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Top 10 most hated GH. musicians

Nii Atakora — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:17:51 +0000

There are lots of unloved but yet friendly musicians out there who people can’t help but cheer these days. But who wants to read a list of the most much-loved musicians when they can rather read the opposite of it. Here’s a list of the most hated figures in the Ghana music industry. It was really tough to narrow this list down and everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. Hate it or love it!!!.

10. Diana Hopeson: Her trademark ‘anago’ headgear always makes you think she is carrying so much load on her head. She should be able to realize that her time is over. Where are her age mates like Stella Seal (Dugan), Bernice Ofei, Helena Rhabbles and co? Since she took the presidency seat of MUSIGA, we still haven’t seen a change in the music industry oooh, the ‘quarrels’ are still on going.

9. Tinny: For starters, one of his nicknames is “Aletse Kankpe” or “Aletse” which literally means “father of knowledge” and people think that has bloated his ego. To cut this short, Tinny has always been arrogant and is still arrogant. Am close to him but people who are not close have made this claim and still stand by it. And you know what makes this funny ? Tinny does not care whether people hate him or not, he is still able to pull crowd.

8. Kokovelli: Anyone who liked the Trinity boys could also point an odd one out. Well, he always yelled his signature - Zaa Za Zaza Zaza. He’s already a big artiste on radio, shows and TV yet everyone seems to agree he has no talent. To his credit, he did come up with a dance that reigned in the late 90s. Luck is the best word that has to be bestowed unto Kokovelli, he had one of the best productions – Lisarf Music, was cruising a 5 series BMW at a young age, flossing around and had so many girls at his feet.

7. Reggie Rockstone: He flatly promised that he was retiring from the music scene as he proclaimed hiplife was in trouble. I wasn’t at the Fat Joe and Omarion show but what is that I heard he stooped so low to open the show for Omarion not even Fat Joe. (I guess people will remember when he was put on bill for the Jay Z concert in Ghana and refused it that Sean Carter should pay him respects by opening the stage for him or introduce him to the audience) and that’s just part of why the hiplife legend gets the ‘hateration’ treatment.

6. Obour: Call him the Diddy of the music industry. To be plain with Bice, some of his lines are wack and it’s always running faster than the beat. Anyway, he is a smart ass dude and always using music to ‘curtain raise’ his projects and always ends up getting the ¢¢¢¢¢¢¢¢¢. So people please don’t hate, like they always say it’s all about the benjamins. Question: Obour, have you consider retiring from the game. Answer: Naah, it’s because of the love I have for the game.

5. Alhaji Sidiku Buari: Up till date, he is the most feared man in the Ghanaian music industry. He is best at taking people to court and always winning. You dare write or talk something bad about him, which is even true, he will have his own way of winning. What a world!!! And I hear he has bought most of the musicians so that makes him their mouthpiece.

4. Czar: Despite how many people like his song, “Araba Lawson”, most other people don’t feel the same. After people heard he was a spare parts dealer at Abbosey Okai and was making lots of cash there. They think he should stick his nose there rather. The main reason why music fans were not down with Czar was his ‘class one’ rhymes - Fly, fly, oh fly. This girl gonna make you fly. “So beautiful like butterfly. Touch my body, Mr starch. Yes, I no dey lie. Menya no a, sweetie pie. Pie pie”. Why does he think we want to shout our nursery rhymes and poems again.

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3. Kontihene: This rapper sings and raps which I think makes him versatile and has made him brig out good songs. But if you near him, you will know who really he is. Radio DJs, managers, TV stations, event organizers and all bodies that that work in line with Ghanaian music will tell you really he is. People don’t move with Kontihene because he has a very bad attitude – always having issues here and there no wonder he does not have so many Ghanaian musicians as pals. And what did I hear that his last manager, Micky Osei Berko (Master Richard) bolted away with his money, hmmm.

2. Mzbel: Miss Elizabeth may have enjoyed a successful year as the best female artiste, but it wasn’t that long time ago when she was almost ‘devoured’ by male KNUST students when she performing and was paid a surprised visit by unannounced guests at her premises. The term sex and nudity sells, is what Mzbel and her dancers have employed in their promotional strategy. Most females hate Mzbel because she is very trashy and does not add classiness to her sexiness and style.

1. Samini: For Emmanuel Samini I don’t know why people envy him for his hard earned stardom. The guy worked his ‘ass’ to the top, so why. It’s so funny, his own music peers talk behind him but hail him when he is on stage commanding the audience. Are you guys for real. Eeeei, MTN even made it worse when they made him in icon in their company and he later started cruising a black Land Cruiser on black rims.

4×4 ‘crunking up’ with new video

Nii Atakora — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:09:18 +0000

Captain Planet and Abortion have a new video for their upcoming album, HotGirls.com.

Ghana Music.com has already premiered the video, MTV base and Chanel O will soon have them showing on their networks. With this, what more proof do you want?

Certified a class ‘A’ video clip, the hiplife duo 4×4 is yet to release the third album which will be called HotGirls.com, but have been honouring a couple of performances in and out Accra.

Since they announced they were ‘going’ crunk, some fans have received the news as a ‘shocker’, others have urged them on whiles are disappointed. But they officially announced to me that they are adding more crunk music to their album.

You know…after watching the video at the LXG Studios, I can’t help but go crazy over the well laid lyrics by Captain Planet which can be rapped along anytime it’s played.

I wonder why the video director, Jerry of LXG Studios decided to use 3 girls only since the song was centred on ‘hot girls’.

Appearances by the God father of hiplife, Reggie Rockstone and Prodigal of VIP added some ‘flex’ to the video.

