In every industry, there exist those who pave the way (pioneers) for others to follow and those who join later and become successful. The Ghana music industry is not an exception to that. New talented artists pop up each passing year. Not only are all these artists new. Quite a number of them are just old wines packed in new bottles.
Last year for instance, one of such musicians who climbed the success ladder was Bandana. (I used Bandana because that is the name he used for showbiz when he made his debut appearance). Shatta Wale is a name he acquired as part of his rebranding exercise, which fortunately did the magic for him and shot him to the top last year.
This year is going to be another great year as it has already started on a good note. With new talented artists emerging, we are sure to discover some who will transform our music industry. I did an analysis and I’ve come to a conclusion as to the artists who are going to be the RISING STARS of 2014.
Kofi Kinaata
Kofi Kinaata is a Fante rapper who is currently signed on as a member of the High Grade Family. With great punch lines and an artistic approach to rap, he has released songs like “Move”, “Different”, “Obi Ne Ba” among others. Notwithstanding, he was as well featured alongside Baby Jet (Asamoah Gyan) in Castro’s “Odo pa” track which is at present receiving considerable airplay.
As a fast rising upcoming artiste, he calls himself the Flight Lieutenant Kernel Corporal Sergeant Commander Kinaata. He can be referred to as imminent new king of rap. Kofi Kinaata represents the people of Tarkoradi which I must say, he is raising the flag of his people very high.
Even though he received not a single nomination with regards to the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, Kinaata continues to make great songs as he is known for. If there is any artiste to watch out for in 2014, Kofi Kinaata should definitely be one of them.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIR-rL8YcdM
Kumi Guitar
Nana Yaw Kumi is his real name. He enjoys performing his job as a taxi driver, yet music is his greatest passion. He started his music career as a rap artist. Somewhere along the line, he rebranded himself and took upon himself to engage in highlife music. With a unique voice and great stage performance, Kumi is ever ready to take over the Ghanaian music industry.
As it is often said by our musicians that Ghanaians do not buy CDs anymore, one person I would ever want to buy his album for records will be Kumi Guitar. His songs are distinctive, original, and can stand the test of time.
Some of his released songs that are making waves at this time are “Break Into Two (1 Litre)” and “Emaa Time.” Nobody would ever ask you to put these two tracks on repeat when you first listen to them. Although he has released only the aforementioned tracks, I have heard him perform freestyles of his unreleased tracks on other platforms, I must say what I love most about his songs are the contents.
With two nominations in the Vodafone Ghana music Awards (Highlife Song of the Year and New Artiste of the Year), Kumi Guitar is certainly one of the artistes to watch out for in 2014.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mV2LLXmVFI
Gallaxy
“Agye S3 Wo Kidey.” That’s the signature tune for the Gallaxy boys; and I love that to the maximum. I still can remember the very first time I heard a track from these guys. It remained on my playlist for several days.
The Highlife and Afrobeat duo is made up of David Adjeiwoda and Ransford Ohene. As lovers of music, the two teamed up to form the group Gallaxy somewhere in 2005 when they were still in Senior High School. The group’s name was derived from the scientific word Galaxy which means group of stars. Undoubtedly, one cannot talk about contemporary Highlife today without mentioning the name of Gallaxy.
With great and catchy songs like “Chop Money” and “Wo Do Nti” to their credit, the duo’s new single – Boko Boko (Slowly) – is doing tremendously well with regards to airplays. Though new, David and Ransford are much more concerned with their lyrics as to how they will continue to make great songs for Ghanaians.
If anyone has heard any of their songs before, that person would automatically side with me that Gallaxy should be included among the RISING STARS of 2014. The group is presently working with Harbour City Records.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_t5GpDlabc
Joey B
“Hw3 makasa saa all because of…..” (Fill in the blank space). The tonga man has been enjoying his share of fame ever since the “Tonga” track was released.
Born as Darryl Paa Kwesi Bannerman-Martin, Joey B’s spotlight to music commenced right from childhood. He has been composing great music ever since. Joey B is one of the few artistes in Ghana who have their own unique rap styles. This distinguishes him from many other rap musicians.
He has proven himself to be lyrically matured, as well as a creative songwriter. Joey B made a mark in the music industry when he released “Strawberry Ginger.” We all would remember the imaginative approach he used in writing the “Tonga” song. Not forgetting his bars on D-Black’s popular “Vera” track.
The end of 2013 was a great year of Joey as his song became an instant hit right after it was released. It is if no doubt that, Joey is gradually rising to the top. With regards to that, it is deemed appropriate to add him to the RISING STARS of 2014.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1ExdqzQ8ok
Who do you think should not be included here; and who do you think deserves to be here but has been excluded?