Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Akwaboah, has responded to claims made by fellow musician Kwabena Kwabena regarding the origin of Valentine’s Day concerts in Ghana.
Akwaboah addressed Kwabena Kwabena’s assertion that he pioneered Valentine’s Day concerts in Ghana.
Kwabena Kwabena stated in a recent interview that he was the first person to organize Valentine’s Day concerts in Ghana.
Akwaboah expressed surprise at Kwabena Kwabena’s claim, revealing that he had always performed at Kwabena Kwabena’s concert on February 12, only to see Kwabena Kwabena announce a Valentine’s Day concert on February 14 in 2024.
“Yeah, I was kinda surprised though. I know his concert is always on the 12th of February, and so what we do is on the 12th, I perform for him, and on the 14th, he comes to my show. And I think 4-5 days before time, the team actually called me for a performance for him, and I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll come,’ and all of a sudden, I see him post the 14th.”
Akwaboah
When asked about the reason behind the cancellation of his 2024 ‘Shades of Love’ concert, Akwaboah Jr. explained that there were two reasons.
“There were two reasons… one was gigs outside the country, and two, I was looking for a bigger venue, and I got the Grand Arena… that was where it was happening. So, from Kwabena’s own, I was looking for another big one (venue). And I felt like playing outside the country.”
Akwaboah
Asked if he was hurt by what Kwabena Kwabena did, he responded in the affirmative. “In as much as I was hurt, I didn’t have a problem with him because I am not the only one that can do a show on that day,” he said.
Talking about his current relationship with Kwabena Kwabena Akwaboah stated that they’re on good terms with each other.
“It’s been cool I mean, we met at Royal Senchi, and we talked about it. I asked whether they were doing this year and he said yes and I was like okay cool.”
Akwaboah
Meanwhile, Akwaboah’s ‘Shades of Love Concert 2025’ is set to happen at La Palm on February 14th, with regular tickets selling for 300GHS, VIP 500GHS, and VVIP for 750GHS.
Akwaboah Discloses Composing Becca’s ‘Daa Ke Daa’
The Ghanaian highlife musician and songwriter revealed that most of the songs he wrote for other artists at the beginning of his career were for free.
Akwaboah disclosed that he composed Becca’s popular song ‘Daa Ke Daa’ without expecting payment. “I wrote ‘Daa Ke Daa’ by Becca for free, I didn’t know anything about payment at that time,” he stated.
According to Akwaboah, he rather reveled in seeing the song become a hit and played on TV or radio.
As a young upcoming artist at the time, he said he was also happy about the fact that his contribution to Becca’s song would give him some exposure and mileage.
Apart from Becca, Akwaboah has written songs for artists such as Efya, Kofi Sarpong, and Sarkodie, among others.
Akwaboah also opened up about his Christian background and how it influences his music.
“I do love songs. I’m still the same keyboardist, the same choirmaster, but my gift is writing love songs. I don’t miss choir rehearsal.”
Akwaboah
Akwaboah acknowledged that while he led the choir at his church, his music was not strictly gospel.
“Most of my songs are not gospel, they are love-related. I’m still doing the Lord’s work in a diverse way, different, but I might not be a gospel artiste.”
Akwaboah
This highlights the social stigmatization musicians face as people try to involve the spiritual life in their business world of music.
