Can you tell us about yourself and your journey as an artist?
I began my musical journey in 2009 as a founding member of the multiple award-winning group Preachers, where we pioneered Christian Hip Hop music in Ghana, resonating powerfully with the youth. Over time, I transitioned into a solo artist, but my mission remains the same: to inspire, uplift, and spread positivity through my music. My journey has been one of continuous evolution, moving from the collective energy of a group to discovering and developing my unique voice as a solo artist.
What inspired you to pursue your artistic path?
Music was a significant part of my upbringing, thanks to my parents, who had an eclectic taste in music. They introduced me to a diverse range of genres, from the soulful melodies of Bob Marley and Whitney Houston to the storytelling of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. They also exposed me to classical music through composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. This broad exposure to different styles and sounds sparked my interest and laid the foundation for my passion for music.
Who or what has the greatest influence on your artistry?
My artistry is deeply influenced by my life experiences and my desire to motivate and uplift others. There’s a profound fulfillment that comes from knowing that my music has the power to inspire and encourage someone.
How would you describe your unique style and the themes in your work?
My music primarily addresses life’s challenges and triumphs, with a focus on motivation and encouragement. I aim to spread positive vibes, creating songs that not only entertain but also uplift the spirit. I believe my style is a blend of different genres and influences, resulting in a sound that is uniquely mine.
Could you share your most cherished project and what makes it special?
My most cherished project is a song titled “Beautiful Morning.” It’s a piece I wrote a decade ago, and it’s always been a personal anthem for me, bringing light and empowerment into my life. I’m thrilled that the world can now enjoy it as well. What makes it unique is its organic nature; it was recorded live, capturing the raw emotions and the heart of each instrumentalist involved. The fusion of rock, funk, and neo-soul genres, especially coming from someone primarily known as a rapper, made it a refreshing and transformative project for me.
What obstacles have you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the major challenges I faced was bringing my compositions to life in a way that matched my vision. My early works didn’t always sound as I imagined, so I decided to take matters into my own hands by learning to play the guitar and diving into music production. This hands-on approach allowed me to refine my sound and ensure that the final product truly represented my artistic vision.
How do you ensure continuous growth and evolution in your artistic endeavors?
I believe in the power of continuous learning. In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, I’m always researching and adopting modern approaches to promote my music. Additionally, I explore new genres and view my music as a complete package, where personal branding, marketing, and the music itself are all intertwined. This holistic approach keeps me growing and evolving as an artist.
Can you walk us through your typical creative process?
My creative process usually starts with an idea or a theme I want to explore. I visualize the mood of the song—whether it’s happy, sad, or motivational—and then develop a melody by humming it. Once I’ve locked in a melody that sounds great, I start developing the lyrics and send a rough draft to my producer. From there, we collaborate closely to bring the song to life, fine-tuning every aspect until it matches the initial vision or surpasses it.
Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you maintain a creative mindset?
Listening to instrumentals is a key part of my creative ritual. I don’t limit myself to any specific genre; I immerse myself in various instrumental pieces, allowing the music to set the tone and inspire my creativity.
Have you collaborated with fellow local artists or organizations? If so, could you share some highlights?
Yes, my latest collaboration was on the song “No Competition” with multiple award-winning Victoria-based artist Caleb Hart. The experience was incredible; we managed to blend our cultural backgrounds—my Ghanaian roots with Caleb’s Tobago influence—into a cohesive and powerful track. We also shot a music video that perfectly captured the essence of the song. This collaboration is particularly special to me because it brought together different cultures and sounds, resulting in something truly unique.
In your opinion, how important is collaboration within the local artistic community?
Collaboration is vital for the growth of the music industry. It not only brings new creative ideas to the table but also helps artists expand their reach. When artists join forces, the impact multiplies. Caleb and I got to perform at the first-ever Caribbean Festival in Victoria, which was a great moment of fulfillment. As a newcomer in Vancouver, collaborating with local artists has been crucial in helping me integrate into the local music scene.
How do you connect with the local community through your art?
I actively engage with the local community through social media and live events. Performing at local shows has allowed me to meet and connect with fellow artists. I make it a point to network and maintain meaningful connections with other creatives, which helps build a supportive artistic community around me.
What are your short-term and long-term aspirations as an artist?
In the short term, I aim to hone my performance skills and release a new album this year. My long-term goal is to become a headliner for major events across Canada and beyond. I want my music to reach a global audience and to be recognized as an artist who inspires and uplifts through his work.
Are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue in the future?
I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with more A-list artists and exploring new creative territories. Writing music for films has always been a dream of mine, and I hope to realize that ambition in the near future.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists in your community?
My advice would be to focus on developing your craft and creating high-quality art. When you invest in yourself and your talent, the opportunities will naturally follow. Stay true to your vision, and let your work speak for itself.
How do you balance pursuing your passion with meeting practical needs in your artistic journey?
I manage this balance by setting realistic and achievable goals. I avoid unnecessary pressure by pacing myself and celebrating small wins along the way. I also make sure to dedicate time to family, as work-family balance is important to me.