With that said, I think this video will be a hit for them only if they have a well strategized promotional method.

GMA is over…highest winners voice out

Nii Atakora — Sat, 12 May 2007 23:59:41 +0000

The Ghana Music Awards Festival seeks to honour musicians in the Ghanaian music calendar that have excelled during a certain period ranging from highlife to gospel to hiplife to African pop.

This year was filled with a lot of swerves, jeers, cheers, tears and shocking award winners but all the same it has happened.

The biggest surprise for the night was King Ayisoba who scooped the highest award – “Most Popular song of the Year”; the other favourite winners were Samini, Kwaku Gyasi and Obrafour.

The much talked about award ceremony Ghana Music Awards Festival 2007 (Golden Jubilee Edition) has finally come to an end. But most of the award winners are taking it easy and others have returned to the studio booth to bring out more songs.

Ghana Music.com decided to have an interview with the highest winners and see what’s been happening with them.

SAMINI

Ghana Music.com: Your performance was amazing. Did you rehearse that performance? I mean how did you get the audience to rhyme with you?
Samini: I did everything myself. I rehearsed only once with the band. The secret is you put yourself in the act and get the observers into the same act. It was a freestyle performance but my concentration wasn’t there that much because it was an award show not a concert and my time too was limited but I was still able to carry the day.

Ghana Music.com: What award took you by surprise?
Samini: Artiste of the Year, I had the feel for it because it was a serious category with serious nominees.

Ghana Music.com: So now is there pressure on you to do more?
Samini: Of course, with every honour comes new stuff from you.

Ghana Music.com: With all these bag of awards, what’s the ultimate?
Samini: Am urging myself to the GRAMMY.

Ghana Music.com: GMA is over, what’s cooking in your camp?
Samini: Hmmm, Am still recording and might drop some singles as to what happens in the society.

OFORI AMPONSAH

Ghana Music.com: So what’s the feeling?
Ofori Amponsah: Am reorganizing my self. I want to follow the constituency by releasing a new album this year.

Ghana Music.com: Ghana Music Awards 2008, what should people expect next year?
Ofori Amponsah: Am not thinking of the awards but rather focusing on spreading to other areas with my music.

Ghana Music.com: What award were you amazed with?
Ofori Amponsah: Producer of the Year, It took me by surprise.

Ghana Music.com: From Otoolege to Emmanuella to …?
Ofori Amponsah: It’s now Highlife time and then after there would be some surprises. But I would be producing more unknown artistes just like the way I have done with Kofi B.

KING AYSIOBA

Ghana Music.com: When you entered the auditorium, what was the feeling like?
Ayisoba: When I entered, there was hope in me. And I knew if there was no cheating, I would win a lot of awards.

Ghana Music.com: How do you feel beating Ofori Amponsah, Samini and Kwaku Gyasi to the Most Popular Song?
Ayisoba: Because I had hope, I knew I would win against them. My song is been sang in the Northern and Southern parts of Ghana more than songs.

Ghana Music.com: What keeps you strong when you play the Kolgo ‘live’ on stage?
Ayisoba: I have my own style and I don’t play along any instrumental to use. It’s an inbuilt thing. When I was 3 years, I started playing the Kolgo instrument that my grandpa transferred on me.

Ghana Music.com: So what is going through your mind now?
Ayisoba: Am so happy and will like to say a big thank you to all those who voted for me. I would take Ghana far.

Ghana Music.com: When is the new one coming up?
Ayisoba: My producer Panji is mixing it.

KWAKU GYASI

Ghana Music.com: I did not spot your wife at the award ceremony?
Kwaku Gyasi: Yeah, she is currently in Canada and supports me from there well. I even dedicated an award to her. She and all the people in Canada have been very helpful. I want to use this medium to thank them a lot.

Ghana Music.com: So far what’s up?
Kwaku Gyasi: Am really feeling happy. Am happy for all that God has done for me.

Ghana Music.com: Were you surprised at any of the awards?
Kwaku Gyasi: Yes of course. Most Popular song of the year should have gone to me. But hey the people have decided so what more can I say.

Ghana Music.com: Any word to your fans?
I want to give thanks to God first. My Canada, Ghanaian and world fans, I say a big thank you.

Albums we expected to see, but didn’t…

Nii Atakora — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:31:56 +0000

Hammer

The much hyped and talked about compilation of Hammer was not heard. It was expected that Hammer was gonna release a new breed of Last 2 boys as he did with big guys like Okra, Bollie, Kwaw Kese and more.

The “Crusading of the Lost Files” had cuts like ‘Nano’ and ‘Bronya’ which was supposed to ignite the album into ‘2G7’.

Negotiations for the album slowed it down and made the well thought of lyrics unheard of, unless you get copies of the album on the music market (I hear it’s on the market but I have not personally seen a copy).
TH 4 Kwages

Listen! It was all set for (new) TH4 Kwages to drop their album, and then Olasty Bingo kicked the bucket sadly.

“Early last year, I lost my brother, Olasty, which made me slow down in so many things”, said Atsu Koliko.

Atsu Koliko has quickly recovered from the shock and will be bouncing back soon from Takoradi, holding it down for TH4 Kwages. The new thing you would be seeing of from Atsu Koliko is that he has cut off his dreadlocks.
Ronny Coaches

When rumours of the break-up of Buk Bak was circulating in the Ghanaian music scene, the time two artistes (Bright and Ronny) in question were recording secretly. Bright was the first to stick his head out with his “Light Over Darkness” album with lead song, ‘Condom’.

Fans of hiplife music and Buk Bak expected Ronny to prove to Bright that he could also be on his own. Well, he did an international reggae album (that’s how he terms the album) with the help of his youth group called Shatta Youth. To me Ronny Coaches made a promise he’s yet to deliver. Where is the album?

