T A K I N G
A F R I EDITORIAL “Iqui sus apidelicae volum re consequam eri- C bus ma voluptati il ium volupta inveliquiame et A quatur sit quas quis. Te re et adignis natende N llesequia cus, versper natur? Enis acessin vele- cae volupta tintios explacc ulparias...”
A Ota asped magnime cupiti sed molupta sequi dendebit volorepti invenih illiquo ofcab inti am arumqui blaccum landestia a que nim ilitam et et essum ium solut autem faccum evelit R quam quo consequi debit fuga. Itatem et eatur, ofcim illabor ecatis net qui ut omnihil ilis dit andigeniet, volupientur ad ut aut odi comniminim nonet occuptiore omnimpore, voloreniam T quo od miliquis dus qui am facepel ma volore estis quam, torpore non preribus dolorrovit as dit quam ipsantia dellatum recto doluptaquam num incium con expliae consequi ofc tem consedio qui od quasper eiciiss itiumqui ofcii stius, cum vendae comnimusam dolupti cus adipsame pre sitecest percilit qui berum in con peribusaes antum et fuga odit, ofctes voluptatur, aut fugia S venitas voluptatur, venis voleni consecest as nonsectionem. Johnathan Doe E Johnathan Doe | Director R I O U S L Y 03 EDITORIAL <<< 07 art exhibition that inhabits African art were from Africa. What comes to mind when dollars, prices that would the ground foor of “Interest in contemporary you think of investment? It have been unimaginable Safaricom House – the African art has exploded, is probably property, land a few years ago. “Safaricom Centre” – in particularly among or shares. However, little Westlands. The idea is that international collectors, by little the East African The growing art sector has Safaricom does business who expect it to be the region has begun to been especially elevated by with a lot of people, not next market where values accommodate a different Circle Art Agency’s annual to mention the hundreds increase in the same manner kind of asset, art. For the modern and contemporary of employees who work as contemporary Chinese longest time, appreciation East African art auction. in the building. They all art,” he said. Giles Peppiatt and by extension purchase Considered to be the only get exposed to the art believes increased interest of art has been a preserve one in East Africa, the Circle every day, with some of from international buyers of foreign diplomats auction has given drive them possibly looking to and African buyers has and tourists. This tide to the art scene in Africa, an example of the lucrative ($10,000). In 2015, four art class individuals and Art Auction, with various purchase one or two. come with economic growth is slowly changing with getting East African artwork investment possibilities works beat that price; the companies, not simply other institutions looking in Sub-Saharan Africa. Much more locals appreciating recognised internationally capable of resulting from most expensive piece, by looking for nice paintings, to create investments Mr Peppiatt of Bonhams a of the top contemporary and buying art. Some of and locally. In 2015 alone, art in the region. Their very Ugandan painter Geoffrey but beautiful and rare in this growing market. privately owned international African art comes from Africa’s artists are now the auction brought in frst auction showcased Mukasa, was worth 1.7m. art pieces with a view to Safaricom, one of East auction house said half of Nigeria and, to a lesser able to sell their works for sales amounting to more various works with about Art works are beginning invest. This stretches a Africa’s largest corporate the buyers of contemporary extent, Ghana. One of Mr hundreds of thousands of than 20 million dollars, two selling for more than to attract numerous high- little beyond the Circle players, has its own modern
05 06 Peppiatt’s tips for future stardom is Paa Joe, a Ghanaian artist who makes highly decorated coffns. His piece Porsche 55 is expected to fetch £4,000-£6,000.
