Ghanaian Highlife superstar, KK Fosu has revealed that Highlife music is dynamic, not just one sound or style.
“It’s a generation thing,” he said, citing how Nana Ampadu’s Highlife differed from generations after him.
He stated that even though Daddy Lumba did Burger Highlife, his style differed from that of the subgenre’s creator, George Darko.
He observed his and Ofori Amponsah’s Highlife was also different from that of the aforementioned forerunners.
“But it’s the same Highlife. So long as you have your frikyiwa, guitars, and rhythms, it’s Highlife.”
KK Fosu
Apart from Amponsah, he named Daasebre, Kofi B, and Kwabena Kwabena as contemporaries. He drew a distinction, however.
“I hold the key in such a way that I have the old feel, and I don’t slang my Twi like I’m singing an R&B song. There were tones and a language unique and essential to Highlife music.
“That’s why not a lot of people are able to sustain a career in it. You need to learn it and do it well.”
KK Fosu
Moreover, KK Fosu highlighted that he was part of those who made Hiplife appealing to the older generation, giving it wide appreciation.
The Highlife superstar who was originally part of an important Hiplife group of the 2000s called Trinity, comprising himself, Samini, and Kokoveli, recounted how Hiplife came into existence.
“When Hiplife came, according to the divine gift given to Reggie, it was our Highlife rhythm blended together with Hiphop. It made it different. It worked and it became a big institution.”
KK Fosu
KK Fosu recognized he owed his prominence to the genre. “Our umbilical cords were cut with this [genre],” he said.
“After the generations of Reggie, Okyeame Kwame, and others, we made Hiplife appealing to the masses and the elderly came to understand it. Trinity was part of making Ghanaians accept Ragga. Kudos to Shatta, Samini, [and others].”
KK Fosu
A blend of America’s Hiphop and Ghana’s Highlife, Hiplife music, created and christened by rap icon Reggie Rockstone, revolutionized music in the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s.
It is, in fact, foundational to today’s trendy Afrobeats. Initially, however, Hiplife was perceived as music for the young and rowdy, crass by critics, and blacklisted by the media.
KK Fosu Makes Stance on Music
KK Fosu disclosed that “Music pays a lot more compared to being an MP”.
According to the Highlife superstar, music pays due to the rights musicians have over their music.
“Music pays because we have the rights and all the time, the money comes to us. But you the politician is paid out of the taxes I pay so you are not independent. You’re working for me.”
KK Fosu
He stressed genuine politics was not supposed to enrich an individual.
“That’s why during Rawlings’ time, when a minister was rampantly building houses, he was confronted and slapped. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
KK Fosu
“Music pays a lot,” KK Fosu added, noting he would forever encourage and wish his children to take it up.
“But you can’t force them. Even though it’s a family gift. My dad was a great singer and part of [the band] Happy Stars.”
KK Fosu
Here, the celebrated singer-songwriter divulged his megahit ‘Sudwe’ was inspired by music from the Happy Stars.
He, also, said he had three albums recorded and ready for release. “Pay attention to my music. That’s all I need,” he urged consumers.
“We do real music. I work with time. I take time to work on my songs. I do what and go where God directs me.”
KK Fosu
The Highlife star promised his consumers quality music.
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