…Artistes we will be seeing with albums in ‘07

Pope Skinnie

Is it true that Pope Skinnie is really hustling to bring a good album out? Surely with his involvement with a few up and coming artistes and sound engineer, Quick Action, people expect to see an album executively produced well by Quick Action and Jay Q to kick off this year.

Okra

I have heard a number of songs of Okra from sound engineers like Oteng, Okyeame Quophi, and Hammer whose beats dominates the album. Okra has kept his pace with the already established ones even though he has not released his maiden album.

Okra’s big fan base around the world is patiently waiting for him this year. Even though his verses are too hard core, he will still be acknowledged when he lets the cat loose.

And hey, he will be surprising his fans with some singing as well. Do cats sing? Hmmm…

Ex Doe

Ex Doe came back strong in 2005 and hurriedly recorded a full album but didn’t release it. Why? We still don’t know yet.

It has been said that the only thing that can bring Ex Doe back, is his voice on Hammer’s beat. His fans demand to see him big this year. The new album has the potential to be a blockbuster for ’07.

Tinny

Everyone! Please read this part well - Tinny promises to be the real Tinny everyone know since he emerged onto the scene.

He is crossing over to do a few dancehall tunes on the new album. With the new Tinny projects installed, we hope there will be no excuses why the album did not go on well. A word to Tinny my boy; your fans want to experience the real Tinny - meaning they want to feel songs like ‘Makola Kwakwe’, and ‘I believe I can fly’.

4×4

All has not been well for Captain Planet and Abortion, members of 4×4 since the release of the “Contestant no. 1″ album. When I spoke to Abortion, he said they did not want to release last year but wanted to release this year just to make sure they give their fans what they really want.

Handsome looking Captain Planet is always scoring good points with his rap verses. In some parts of Ghana, they are heralded as Kings but now they want to cover the whole Ghana with their third album.

VIP

oodies Music Production decided to release VIP’s album last year but all did not go well for them as they had to put the album on hold.

They went back to the lab to do remix of the album. It seems the way their fans carried them high with the success they had with the “Ahomka Womu”, isn’t the same way with the “Pussy Cat” album

From what I hear they are living leaving large in Naija so they are not but what about Ghana, VIP? We are thirsty.

Ebo’o

Just like Okra, he made headlines with just a single from the Appietus compilation titled, ‘Once, Twice’. Ace radio presenter promised a follow-up with a debut album, executively produced Venus World Records handled by Confidence, CEO of Aphrodisiac Nite Club.

What’s happening Ebo’o. The ladies are still waiting for that sweet voice of yours.

Views of some artistes & stakeholders on the Top 10 Hiplife Lyricists List

Nii Atakora — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:18:48 +0000

Many frequent visitors of Ghana Music.com read the “Best Of All Time Hiplife Lyricists: Obrafour Takes No. 1 Spot, Tinny Lands At Four…” and some posted their comments and others sent me mails telling me who should have been in the list and who shouldn’t have been in.

Well, here I go again and this time round, I decided to ask some artistes and stakeholders of the game what they thought of the list. Below are their own comments.

Obrafour

“To me I think Okyeame Quame has the words and should have been in the third position. I don’t think Castro is better than Obour. Nkasei should have been there and I think Shy should have represented Nkasei. My only problem is Okyeame Quame, he should have moved forward”.

Mzbel

“I personally think all the artistes in the list deserve to be there but there is a but here. Castro is OK but there is a question mark about his rap. Castro is not a storyteller rather he rhymes. Tinny has good lyrics but he keeps repeating his verses of old songs on new ones. Okyeame Quame should have been in the first three. The rest of the artistes are ok with me”.

Jay Q

“It’s a cool list, I mean everything about the list but Tinny at number four bothers me. One of the future lyricists is Shilo. Shilo can rap”.

Kokovelli

“Some artistes in the list just talk and don’t rap. Kwaadee raps and Okyeame Quame raps. Promzy has also got the flow not forgetting Dogo. To me there are some youngs ones who are good than the grown ups in the game”.

Obour

“An artiste’s lyrical content should be something you can listen without beat. Artistes like Okyeame Quame and Naa K should have come up. If they are not respected by fans, we the artistes respect them a lot”.

Okra

“Reggie, Kwaadee, Tinny and Okeayme Quame all deserved to be in the list. Lord Kenya should have come before Castro because a lot of people know him with his rap style. Castro is a good rapper but lyrics wise I don’t think so. A few names have also been left out”.

Nii Mantse

“Reggie has nice lyrics and you always pick him over other artistes. Obrafour is Ok but am kinda disappointed with his current album because his style of music has changed. When he brought ‘Pae Mu Ka’ no one was doing that kind of thing. He is now doing what everyone is doing now. But I know a lot of underground artiste who are very good and can fit in the list”.

*Am amazed by the way most of the commentators keep giving respect and big ups to Okyeame Quame for his flow. When speaking to Obour on phone, he described him as the doctor of the hiplife genre and will always big him up.

There is another question for you reading this article to answer. Why didn’t the female artistes make it onto the list?

Do you still have problems with what they said? If you do and you are a registered member of Ghana music.com, please post your comments on the site or email me at michael@ghanamusic.com.

NB: Before I started the article on the top 10 best hiplife lyricists, I spoke and called a number of industry players be it hiplife artistes, video directors, producers and a journalists.

