Ghanaian musical hip-life duo, Keche has opened up about how they have managed to overcome disappointments in their career.
Rapper Joshua stated depression was a normal thing everyone experiences, affirming, also, it was not foreign to them.
He posited “there’s a problem” only when a person sees a situation as a problem.
“Whatever you are going through, someone has it worse than you, I always say this. What is important is how you handle it and whether or not you’ll allow it to overwhelm you.”
Rapper Joshua
He enumerated “what Keche has been through” recalling consecutive disappointments at the Ghana Music Awards following multiple hits and corresponding nominations.
“When we put out pressure, it was very huge, with, I think, four nominations. We won nothing. I spoke to Andrew telling him it is one of those things [pitfalls], so we dropped ‘Sokode’, so huge, and we got five nominations, we won nothing. We dropped ‘Aluguntugui’, about six nominations, and even on the D-Day, no song was bigger than ‘Aluguntugui’ in the auditorium, still, we won nothing.
“Same with our big song ‘Body Lotion’, it won nothing out of our nominations. We became angry but Andrew made us drop ‘Diabetes’ and it blew up. Five years in a row with the biggest hits but we won nothing.”
Rapper Joshua
To better handle the unpleasant outcomes, he noted he rhetorically asked his Keche mate, singer Andrew: “In our minds, were we working for awards or to entertain people and make money?”
He noted how helpful it is to always anticipate the hardships of life and chosen careers, so one can be equipped against issues and situations that threaten to take away what brings one food and money.
“Whatever happens, see the bigger picture and say to yourself, ‘No matter what happens, that thing will never break me’,” he said.
Andrew, coming in, asserted he does not remember ever getting depressed because it’s a mindset, and also due to how he carries himself in dealing with issues.
“Revealing a secret I’ve never told Joshua, I love my songs to the extent that I’m putting it out there for anybody, even if it’s only one person who will also love it, let’s enjoy it together, just you and I. I’m enjoying it and I don’t care.”
Andrew
Andrew emphasized this is his ultimate concern, and even his wife has noticed he is carefree and self-controlled.
“People who know me on Snapchat will tell you this. I can spontaneously drive by myself to Cape Coast and go sit at the beach. My belief is whatever I want, God has prearranged and I am working hard towards it. I’m not idle so there are so many possibilities.”
Andrew
He echoed and supported Joshua’s thoughts when he revealed everyone has unique challenges and victories in life so “just appreciate your corner and don’t let issues overburden you”.
Music Duo Says Fanbase Not Exclusive To Particular Artists
Keche revealed that no artist has a fanbase exclusively dedicated to them.
The award-winning group disclosed why they are fond of having guests on their songs.
“The feeling is different when you feature someone on your song, I always say this.”
Rapper Joshua
This, however, he added, does not take away from the duo’s stand-alone abilities, citing hits like ‘Pressure’, ‘Sokode’, ‘Aluguntugui’, and ‘Body Lotion’, among others as evidence.
The Keche rapper noted collaborating is good, adding that it makes the other [artists] know they’re all friends.
Underlining that “Ghana is a small country,” Joshua stated stars like Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, R2Bees, DopeNation, and Keche, among others, all have the same fans.
“So if you think there’s a fanbase only for you, you’re lying. Else they would leave after you perform at an event but they stay and sing my song also. We’re all sharing.”
Rapper Joshua
Joshua revealed it’s the reason why he does not like the idea of fanbases named after artists they support, adding, “I don’t see this in Nigeria.”
He argued, “These things cause divisions, it’s like religion,” advocating the attention must solely be on Ghana music with equal support for all artists.
He rebuked artists who are in the habit of projecting themselves as the topmost, especially while overseas. He then commended Stonebwoy for increasingly highlighting other music makers wherever he goes.
The other half of Keche, singer Andrew, wading in, noted even musicians have favorites they desire to collaborate with.
“We have to share, people have to enjoy collaborations and see how beautiful it becomes. It spreads love and unity.”
Andrew
For their latest song, “My Father”, he revealed why King Paluta was chosen as a guest.
“I always said I like this King Paluta guy’s vibe. He is really good,” he added, noting Paluta had not yet become a national phenomenon when they considered working with him.
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