Up & close with GH's finest hiphop host - Black Boy

Since his stint as an an advertiser at MMRS Ogilvy Advertising agency, Black Boy has earned a name for himself as one of radio and television’s most distinctive personalities providing hip-hop enthusiasts with the hottest music and performances from foreign and Ghanaian hip-hop and R&B artistes.

Black Boy is regarded as the premier host of Jay Foley's 2131 (Hiphop banging show) as well as GH One's Rhythmz TV.

Well-known for his silky hiphop slang, Black Boy emerged onto the entertainment circles eight years ago.

Black Boy is often chosen for radio and TV commercials because of his smooth voice.

Black Boy's full time job is now with YFM and GH one.

In this Ghana Music.com exclusive interview, Black Boy discusses his happiness, triumphs, and philosophies – some of which we all might think we know, and some which are very surprising. Check out the interview below.

Ghana Music.com: You are a household name and fan favourite, how long have you been on the scene?
Black Boy: I have been at this on and off, but all put together, I think I have been around for like 8 or 9 years now.

Ghana Music.com: Where do you draw your inspiration to stay relevant?
Black Boy: I read a lot, surf the web constantly, watch a lot of TV and keep an ear out on radio. Constant conversation with friends also keeps me updated.

Ghana Music.com: What would you be doing if you weren’t a radio and TV personality?
Black Boy: Most probably a lawyer. I love to talk. That could still happen though.

Ghana Music.com: Was music a big part of growing up in your home. Because I noticed on some throw back pictures of yours, you were on braids?
Black Boy: Not at all. I kinda picked this up as I went along in life discovering myself. Some people are still surprised at me now for what I do. About the braids. It was just one of those things in life so I could also say - ”Me too I do some”.

Ghana Music.com: You’ve interviewed everybody; done so much, what are some WOW moments?
Black Boy: Gee lemme see. It's actually a lot of fun getting to meet up great personalities and double fun when they appreciate what you do. Visiting the studios of VOA and hanging out with Rod Murray, host of “Hiphop Connection”, meeting the Great Hugh Masekela, the man behind Konvict Music Akon, up and close with da loso man Fabolous, Shontelle was great fun, Bakset Mouth the Comedian, the list just goes on and on. .Basically getting to meet people who you hear so much about and getting up close to them. That's one of the many reasons why l love my job.

Ghana Music.com: When did you discover you could host programs?
Black Boy: Some years back, Choice FM had a competition where they asked people who taught they could do radio, to come try out as hosts on chosen shows. I tried out for the then drive time show “Homeward Bound” which was then hosted by Kofi Dickson, aka The Mixing Dixon, shouts to him. Well I beat out the competition and came out tops. The rest is where I am today.

Ghana Music.com: Is Black Boy a ladies man?
Black Boy: I do get my fair share of attention, but I wouldn’t necessarily say so. What do you think?

Ghana Music.com: What qualities does Black Boy’s lady have to possess?
Black Boy: A body like a mermaid, skin as soft as velvet. Just kidding, I would say, great personality, good sense of humour, down to earth and got some God in them.

Ghana Music.com: Do you see marriage and a family in your future?
Black Boy: Absolutely. I’m looking forward to be called “daddy” and to be referred as a loving husband. A wife and kids or should I say family is a treasure everyman should explore.

Ghana Music.com: Who has influenced your career?
Black Boy: My mom has done that greatly. Encouraged me to actually go ahead and get where I want to. I have also looked up to some great personalities and their accomplishments.. Shouts to Komla Dumor, “The Boss Player” and also KKD the finest. I think they have mastered the art in their own way.

Ghana Music.com: What do you want to give the world through your music?
Black Boy: Help to make it a better place. By helping the artistes who I come into contact with and also to the viewers who get to see what I do with the music.

Ghana Music.com: Who are some of your celebrity crushes?
Black Boy: That's a good one. Are we talking Ghana or outside Ghana. Hope this is not used against me someday. I think Nadia Buari with the rest. Outside Ghana, I think Megan Good rocks and oh I don’t know what it is but then there is something about Serena Williams that just does it for me. Something about the way she takes her serve.

Ghana Music.com: Current project and upcoming projects?
Black Boy: Just started as host of Rythmz TV on GH One and is the first time we having a live music entertainment show 5 days a week in Ghana. It’s a big challenge and I'm looking forward to elevating it to make it the most watched show in that direction and Ghana and also the most sought after show by the musicians to have the videos on it.

After the success of the 2131 Banging Hiphop show which was the first of it’s kind on radio in Ghana, we have re-branded it as the 2131 express with some additions and subtractions. Working on blowing this up too. I'm just thinking, with all the time I spend in front of a camera, I just might try my hands at movies, so lets see how that goes.

Ghana Music.com: What do you feel about the state of hiphop in Ghana?
Black Boy: The cry has finally been heard and this is the era where it is set to blow up. Hip hop has always fought for recognition and I guess this is the time to make it’s mark. The culture has finally been accepted and Ghana. Now there are awards for Hip Hop, reality shows and more. Shouts to the cats holding down Hip-Hop in Ghana. From Reggie the originator himself, to the whole crew who are currently spitting rhymes..Trigmatic, D-Black, EL, Scientific, Jay Town, Kweku T, Manifest and I could go on and on. It’s a new awakening for Ghana Music and the world is in for a shock.

Ghana Music.com: Hosting 2131 and YFM Friday Night Mix. Which one is your favorite?
Black Boy: Don’t think I got a favourite. I'm two different characters on the two shows.. 2131 allows me to just do me - ”free styling and running my mouth with no inhibitions” and Friday Nite Mix is just great music and fun with a great DJ. Shouts to Killer Fingers aka DJ Kwame who I host the show with. They both rock.