Tinny’s selections were:
Obrafour
Kwaadee
Okyeame Quame
Reggie Rockstone
Okra
Naa K
Castro
Kwaw Kese
Captain Planet
Tinny

Panji’s selections were:
Reggie Rockstone
Obrafour
Kwaadee
Sidney
Obour
Kontihene
Kwaw Kese
Lazzy
Prodigal
Castro

Hammer’s selections were:
Obrafour
Reggie Rockstone
Kwaadee
Joe Frazier
Okyeame Quame
Okra
Kwaw Kese
Obour
Lord Kenya
Tinny

Okyeame Quophi’s selections were:
Okyeame Quophi
Obrafour
Lord Kenya
Sidney
Obour
Kwaadee
Okyeame Quame
Reggie Zippie

*Okyeame Quophi said he only has eight lyricists.

Dan Shankson’s selections were:
Reggie Rockstone
Obrafour
Obour
VIP
Mzbel
Batman
Buk Bak
Sidney
Kwaadee
Castro

Jay Q’s selections were:
Obrafour
Castro or Lord Kenya (should be at number 2)
Dr. Poh
Okyeame Quame
Promzy
Kwaw Kese
Bollie
Praye
PV of Wutah
Sheege of Triple M

Nii Mante’s selections were:
Kwaw Kese
Quata
Okra
Obrafour
Red Eye
Tinny
Scizzo
Kwaadee
Okyeame Quame
Reggie Rockstone

Webmaster of Ghana Music.com’s selections were:
Obrafour
Tinny
Kwaadee
Akyeame
Papa Shoto
Abrewa Nana
Buk Buk
VIP
Mensa
Reggie Rockstone

Sir George’s selections were:
Obour
Obrafour
Lord Kenya
Wutah
Tic Tac
Kontihene
Praye
Castro
Batman
Bak Tye

Prime Eye’s selections were:
Reggie Rockstone
Kwaadee
Obrafour
Tinny
Okyeame Quame
Okra
Nkasei
Batman
Wutah

Ogee’s selections were:
Reggie Rockstone
Obrafour
Kwaadee
VIP
Sidney, formerly of Nananom fame
Obour
Batman
Tinny
Praye
Wutah

9 hiplife artistes that will vie for the next hiplife lyricists of all time

Nii Atakora — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:46:44 +0000

The hiplife industry is really choked with artistes who claim they are lyricists but to me, a few of them stand out tall.

This time round, my editor (Kevin) and I have handpicked some talents that will spark up the hiplife movement one day with lyrical flow, thus taking Ghanaian music to another level.

Captain Planet

Captain Planet with his partner, Abortion all of 4×4 were hiding in Buk Bak’s shadow until they came out with the ‘Sikletele’ album following it up with up a single on Obrafour’s compilation, ‘Rekpete’ before their second album, ‘Contestant number 1’.

He is leading the team of hiplife artistes who are below 26 years like Okra, Quata, Kwaw Kese and more.

An offspring of Buk Bak, Captain Planet is the only rapper who can rap in Twi, Ga, Ewe and Pidgen.

His Future:
He is gradually snatching the baton from Bright, formerly Buk Bak and can stand alone without Abortion.

He is planning to do collaboration with Babashanti and it will be a full Nigerian pidgen album just because of their pidgen single, ‘Rekpete’ which was well received by Africans.

Okra Tom Dawidi

Okra is a young artiste and has got a huge fan-base nationwide just because of the hit song, ‘Ayekoo’ with Obrafour and Tinny. Other featurings with Castro, Kwaw Kese, Sidney, Bohye Ba (Pozo) and more have placed him on a certain height in the game.

Okra hangs with premier lyricists like Obrafour, Tinny, Kwaw Kese, Bright, formerly of Buk Bak and Castro and will have no problem, because all these artiste are willing to bless his upcoming album with their voices.

His Future:
Okra’s fame has grown so fast just with the single, ‘Ayekoo’ on Obrafour’s compilation and another on ‘Sounds of Our Time’. Okra’s lyrics are mostly based on subjects in the animal kingdom. If you carefully pay attention to his verses, you will realize he calls his girl-lover or girl – ‘Okra Waa’.

Okra has painted himself as a hardcore rapper but promises a change in his hardcoreness on his debut album.

With the mega hit ‘Ayekoo’, radio DJs will be rushing for his album when he releases it hopefully this year, which will take him to higher places.

Kwaw Kesse

Another foot soldier in Hammer’s camp is Kwaw Kese, I would say Kwaw Kese’s lyrics are too ‘raw’ atimes but has a sense of humour making you forget about the ‘rawness’.

He will certainly give the greatest top ten hiplife lyricists a serious run for the crown in the next 5 years. As a rapper, his skills are improving every year.

His Future:
Say all you want about Kwaw’s flow that it is profane and the likes but that same style has for pushed him to deliver his own album ‘Na Ya Tal’. Did anyone pay attention to ‘Oye Nonsense’ and ‘Kwaw Kwaw’ on Obrafour and Hammer’s compilation respectivelty. You’ll realize how much he’s grown musically.

His featurings on the albums of Bak Tye and on the unreleased album of TH 4 Kwages will help push his name in the game very far.

He will get a comfortable position to place his head because of his flow based on sex, love, women and hardcore things that will make the hiplife game competitive.

Mensa or Shine

He is not only a lyricist but a writer, beat maker and co-produced Reggie Rockstone’s, last album titled ‘The Last Show’.

Mensa is too good but I don’t know why he likes to lay low. Listening to him on tracks like ‘Mensesa’ and ‘The Mapouka Dance’ on Reggie Rocstone’s ‘Meka’ slbum and songs of artistes like Obrafour, 2 Cedis and VIP, the only thing that came into my mind was a new star has been born.

His Future:
His raps are one that you will understand without thinking much and is currently gearing to release what he calls his official album.

