Around the world, we have many foreigners dancing to Ghanaian music and trying to understand our culture through music, thanks to some of these artists I’m about to list. Some of our music have gone as far as China and with some artistes even making Spanish versions of them in Spain.
Music is food to the soul and some of these artists have served the world enough to put Ghana on the map. There are many of them but we will be listing the most well recognized outside the borders of the country, the ones whose music are on the lips of many foreigners outside the country and can easily be recognized by the mention of their names.
You will be surprised to know some are new but are doing marvelously well on the international market. Some you may think are not doing well here but surprisingly are sending more signals outside and some who are so popular here but do not cross the borders will not make it on this list. So bare with us if your favourite artist is not mentioned, it doesn’t mean they are not making it outside, they are not that commonly known.
If you can bare with me, then come let me take you on a jolly ride on 12 musicians who have put and are putting Ghana on the map.
1. ATONGO ZIMBA
Atongo Zimba is a Ghanaian musician who is recognized in the whole world. He’s one of the old musicians who was first featured on BBC and has traveled world wide with his music.
Atongo Zimba is one of the biggest music exports out of Ghana. He was born in the savannah of northern Ghana in 1967. His grandfather taught him how to build and play the koliko or molo, a two-stringed calabash lute and the first songs he learned were rooted firmly in tradition, dealing with everyday life in the countryside of northern Ghana.
His tours in Europe, South America and Africa, include a benefit for the 2010 Haiti Earthquake at the Alliance Francaise in Accra. His album Allah Mongode was recorded in Switzerland. His album Barefoot in the Sand was nominated “African CD of the Year” in 2007 by Amsterdam television. His recording of No Beer in Heaven was a major hit in Ghana in 2004.
His type of music is unique and this has drawn many attention to the country, making him one of the musicians to put Ghana on the map.
Atongo Zimba is a Ghanaian musician who is recognized in the whole world. He’s one of the old musicians who was first featured on BBC and has traveled world wide with his music.
Atongo Zimba is one of the biggest music exports out of Ghana. He was born in the savannah of northern Ghana in 1967. His grandfather taught him how to build and play the koliko or molo, a two-stringed calabash lute and the first songs he learned were rooted firmly in tradition, dealing with everyday life in the countryside of northern Ghana.
His tours in Europe, South America and Africa, include a benefit for the 2010 Haiti Earthquake at the Alliance Francaise in Accra. His album Allah Mongode was recorded in Switzerland. His album Barefoot in the Sand was nominated “African CD of the Year” in 2007 by Amsterdam television. His recording of No Beer in Heaven was a major hit in Ghana in 2004.
His type of music is unique and this has drawn many attention to the country, making him one of the musicians to put Ghana on the map.
2. KING AYISOBA
You might ridicule or make funny remarks about this man’s music but trust me, the whites are loving it. With his hit song “My Father”, this man has traveled places. He’s been on tour throughout Europe, selling Ghanaian music and culture. Similar to Atongo’s style of music, King Ayisoba can be said to be one of the artists who put Ghana on the map. On one of his tours, his fans, majority who were white skinned could sing all his songs.
Apart from that, he’s won many music awards both in Ghana and abroad. He makes it on this list.
You might ridicule or make funny remarks about this man’s music but trust me, the whites are loving it. With his hit song “My Father”, this man has traveled places. He’s been on tour throughout Europe, selling Ghanaian music and culture. Similar to Atongo’s style of music, King Ayisoba can be said to be one of the artists who put Ghana on the map. On one of his tours, his fans, majority who were white skinned could sing all his songs.
Apart from that, he’s won many music awards both in Ghana and abroad. He makes it on this list.
3. AFRO MOSES
This man can make the Guinness book of records as the man with the longest dreadlocks in Ghana but aside that he’s virtually worshiped by his fans abroad. His music has crossed the length and breadth of the world making him one of the most sort after musicians from Ghana.
Afro Moses is a multi Award-winning, talented artist from Ghana. He’s a singer, composer, Multi instrumentalist (this man can play and make music from your testicles if you give him the chance….lol!), and teacher with a magnetic personality who has enchanted people with high energy music, powerful messages, showmanship and colourful stage shows around the world.
