at Number 2 placed it squarely in the mainstream conversation, and the BRIT Award nomination for Single of the Year confirmed that industry insiders were paying attention. In a landscape often criticized for homogeneity, "Barking" stood apart by sounding undeniably British while remaining universally relatable. It bridged a gap between underground credibility and pop appeal, a balance that many artists attempt but few achieve. The song's longevity in the cultural conversation speaks to its quality as a piece of songwriting, not just a fleeting viral moment.

Stream It

For those who have not yet experienced the track, "Barking" is available on all major streaming platforms worldwide. It remains an essential listen for fans of UK music and anyone interested in the genre's evolution beyond its traditional boundaries.

Stream "Barking" to hear the sound that shifted the UK chart landscape and cemented Ramz as a defining voice in modern Afroswing. It is a genuine hit that captures a specific time and place with universal appeal.