Many of you readers might not know Mensa because he is an underground but his well thought of flow infused with his slang is incomparable. The forefathers of hiplife pay attention to his flow and beats.

Pope Skinnie

Since Pope Skinnie came into the rap scene in the late 90s, his fans and friends have heralded him high because of the Akuapem rap style he chose. ‘Man’, this boy really did it on his last album which did not do well on the market but hey the verses were tight and looked matured.

His Future:
He has immortalized the game and just needs that little push to see him in the star light. These are all good rappers when it comes to lyrics but for some reasons they stay on low. His yet to be released second album is been sought after by some ‘big time producers’ in Ghana and Italy.

Skinnie’s, second album is slated for the end of this August and we are going to see some singles produced by Jay Q and more. He will be teaming up with some of the finest lyricists in the game and we will see how long he can keep himself in the game.

Quata

He is very humorous and that is the part he is sticking to. Quata lives up to all his songs on his albums.

His Future:
He has not had much success on radio yet still he’s been adored. Quata’s lyrics are evident on his second album, titled ‘Concert’.

The only thing his fans critcised him for was why he featured on Tinny’s reply song to Buk Bak. But gained his name back after Tinny started promoting ‘Kunto Aha’. You should get to listen to him on Kojo Antwi’s new album.

Quata will have other artistes below the top belt only if he gets a good production house.

Praye Honehoo or Eugene of Praye

Basically the group is talented but Praye Honeho to me is the best among the group (Praye) and I see the other two, Praye Tiatiaa (or Big J) and Praye Tintin (Kente) as his hype men.

His Future:
He will be a mainstay on the game. I don’t wish anything bad for Praye but if they break up or decide to persue solo careers, Eugene can make it. His storyelling verses are simply unstoppable and something to talk about.

Bright

Everyone heard Buk Bak were going to break up but were not so sure until Bright and Ronny spilled it out that they were not going to be together any longer.

Bright always did his two rap verses on any of Buk Bak’s songs well; forget about his singing. His ‘klu blofo‘ kind of rapping interlaced with ‘Twi’, ‘Ga’ and ‘Pidgen’ is atimes funny but comes out some vital informations for public consumption.

His Future:
As far as hiplife goes, Bright will still remain a member of it. Bright’s first solo album will prove whether he can move to the no. 1 spot. For me I think Bright was really a lyricist when he was with Buk Bak but going solo, his lyrics are kind of cool and childish but still funny though.

Wutah

One of the biggest thing that has happened to the hiplife scene is Wutah coming out of the ghetto with a tight album. They are reggae / ragga artistes but are verstalite.

Virus Wutah and Sugar Risky have carved a good image for themselves with just an album.

Their Future:
Since they introduced themselves unto the game, they’ve hard a consistent formula to churn out good lyrics on all their songs. And all is seen on their latest single, ‘Change Your Style’ on Appietus Compilation.

Artistes that could have been a serious threat to the aforementioned lyricists:

Sway Da Safo

In 2005, Sway beat 50 Cent and The Game for the award for ‘Best hiphop Act’ at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO).

Sway has too much in his head and is proudly lifting the flag of Ghana well in London. Sway’s album, ‘This is My Promo Vol. 1 & 2’ has been well received in Ghana and London.

Bandana

I personally spoke to Bandana and he said he does not do hiplife music rather he is a reggae artiste.

A lot of fans and lovers of raglife and dancehall music have tipped Bandana to go international ahead of big dogs like Batman.

Kweku T

He has not got a lot of fans but knows how to make good tunes. A lot of people might not know him but if you are a follower of Reggie Rockstone, Panji, DJ Black and NFL or Eddie Blay you will know him.

Coming from the ‘Talking Drum’ dynasty with Abeiku and Bertram, he had no problem making it on the music industry in the late 90s and, one of the songs that could be well remembered is ‘Toto Mechanic’.

If you think there are some other artistes, whose names were not mentioned, please mail me at michael@ghanamusic.com or let your comments be read if you are a registered member of Ghana music.com. If not, click here to register and comment.

Best of all time (Hiplife) lyricists: Obrafour takes no. 1 spot, Tinny lands at four…

Nii Atakora — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:27:28 +0000

I was just lying in bed listening to a popular hiplife artiste’s (name withheld) song on radio and was I like ‘damn’ this artiste is good. I decided to compile my own list after I spoke to some stakeholders in the hiplife industry. I knew arguing about hiplife artistes with the best lyrics would spring up a debate or confusion but I was ready to go on with it.

Beats or instrumentals and lyrics are the essential elements of hiplife music but I decided to tackle lyrics or flow of the Ghanaian hiplife artistes. My criterion was artistes that could move the nation with their words alone, entertain, good storytellers, teach fans about good things, bringing out new styles – terms, dance moves and slangs.

Grandpapa of hiplife, Reggie Rockstone defines a good hiplifer with good lyrics as “someone who has to be a storyteller, add humour to his lyrics before think of other subjects”.

With all this said, am not claiming that the list is 100 % perfect. I talked this over with some artistes who are yet to release their albums and the talk became so heated up that it boosted me to write this article.

1. OBRAFOUR

At his height, he was one of the most consistent rappers, and most of all more prophetic and poetic. Artistes had to bow down and pay heed to the short man with dread locks anytime he held the mic.

Obrafour’s verbal prowess and delivery had all people talking about him when he emerged from Hammer’s camp riding on his hip-hop beats.

He was able to gun down the ‘best original song’ award (lyrics) at the 2003 Ghana Music Awards with ‘Ntetee Pa’ plus other awards and has not looked back. Many people favour Obrafour when it comes to hiplife rappers who have good lyrics.