As smart as he is, taking old Ghanaian lullabies and children playground songs, he was able to carve a niche for himself and this has helped him and his country as a whole. He’s well recognized abroad and has won many awards both national and internationally. He can be compared to the likes of Osibisa and Bob Marley.
His unique style of using only African instruments has sent him really far and wide. He makes it on this list, no doubt.
This man can make the Guinness book of records as the man with the longest dreadlocks in Ghana but aside that he’s virtually worshiped by his fans abroad. His music has crossed the length and breadth of the world making him one of the most sort after musicians from Ghana.
Afro Moses is a multi Award-winning, talented artist from Ghana. He’s a singer, composer, Multi instrumentalist (this man can play and make music from your testicles if you give him the chance….lol!), and teacher with a magnetic personality who has enchanted people with high energy music, powerful messages, showmanship and colourful stage shows around the world.
As smart as he is, taking old Ghanaian lullabies and children playground songs, he was able to carve a niche for himself and this has helped him and his country as a whole. He’s well recognized abroad and has won many awards both national and internationally. He can be compared to the likes of Osibisa and Bob Marley.
His unique style of using only African instruments has sent him really far and wide. He makes it on this list, no doubt.
4. ROCKY DAWUNI
Rocky Dawuni can be classified as one of the world’s best when it comes to reggae music. The man who sings and sounds just like the reggae legend, Bob Marley, has sent Ghana very far in the field of music. His music and personality is recognized worldwide making him one of the most popular musicians from Ghana.
He’s been invited by top international politicians such as Hillary Clinton and Obama. He’s also performed for top dignitaries around the world.
He’s won many awards both in Africa and out of Africa. His music is featured on the FIFA 12, 13 and 14, the popular soccer game. He makes it on this list.
Rocky Dawuni can be classified as one of the world’s best when it comes to reggae music. The man who sings and sounds just like the reggae legend, Bob Marley, has sent Ghana very far in the field of music. His music and personality is recognized worldwide making him one of the most popular musicians from Ghana.
He’s been invited by top international politicians such as Hillary Clinton and Obama. He’s also performed for top dignitaries around the world.
He’s won many awards both in Africa and out of Africa. His music is featured on the FIFA 12, 13 and 14, the popular soccer game. He makes it on this list.
5. FOKN BOIS
Hate them or love them, this duo are selling Ghana more than you can ever imagine. A controversial duo made up of Mensah and Kubolor, these two gentlemen are more recognized outside than they are in their own country. Mensah who started as a young rap star and featured on many songs from Reggie Rockson (The hiplife Grandpapa, as he affectionately loves to be called) and even produced some of his songs, is a talented musician who teamed up with Kubolor to form FOKN BOIS and are doing marvelously well on the international market. They’ve sold many songs outside and are well sort after.
They’ve appeared many times on BBC and other international TV stations and performed on renowned stages around the world. They’ve also won many awards which is why they make it on this list. Their short movie, “Coz Ov Moni” has received a lot of patronage around the world and is selling like hot cake.
Mensah is the one who propelled the career of the popular musician ASA. He’s widely known around the world. They make it on this list.
6. LUMBA
Kwadwo Fosu, Daddy Lumba as he’s affectionately called is one of the best Ghanaian musicians who has secured a place among the A-list musicians of the country. He’s popularly known both in and out of the country, performing on international stages in the world.
Daddy Lumba who started with his colleague in the industry, Nana Acheampong then known as the Lumba Brothers spawned several hits and established Daddy Lumba as a versatile and highly gifted musician. He’s been consistent with the release of multiple-hit albums since then and has established himself as one of Ghana’s most popular singers of his genre, Highlife.
Daddy Lumba (DL) is a phenomenal musician with an incredible career spanning over twenty years. He remains one of the most consistent musicians alive.
In 1999, he won three awards including best album and the most popular song of the year at the Ghana Music Awards. Before the year 2002, Daddy came out every year with a hit album.
His music has evolved over the years to reflect changes in taste and demand for music; he can currently be described as a contemporary highlife artist. Daddy Lumba has won several Ghana Music Awards and other excellence awards and continue to appeal to the young and old.
If you travel out of the country, the common name on the lips of foreigners when it comes to Ghanaian musicians, is Daddy Lumba. He’s contributed his quota to the country by placing the country on the map.
