Reality television star and musician, Laycon has disclosed that his rap music career was greatly influenced by one of Africa’s best rappers, Sarkodie.

Speaking in an interview, the winner of the 2020 Big Brother Naija revealed that he has been an ardent listener of Ghanaian music for a very long time. He further recounted how he used to make covers of Sarkodie’s rap songs back in the day, although he never understood the words Sarkodie used. He also rated Sarkodie as one of the best rappers in the world.

“There was this show that I used to watch all the time. I used to see artists like VIP, Tiny. So, I have always listened to Ghanaian music. Then Sarkodie came and I was amazed by his rap even though I couldn’t understand what he was saying. But I captured all his techniques. So, there was this mixtape that I recorded and it was because of Sarkodie I did that mixtape.

“So, I was doing his raps but then whenever I put it out people ask me what does it mean and I can’t even explain and that was how come I had to stop learning his rap. I will rate him as one of the people who influenced my rap music”.

Speaking further about being a consumer of Ghanaian music he said: “Right now, I listen to several artists in Ghana. The likes of Kwesi Arthur, Joey B, Yaw Tog all of them so I listen to Ghanaian music a lot”.

Laycon praises Ghanaians

It can be recalled that the 26-year-old rapper won the 2020 lockdown edition of the Big Brother Naija show. Recounting how he got into the popular Nigerian reality television show, Laycon disclosed; that he only planned to stay in the BBN house for two weeks; as he went there solely to promote his music. According to him, he didn’t factor in the possibility of him going as far as winning the show.

“I put out an extended playlist in 2020, and I just thought BBN was one;of the best ways to promote my song because there was a lockdown and all. I figured people will get tired of me if I keep talking about my music. So, I planned to only do two weeks in the house then leave. But I am just grateful for everything that has happened”.

Speaking about his new album, ‘Shall we begin’, the artist noted that the album is a ten-track list with an intro and outro. He noted that most he worked on most of the songs last year however just one of the 10 songs was made just this year.

The rapper who is currently in Ghana had a mammoth crowd gathered at the Kotoka International Airport upon his arrival just to welcome him into the country. Speaking about his stay in Ghana, he said “Ghanaians are wonderful and very beautiful people. I mean there is one thing you see and there is another thing for you to experience first-hand.