Discography: ‘Pae Mu Ka’, ‘Asem Sebe’, ‘Time Out For Adhesion (TOFA)’, ‘Ntetee Pa’, ‘Execution Diary’ and ‘Heavy’.

Little bit of Lyrics of ‘Pae Mu Ka’:

“Open the door, Come in. Mope Acapulco bay anaa mengba oshin. Tetefoo se kinprin, jeans yefre no domprin. Tonabo aboski, ebi ye gabardine. Electricity mma ye no, na yen nyinaa ara usu kerosene. Wei nye ntokwasem, fa wo dokono, m’apockete me sardine. Se mehia mogyaduro a, menom Madam Catherine. I swear, all bi money matter. Walahi, Super Hannah Allah”.

Hammer Speaks for Obrafour:

“Obrafour has always got perfect timing, perfect rap, perfect style, perfect rhyming. He does not go off beat. He has the best lyrics followed by Okomfoo Kwaadee”.

2. REGGIE ROCKSTONE

Reggie Rockstone claims he has retired from hiplife music but has been seen performing and it was recently announced that he was switching from hiplife to hip-hop, his true roots but he still made it on my list.

Even though he is the pacesetter of hiplife, he is one of the few hiplife artistes who have reigned in the late 90s and is still being respected.

He still maintains his hip-hop credibility fused with highlife. He’s been adored by everyone worldwide. Reggie is still one of the most viable rap acts living. When you factor in all his hits, his longevity and how much style he’s brought to the hiplife game, there’s no denying that he fits into the number two position.

The pioneer of rap music in Ghana has his specialty in Asante Twi. He is also well versed in English too. He has been internationally acclaimed and has performed in many places in West Africa, UK, France, USA and Switzerland.

Discography: ‘Makaa Maka’, ‘Me Na Me Kae’, ‘Me Ka’ and ‘Last Show’.

Little bit of Lyrics of ‘Keep Your Eyes On the Road’:

“Then clap your hands like there was a million mosquitoes in here. Jump like you was some crazy Akrantee. Party people, show me how you’re feeling back there.

Do you wanna party, boogie, then get out your chair. The big behind baby came to shake her rear. Call me whatever you want, but don’t call me sir. Black musketeer, I swear. I do declare this year, definitely my year, so cheer. ‘Cos that’s all the boy really wanna hear but beware. No fear, I see the jealousy everywhere. I work for myself, so you can’t tell me nothing.

Now who’s laughing. I told ya the plan kid, you thought I was bluffing. Never say die ’til the bones are rotten. I dropped one album, now everybody’s rapping it!”.

Panji Speaks on Reggie Rockstone:

“Reggie hasn’t written in a long time but his songs are exceptional. When he writes about a subject, he does it very well. I really love his ‘Visa’ song and the lyrics”.

3. OKOMFOO KWAADEE

Okomfoo Kwaadee could be best described as a storyteller in the hiplife game. He came with the name Okomfo but a character he chose in his song ‘Kwaadee’ was bestowed on him.

Having climbed high the ladder of ‘kasahare’ with his powerful traditional lyrics, everyone has embraced his style of narrative stories in his songs at the same time advising the public.

His latest ‘Nsem Pi’ album has already placed him ahead of some of the front-liners of hiplife music.

Discography: ‘Kwaadee’, ‘Metoaso’, ‘Okomfo Se Koo’, and ‘Nsem Pi’.

Little bit of Lyrics of ‘Ahwedee Abena’:

“Yaayaa, obaa Yaa, gyae saa. Akwadaa ketewa a, woregu m’awaree yi. Wo dee daabia wo nie, daabia, yenpie. Woasobre n’ano, woregye. Meka se mentua, meboa, metua mmo ho. Tonoo, twa a, oretwa ne ho. N’atadee da ne ho, ne spray agye ne ho

Woagyinagyina mu, shining shoe, wafa ne ho. Orebefa me akopira me, akodaa bone.
Ose yebeko niteclub, yebeko Foxtrap. Asa a abasoo, eho na yesa noo. Behwe awosoo ne mmosoo papa bi. Ohuri si ha, na wawoso, osi ha, na wapete. Akwadaa no dee, ne hoo hare o. Oye obaa bi a, otumi ne ho. Obaa bi a, obu ne mu”.

Prime Eye Speaks for Okomfo Kwaadee:

“Kwaadee is a storyteller and that is what is expected of every hiplife artiste or rapper. He stands out tall when compared to others. He is a very good story teller in his lyrics”.

4. TINNY

It comes as no surprise how far Tinny has gone by maintaining the way he rapped on his debut album, ‘Makola Kwakwe’ and the featurings he made after that.

He is a proud Ga boy and represents his tribe with grace. He has indeed transcended all racial barriers.

Tinny has blossomed into one of the most refreshing hiplife artistes with his heavy Ga thinking lyrics.

Discography: ‘Makola Kwakwe’ and ‘Aletse’.

His lines on K. K. Fosu’s ‘Suudwe’ remix:

“Edzo bodoo, payanku, payanku. Edzo bodoo, kokroku, kokroku.Tinny (2x). Payanku (2x). Aletse (2x), kokroku. Ke gbe ke dede, woofo, woofo. Egbe ke dede, wongba la woofo. Yoole, noko feemo be nuhuu. Eye noto noto noto noto. Desele fuu (2x). Ricky naa badu na butwobi. Minan niake sikele haa, okonu moo. Hyikaa mii noomo le, esele kolaa. Mihyii konti se ni mammoko. Minka bue kotoo kee mboto. Ka bete mii, Bob Marley ke hyeew. Neewo Dzormo hamo nena koo nehe true”.