Hate them or love them, this duo are selling Ghana more than you can ever imagine. A controversial duo made up of Mensah and Kubolor, these two gentlemen are more recognized outside than they are in their own country. Mensah who started as a young rap star and featured on many songs from Reggie Rockson (The hiplife Grandpapa, as he affectionately loves to be called) and even produced some of his songs, is a talented musician who teamed up with Kubolor to form FOKN BOIS and are doing marvelously well on the international market. They’ve sold many songs outside and are well sort after.
They’ve appeared many times on BBC and other international TV stations and performed on renowned stages around the world. They’ve also won many awards which is why they make it on this list. Their short movie, “Coz Ov Moni” has received a lot of patronage around the world and is selling like hot cake.
Mensah is the one who propelled the career of the popular musician ASA. He’s widely known around the world. They make it on this list.
6. LUMBA
Kwadwo Fosu, Daddy Lumba as he’s affectionately called is one of the best Ghanaian musicians who has secured a place among the A-list musicians of the country. He’s popularly known both in and out of the country, performing on international stages in the world.
Daddy Lumba who started with his colleague in the industry, Nana Acheampong then known as the Lumba Brothers spawned several hits and established Daddy Lumba as a versatile and highly gifted musician. He’s been consistent with the release of multiple-hit albums since then and has established himself as one of Ghana’s most popular singers of his genre, Highlife.
Daddy Lumba (DL) is a phenomenal musician with an incredible career spanning over twenty years. He remains one of the most consistent musicians alive.
In 1999, he won three awards including best album and the most popular song of the year at the Ghana Music Awards. Before the year 2002, Daddy came out every year with a hit album.
His music has evolved over the years to reflect changes in taste and demand for music; he can currently be described as a contemporary highlife artist. Daddy Lumba has won several Ghana Music Awards and other excellence awards and continue to appeal to the young and old.
If you travel out of the country, the common name on the lips of foreigners when it comes to Ghanaian musicians, is Daddy Lumba. He’s contributed his quota to the country by placing the country on the map.
7. KOJO ANTWI
This list can never be completed without mentioning the name of this great man, the music man. He’s one of the most popularly known musicians both nationally and internationally. Once a member of the wailers, Kojo Antwi who is also a genius on the piano and other instruments is one of the musicians who has placed Ghana on the map.
With over a dozen record albums released to critical acclaim, lyrics that transcend cultural and political barriers, live concerts that have caught the attention of the first nation south of the Sahara to attain independence, music videos that excite the young and cosmopolitan, and the accolade of Ghana’s most respected musician. The Maestro, as he is affectionately called by fans, has proven year in year out that he is at the top of his game.
KOJO ANTWI is a world music icon of Ghanaian heritage whose great sounds are etched on the psyche of numerous fans worldwide. His music, Afro Pop, as he has called it for over 20 years, is exciting, enduring and entertaining.
He is emulated and imitated in equal measure but he manages to stay ahead with the release of each album and his performance at his concerts. Little wonder that he is arguably the biggest inspiration to African musicians this decade.
Kojo is revered for his music concerts; always live with full band, spectacular and a joy to behold. In a field of endeavour on a continent where most simply tag along and many are broken by the stranglehold of the West on media and showbiz, he ensures that his live shows are among the best produced anywhere in the world. His television appearances are numerous, airplay of his music reaches across Africa and wherever world music lovers reside and his videos are directional, however it is performing live that stands Mr Music Man Kojo Antwi out from the crowd.
8. M.ANIFEST
Many Ghanaians might think M.anifest is a new kid on the block but truth is, he’s been performing internationally for many years before stepping down to the country. He’s been on stage with the likes of Talib Kwali, The Roots, Common and a lot of international artists. He’s popularly known in the world and has created a niche for himself.
He’s been on many international Television networks for interviews and performed on international stages for dignitaries around the world. You might underestimate him but he’s a force to reckon with. Sells a lot of songs internationally and he’s one of the best rappers in the country.
This list can never be completed without mentioning the name of this great man, the music man. He’s one of the most popularly known musicians both nationally and internationally. Once a member of the wailers, Kojo Antwi who is also a genius on the piano and other instruments is one of the musicians who has placed Ghana on the map.
With over a dozen record albums released to critical acclaim, lyrics that transcend cultural and political barriers, live concerts that have caught the attention of the first nation south of the Sahara to attain independence, music videos that excite the young and cosmopolitan, and the accolade of Ghana’s most respected musician. The Maestro, as he is affectionately called by fans, has proven year in year out that he is at the top of his game.
