The Devil’s Game” is far more than a song, it’s a philosophical deep dive into ambition, sacrifice, and the moral compromises we confront on the road to success. Written by Ataman Nikita and Phredxter, the track comes to life in a stunning live performance recorded at the iconic Cue Sessions, directed and produced by Ghanaian music legend Peewezel Cue, current holder of the GMA “Engineer of the Year” and “Record of the Year” awards. When Ataman steps on stage with world-class musicians under Peewezel’s direction, the result is pure magic-raw, honest, and electrifying. Fans can also explore the Acoustic Piano and Orchestral versions, each offering a fresh emotional lens on this powerful piece.

How did the idea for The Devil’s Game come about?
Well, the melody came to me almost like a daydream, while I was sitting on a lounge chair in my brother’s backyard. I don’t remember what exactly triggered it, but I remember I was working on my computer.
The melody came into my head and I immediately felt special. I rushed to my brother’s home studio and recorded it using my voice to layer various instruments.
At that point, I had not yet thought of a topic for the song, but I knew it should be something meaningful, not playful or fun.

Do you remember what first inspired it?
Actually, I first reflected on my own path in the industry and the fact that I have basically avoided doing music due to the extent to which the industry forces you to abandon or at least re-evaluate your own principles and morals for the sake of stardom and financial gain.
But when I was writing the lyrics, I tried to make them more universal because there are a lot of professions and ways of life that force a person to become someone they don't recognise.
The reality is that every human being is playing the Devil’s Game to some extent; some more than others; some having devilish intent and some blind with ignorance.
Anyone who has to convince themselves in order to fulfill that egotistical desire or wish, is playing the devils game.

The title is very powerful, “The Devil’s Game.” Is it a metaphor for something you personally experienced?
Yes and No. I never understood how people can completely let go of their inhibitions, family, religion, even conscience to become something or someone completely different.
I strongly believe that if a person can nudge their morality just a little bit for the sake of that material benefit, they are stepping onto a slippery slope.
I have had many points in my life where I had to question if I can look at myself in the mirror after making that decision. It is very hard to say no, but often very rewarding in the long run.

How would you explain the core meaning of the song to someone hearing it for the first time?
“Know yourself. Stay true to yourself. Don’t compromise yourself to avoid regret. We are all swimming in the deep. We may lose that questionable opportunity, but life is an ocean of much greater opportunities if we are patient enough. We just have to be ready for that right one to get us to the shore.”

How did the idea to create a live version of the song come to life, and why did you choose Cue Sessions as the venue?
Multiple reasons actually.
Firstly, I prefer performing live because I am able to showcase my natural voice.
Secondly, many people I have worked with so far have almost nagged me to really focus on live music.
Thirdly, I love enjoying quality live music; nothing beats that feeling when the music or vocals give me goose bumps.
And Cue Sessions was my number one choice ever since I did the first Live Session with them for my first ever single “Enigma” which is also the title track for my recently released debut album.

Was there a particular moment when you thought, “Yes, this is it, we’ve captured something special”?
You know, we only did one take. The same for my previous live session for “Enigma”.
Peewezel’s guys who played the instruments are really good.
Also, I am somewhat of a nitpicker when it comes to getting it right at my job (I am an IT professional). I can spend hours fidgeting with a design or a system.
But more recently, I have learnt to let go and let the music take the lead. Also, I have learnt to trust others who know what they are doing to do their thing. This has allowed me to focus on being me.

In your opinion, what makes music truly honest?
I think the human invention of “music” is an honest endeavor. All music is honest, regardless if someone likes it or not, it can be noise to someone, but the meaning of life to another.
When you strum those strings or blow that trumpet or hit those drums, your body speaks to the instrument. So there can be no dishonest music that comes directly from the human body’s interaction with an instrument. Just as there can be no “dishonest day’s work”; once you sweat, you have worked, even if only one grain of sand has been moved.
Music speaks the truth, whatever it may be.

If you could send one message to young artists who are still searching for their voice, what would you tell them?
Don’t be afraid to stick to your style, or to try something different. As long as you know exactly why this is you and why you are doing it, no one can take that away from you. If you choose to play the Devil’s Game and let the Devil seduce you into changing what you do and how you do it, you should know why you are doing it so there is no regret in the end.

What feeling do you hope listeners are left with after experiencing The Devil’s Game (Live)?
I hope they are left with “introspective questions” about their own lives and choices.
Did I have to do that thing to get the other thing I wanted? Did I really have to compromise? Should I jump ship or stay on but lose myself? Will I regret this in the future? Who or what am I doing this for?