Nii Mantse Speaks for Tinny:

“Aletse has got nice lyrics and punch lines; he has control over his lyrics. Tinny has great wordplay and knows how to manipulate a beat. There are very few artistes who have the kind of artistic maturity Tinny has. Plus, he made it cool to rap Ga and he sounds street like”.

5. CASTRO

Castro has been on the scene for 5 years but has not stayed for long as some rappers on this list, but you can’t deny the lyrical flow that this young dude has since Jay Q discovered him.

For the new generation of hiplife, he is reigning and could be heralded high if his third album is lyrically good.

Fame aside, Castro has exhibited dexterity on the mic that even grown ups applaud him for. If you have paid attention to the lyrics of ‘Bone Shaker’ or the award winning song ‘Toffee’, you will know why he fits into the list.

Discography: ‘Damages’ and ‘Toffee’.

Little bit of Lyrics of ‘Toffee’:

“Mepe me ereye no o. Ma ereye no oye me fe o. Didedide, didedide. Ma eregyae no, ko do ye. One, two, three, four. And da walking da movement. Go And da movement da walking – Go. Ma ereye no, oye me de o – Go. Ntsi manka a, na ma fa wo la – Go. Enne nansa egya me ho no. Na mankotsen, hwe m’entsum anda – Go

Mebre papa, he, wo paa. Mebre ye, mebre ye, hwe ade – Go. Sister, maatse a, enne nansa no, mankotsen meyee ye no olaste me paa – Go. Se me ara metse a, hwe mentse – Go. Me ne wo nam a, hwe wongye – Go. Se esre wo a, na eresee adze – Go”.

Jay Q speaks for Castro:

“Castro’s style is a danceable one. When it comes to hiplife his choruses rocks and his rap is hot. There is always some fire behind it. He is the new Lord Kenya who comes out strong. He always goes with the sing along way, which gets you there. He can take any subject and rock it with a beat. His ‘Toffee’ has identified hiplife in a way”.

6. OBOUR

He’s definitely had influence on a lot of Ghanaians be it an artiste or a fan. The way he has been accepted into the game is amazing. He always springs up surprises onto the music industry.

To be accepted into the Ghanaian music industry, one thing an artiste needs is good lyrics and Obour has that and that has earned him a good spot on the music industry.

He’s almost covered the whole nation with his songs and stage performance. No wonder he emerged as the first hiplife artiste to receive many awards during Ghana Music Awards 2005.

Discography: ‘Atentenben’, ‘Akademu’, ‘Dondo’ and ‘Atumpan [Project Obour.com (Menwu Biom)]’.

Lyrics for Konkontibaa:

“Fa no se mangodua bi si wo nfikyire. Na daabi a, nkwadaa nkwadaa ko pru di. Amango yi ye mono, amango yi yede. Wobeye den bra panyin, na woanya bi adi. Agye se, woate ne bunu, na wode ako sie. Yekyere sie, ansaa na, yakotu mmire
Mankani ahan, na edane kontommire. Nsutaa nketenkete, apotom bibrie

Me, yemmo Black Stars no bio. Cedis no nso, aye dada, menni bio. Medi dollars, mebo Starlets. Afei, so mensa, odo yentu mpasa. Eboo biara yeden, eboo yenni mu ketewa. Obaasima bi ara nni ho a, ne nfi asusua. Enne mmere mu, obi nkyere akodaa Nyame. Fa no ko fie, ma no aduane. Bosome baako akyi, wadane maame
Konkontiba adane aponkyereni”.

Sir George Speaks for Obour:

“Whiles some artistes are talking about themselves or other material things, Obour rather talks of things in the society. You always find something in what he says. His lyrics advices and cautions at the same time. His lyrics are good and crazy, which makes him a teacher. His current song, ‘Okoaba’ on road safety is good. Aside entertaining, he educates too”.

7. OKYEAME QUAME

Fashionable Okyeame Quame was able to get out of his cocoon after the split of the Akyeame group. Akyeame was the smoothest group when hiplife was given birth to. But let’s all get it real, the chosen one, ‘Bohye Ba’ lived up to all his verses on Akyeame’s album and his solo album. Dubbed Ghana’s hiplife poet, he could bend words at a rapid pace on his songs or songs of anyone he featured on.

The man with the flyest flow seems to be transferring his skills to his junior brothers known as Da Bradez in the same hiplife game.

Discography: ‘Bohye Ba’ and ‘Efi Fiee’.

His lines on one of Akyeame’s songs, ‘Mesan Aba’:

“Meye wo nkom ode abre a, wo were aho. Menfa me ho ntete, daa mesra wo. Mede odo ntoma pa na ebe fira wo. Ahobrasee mpaboa na ebehyia wo. Tumtum see o, m’aye krado. Meso agu w’ano, ma woatia mu, ‘Waow’. Hyii, obaa papa ni. Kwame Sansani. Me suban bone. Wogyaa me, m’eye osugyani. Mekae da a, mehyia wo. Na m’ano repopo. Mrs. Okyeame, w’ase dee, mentoto”.

Okyeame Quophi Speaks for Okyeame Quame:

“Basically, Okyeame Quame came from Akyeame. I wrote most of the lyrics which makes his lyrics ok. Most of his lyrics are good. His ‘Bohye Ba’ album was not that bad since I played a role in it. Simply he is good”.

8. BATMAN

Batman attained a high level of status even before the release of his first album, ‘Dankwasere in the late 90s by featuring on most hit songs. His maiden album was one of the most anticipated albums, which revitalized our one-way Ghanaian music industry.

Been crowned by his fans as the best free stylist ever and still is, he has always shown dynamism on stage.