KOJO ANTWI is a world music icon of Ghanaian heritage whose great sounds are etched on the psyche of numerous fans worldwide. His music, Afro Pop, as he has called it for over 20 years, is exciting, enduring and entertaining.
He is emulated and imitated in equal measure but he manages to stay ahead with the release of each album and his performance at his concerts. Little wonder that he is arguably the biggest inspiration to African musicians this decade.
Kojo is revered for his music concerts; always live with full band, spectacular and a joy to behold. In a field of endeavour on a continent where most simply tag along and many are broken by the stranglehold of the West on media and showbiz, he ensures that his live shows are among the best produced anywhere in the world. His television appearances are numerous, airplay of his music reaches across Africa and wherever world music lovers reside and his videos are directional, however it is performing live that stands Mr Music Man Kojo Antwi out from the crowd.
8. M.ANIFEST
Many Ghanaians might think M.anifest is a new kid on the block but truth is, he’s been performing internationally for many years before stepping down to the country. He’s been on stage with the likes of Talib Kwali, The Roots, Common and a lot of international artists. He’s popularly known in the world and has created a niche for himself.
He’s been on many international Television networks for interviews and performed on international stages for dignitaries around the world. You might underestimate him but he’s a force to reckon with. Sells a lot of songs internationally and he’s one of the best rappers in the country.
9. SARKODIE
Since the invention of hiplife, many soldiers have contributed their quota but the only person who has been able to push it further to the international level and well known for it, is Sarkodie. He’s been interviewed and featured on many international platforms. He’s also received many awards both internationally and nationally. He’s been very successful in this area and has helped to draw a lot of international attention to the country.
Since the invention of hiplife, many soldiers have contributed their quota but the only person who has been able to push it further to the international level and well known for it, is Sarkodie. He’s been interviewed and featured on many international platforms. He’s also received many awards both internationally and nationally. He’s been very successful in this area and has helped to draw a lot of international attention to the country.
10. R2BEES
This group have proven their worth since their first single. Mugeez who stands out in the group has been able to project the group to the international level. In Africa and beyond, they are the best.
There are many African and international up and coming artistes who look up to them. They’ve contributed their quota of putting Ghana in the limelight. They’ve also received and been nominated for awards internationally and locally.
This group have proven their worth since their first single. Mugeez who stands out in the group has been able to project the group to the international level. In Africa and beyond, they are the best.
There are many African and international up and coming artistes who look up to them. They’ve contributed their quota of putting Ghana in the limelight. They’ve also received and been nominated for awards internationally and locally.
11. FUSE ODG
Azonto has been trending in Ghana before Fuse came to the limelight, but if there’s any one who made it internationally known, the mantle must be given to this gentleman. Without him, Azonto would just have been one of those dances that come and go. He’s been very active on the international front helping to project Ghana further in the music industry. He’s featured many international artists including Sean Paul and Wyclef.
Fuse ODG can’t be ruled out of this list, he’s contributed his quota and needs to be recognized.
Azonto has been trending in Ghana before Fuse came to the limelight, but if there’s any one who made it internationally known, the mantle must be given to this gentleman. Without him, Azonto would just have been one of those dances that come and go. He’s been very active on the international front helping to project Ghana further in the music industry. He’s featured many international artists including Sean Paul and Wyclef.
Fuse ODG can’t be ruled out of this list, he’s contributed his quota and needs to be recognized.
12. WIYAALA
Wiyaala is a new female artist who was discovered on the Vodafone Icons show and has been performing wonderfully well. She’s got many nice songs but the one that gave her the international recognition is her world cup song for the black stars. Her new single, Africa is been aired on BBC and receiving tremendous comments from industry stakeholders. She’s doing marvelously well and she also stands out as an icon for Ghana. Kudos to her.
Wiyaala is a new female artist who was discovered on the Vodafone Icons show and has been performing wonderfully well. She’s got many nice songs but the one that gave her the international recognition is her world cup song for the black stars. Her new single, Africa is been aired on BBC and receiving tremendous comments from industry stakeholders. She’s doing marvelously well and she also stands out as an icon for Ghana. Kudos to her.
Source: Kwaku Darko (@IamNtiin)
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