Ghanaian dancehall legend, Sonny Kwabena Akoanor, popularly known as Sonni Balli has reportedly passed on.
Although the exact cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, it is alleged that he passed on due to cardiac arrest.
Sonni Balli’s death was reported on, Thursday, 9 June 2022, and has since been mourned by industry players, some of whom broke the unfortunate news.
Sonni Balli was born on 6 June 1982. He was the first of three children. While alive, the Dancehall star recounted how his parents always hoped he would grow to be a medical doctor. However, at the age of 9, Sonni began singing in the choir of his church. His decision to take on a career in music was met with fierce opposition from his parents, however, at the age of 17, against the wish of his parents, he teamed up with popular music producer Nana King.
Together, the duo produced the albums; ‘Kotoho’ and ‘Abrabo’. Aside from his personal success in the music industry, Sonni Balli was an inspiration to the likes of Samini, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and many others.
After a few years of networking, Sonni Balli teamed up with London Based producer, Eugene Nartey and CEO of ‘Bad Habbit’ records Bright Okah to begin work on his debut album titled ‘First Scene Second’.
A singer, songwriter, poet, and avid storyteller, Sonni Balli incorporated all his talents in his debut album while successfully managing to balance the traditional with the contemporary. His songs, according to him, draw on his personal life experiences and his guiding Rastafarian principles. ‘First Scene Second’, although heavily influenced by his love of Jamaican Reggae music, was still intent on staying Ghanaian beats.
During the release of Sonni’s album, he said: “My culture is my identity and that is important to me but I don’t just do music for my local audience I do music that anyone can identify with and enjoy’ With catchy, energetic, feel-good tracks ‘First Scene Second’ is set to be a sure-fire hit”.
Sonni Balli was also a social activist who encouraged all Africans to stay true to their identity and culture. For that reason, Sonni made music that spoke about his culture but was also good enough for all music lovers. Through his music, he preached about love, peace, and unity. His song, ‘Ama Frimpong’ spoke about his experience of feeling loved and being in love.
Sonni Balli affectionately referred to himself as a “soul healer” because he believed his music heals the soul and brings joy to his listeners.
“I call myself the ‘Soul Healer’ because that is what I aim to do through my music. I might not have become a medical healer as my parents wanted but I am still a ‘Soul Healer’ through my music”.
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