His laid-back flow has proven to be timeless, and his personality fits into all the genres of Ghanaian music.

How else can you explain his transformation from one of the humblest rappers into a celebrity now?

Discography: ‘Dankwasere’ and ‘Samini’.

Little bit of Lyrics of Batman’s ‘Gyae Shi’:

“Asem a, mereka yi, ebi nte asee. Enti momma me microphone. Merebe kyerekyere asee. Enne wiase mu, obiara wo nea oye. Enti ye wo dee ma menye medee

Onua e, di wo fie asem. Obi fre ne nyame na obi nnyina ho. Afei wiase mu yerebeye bi ako. Ye nea wo ho beto wo, na ma w’ani nna ho”.

Dr. Duncan Speaks for Batman:

“His voice alone is different. He’s definitely my man. He’s got the style. He’s got the vim and courage. His flow is good and notices that a lot of artistes copy his style now”.

9. SIDNEY, FORMERLY OF NANANOM FAME

When you think of Sidney, the first thing that comes to mind is creativity and funny lyrics. Will his three years break cause him to fall? Anyway, he says he will still play a constitent role in the hiplife movement.

Since his solo career from the break away from Nananom, his verses has always been so out-of-the-box. He possesses all the qualities to make him one of the best: unique flows, a recognizable voice, humour, and lyrics that are so strong that it makes other artistes go to sleep.

Discography: ‘Agoo’, ‘Akofna’, ‘Mind Da Gap’ and ‘Obia Nye Obia’.

Little bit of Lyrics of Scenti No:

“Oh ye witches of Africa. Why are thou doeth this to Achimota. Nkran gutter kankan nyinaa headquarters. Filling station no anim ho pee, no offence. Koogoa no tuo no po, oblow fuse. Brothers sit am down yob am, no use. Daabi a, wobehu no Glenns anim mu, one ne crews. Wonam kankan TDB, otua ne dues.

Long John DK a.k.a Uncle Huggy. Emaa no hu no daabi a, ma omo feeli jiggy. Oshada nice, feeli nice, te se Uncle Ricky. Scent na ewo ne ho no, bisa Micky Line by line, hwe, obiara mma ne nsa so. Woa woamma so, na efu abro so. Koodea moma apo a, post offi patalo Nea mereka nyinaa, still ofeeli jerseys”.

Ogee Speaks for Sidney, formerly of Nananom:

“He came from the Nananom group. I still have old albums from Nananom. He knew what he stood for which was current stuff and put those in his songs. His ‘Apuskeleke’ song is currently a number one song in Liberia and other African countries. He in a way introduced Appietus to the hiplife game with that song. I pay respect to him a lot”.

10. LORD KENYA

Everyone stood up for Lord Kenya any time he stepped on stage. When a lot of artistes were preparing to come out, Kenya had already carved his niche by being exactly what he’s been for the past 10 years: the heavyweight rapper.

Some fans may not have agreed with the ‘Akasianni’ album, but no one can dispute the potency of his lyrics. The Kumasi based rapper may be your best — he still has some good albums in his net.

Discography: ‘Sika (or Sika Card)’, ‘Sika Ba’, ‘Yesom Sika’, ‘Sika Poo Fa Neho’, ‘Akasianii’ and ‘Born Again’.

Little bit of Lyrics of Medo:

“Mese chic eye buei! Yee!! Chic yi oye buei!. Yee!! Obaa osom bo n’odi muse Ghana sika futuro. Bibini kra behwe ne tumtum. Se you mea me Getty; Ingresi ahoofe kuro Kyea oyi n’akyea. W’ahuri asonson se abrobeWei dee adehyeeKenya mena me see. Mehu mmaa mpen nson aduoson nson. Nanso wei de. AdutwamObaa sima ahoofe adware noYee da n’adi wo bedwam. Anokwa mo mma menka”.

Goodies Speaks for Lord Kenya:

“I produced most of Lord Kenya’s hit songs. He is a cool guy. He is very particular about his lyrics and doesn’t talk about profanity”.

It was not easy choosing the 10 best lyricists in Ghana.

But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been touched by the lyrics of some other artistes. Here are a few of some of artistes who stacked their heads out tall; Captain Planet, Kwaw Kese, Okra, Wutah Virus, Bright, Tic Tac, Kontihene, Promzy, Ex Doe, Nkasei, Mensa, Eugene of Praye. They will be published on the site later.

If you have a problem with my choice of artistes please mail me at michael@ghanamusic.com . Got an alternative? You think there is an artiste who fits into the top ten, let me know.

Ghanaian fans of Jay Z outburst on ‘Jay Z Live In Ghana’ ticket rate: One million cedis

Nii Atakora — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:20:03 +0000

When Charterhouse announced the coming of Jay-Z’s concert, it was well received in the Ghanaian music industry. Everyone is willing to catch a glimpse of Jay Z rock the stage at the Accra International Conference Centre on 6th October but the huge ticket rate of one million cedis and six hundred thousand cedis is an obstacle.

Chabin, a registered member and a top commentator said “it’s a huge figure but I know people will be going and I think he is doing the world tour to resurrect his career”.

Some of his fans here also think if Charterhouse will get some part of the sales, they should donate it to support water projects in Ghana since Jay Z will be looking into water issues in Ghana.

Speaking to a senior staff at Charterhouse on phone, she said, “We have thought about the ticket rates well because it is costing us a lot to bring Jay Z. We are also giving away free 200 tickets just by texting ‘Jay Z’ to a short code number”.

At Jay-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ 10th Anniversary Concert With Beyonce, Bleek and ?uestlove, he charged 80 dollars at the gates so why does Ghanaians have to pay almost 110 dollars to hear and dance to his songs?

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