Ghanaian renowned rapper, Okyeame Kwame has opened up about the profound influence his mother has had on his decisions, both personal and professional.
One of the most striking revelations was how he once declined the prestigious title of Nkosuohene (Developmental Chief) offered to him by a close friend who holds a chieftaincy position in Adum.
For many, such an honor would have been a no-brainer, a chance to cement one’s legacy. But for Okyeame, the decision wasn’t his alone to make.
“I owe everything to her,” Okyeame Kwame said with a reflective smile. “She’s been my guiding light, always steering me away from paths she believes could harm me.”
“I had to ask my mother first. When I told her about it, she didn’t hesitate. She said, ‘Kwame, chieftaincy is a responsibility that comes with dangers you might not foresee. I don’t want you caught up in that world.’ Her words stayed with me, and I turned it down.”
Okyeame Kwame
His mother’s wisdom didn’t just stop there.
Okyeame Kwame also disclosed how she intervened when he considered joining the Freemasons, a globally recognized fraternal organization that has intrigued many over the centuries.
“I was drawn to the principles they stood for, but when I brought it up to my mother, she was adamant. She told me, ‘Freemasonry is dangerous. You could be putting your life at risk if you join.’ That was enough for me to reconsider.”
Okyeame Kwame
Freemasonry, the world’s oldest fraternity, traces its roots to medieval stonemason guilds.
Known for its emphasis on brotherhood, charity, and personal development, the organization has also been the subject of numerous misconceptions and myths, particularly in African societies where it’s often viewed with suspicion.
For Okyeame Kwame, however, his mother’s perspective mattered more than his curiosity. “She’s seen more of life than I have,” he remarked.
He wondered why he wouldn’t listen to his mother. “Her intuition has saved me from situations I might have regretted,” she added.
Rapper Explains Reason He Declined Alan Kyerematen’s Offer
Songwriter Okyeame Kwame shared that he declined an offer to be the running mate of John Alan Kyerematen, the Presidential Candidate for the Movement for Change, in the 2024 general elections.
He provided insight into his reasons for turning down the opportunity.
Okyeame Kwame revealed that the proposal came during an event in Kumasi, where Kyerematen laid out ten qualities he sought in a running mate.
Among these were being educated, having a background in development, being active on social media, and being married. While he appreciated the offer, Okyeame Kwame decided not to accept it due to personal and family considerations.
“My children are teenagers. My son is 15, and my daughter is 13. If I were to go into partisan politics, I would need to prepare them for at least a year.”
Okyeame Kwame
He highlighted that the safety and well-being of his family were his main concerns and not something he was willing to compromise for a political role.
He also expressed worries about the potential backlash his family might endure, including misinformation and political attacks.
“I had to think about security: what if people spread false propaganda about you? What if they dug up your skeletons? Had I prepared my family to deal with that kind of pressure? No. And because of that, I didn’t want to put my family in jeopardy.”
Okyeame Kwame
Following Okyeame Kwame’s decision, Alan Kyerematen chose Elijah Kwame Owusu Danso, a 40-year-old lawyer and broadcaster, as his running mate.
Interestingly, Elijah has a background in hip-hop music, which adds a creative dimension to his professional achievements.
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