The most sought-after contemporary African artists attract the attention of museums and private collections, boosting prices. Many of the masks and carvings were brought to Europe by colonists. Now pieces from those original collections are coming to the market, Mr Reeves said, as the original owners’ descendants sell their inherited pieces. A piece known as Baga Serpent on sale in Sotheby’s New York in 2008 was expected to fetch a low six-fgure sum but sold for $3.6m (£2.1m at current rates) – a record at the time for African art
Mayfair gallery owner Michael Backman (michaelbackmanltd.com) said:
“The main market for top- end pieces is in Paris, which is where record auction results for tribal art tend to be achieved. eye can enter the market Top-quality items that without spending a fortune.” might have sold for £20,000 a decade ago can The realisation of this invest- sell for millions now.”. ment potential has seen “Given the rapid eco- numerous endorsements However, while the top end of the art market through nomic growth in the of the African art market has facilitating exhibitions in risen markedly, prices in the various galleries across continent I see no middle to lower range have the world. Encouragement remained fairly fat. “Prices to create art continues to reason why contem- have not gone down but by grow, with the increasing and large have not risen so middle-class population, porary African art steadily either,” Mr Back- providing more clientele to man said. “This is an area various artists looking to ex- should not continue where a person with a good pose their creative works. to attract greater in- terest, and therefore increase in price.”
12 >>> FASHION 08 WAFFLES N CREAM
For some unknown reason there is rumour going around the continent that skateboarders and skate enthusi- WAFFLES N CREAM are about more than just pushing their body’s to the limit, the brand portrays themselves asts only exist in places such as Ethiopia and South Africa, but quietly West Africans are beginning to embrace as a community of like minded individuals which is made up of (BMX Bikers, Musicians, Photographers, Graphic skate; especially countries such as Nigeria and Ghana. Nigeria though, is further ahead of Ghana in terms of its Designers, Videographers, and Skateboarders who share a similar vision and hunger and are trying to create skate culture and is home to skate team and street wear brand WAFFLES N CREAM.; To our knowledge they are a subculture which aims to greater expand the Nigerian Experience, connect streetwear and skate to greater West Africa’s frst fashion brand with skate culture as it’s core source of inspiration, Nigeria’s frst-ever skate success in their country, and have a social impact. They plan to do that by “supporting skateboarding regen- crew and the also produced the country’s frst ever skate flm titled Jide which translates to; To Have or To Hold. eration projects by building skate parks in and around Africa by collaborating with local skaters and artists.”
09 10 ©WAFFLES N CREAM
11 12 13 14 Even though Nigeria is one of the continents most populated cities, the lack of proper infrastructure and services makes it very challenging for the youth of the country to get involved in action sports and develop further. Although there are many barriers to overcome if anyone can do it these kids can because this publication believes skate- boarders are some of thee most fearless and most persistent athletes on the planet and as culturepreneurs those are two of the most important character traits they must have.
15 16 P-M
Its an amazing thing! African music is beautiful man, so it feels good to see it blowing up and touching other cultures around the world. I think the dancing aspect has made it so appealing to the world. Every body loves to dance! No matter where you're from!
A-STAR Quite a few of you may not know A Star by face or stage name which is a failure on your part ; not his. With tunes such as Power Ranger featruing Mr. Silva, Lava, Broken, Ebony, and his most popular single the viral monster that is Eggplant this is a man on the way up and with the right support there is no telling where his talent could end up taking him.
24 >>> TECHNOLOGY 6) Who is the greatest support system in your life 1) Tell us a bit about yourself man. Where are you right now? from and how did you get into the Afrobeats scene?
Hey guys, I’m A-Star. I’m a rising rapper based in South Yes my family and friends have always supported me with East London. I’m keen on calling myself a rapper before my music since I started as a kid. I am now 25 years old and anything else because I feel hip-hop is where it all started I now feel its up to me to determine my destiny. I feel I’m at a for me. After making UK Rap music for a few years I collab- stage in my life where I can’t rely on anybody too much and orated with a few local artists on an Afrobeat record titled If I really want to succeed with my music, I have to put in the “Bo Won Sem Ma Me”. For me, I feel that specifc track was work myself. This is my dream and I have a vision that no- the beginning of the whole resurgence of UK Afrobeats and body else can see right now apart from me. It is now my job I this is also how I got into the Afrobeats scene. It wasn't to work the hardest and release the best music so that every planned, but here I am today lol. body in the world can see this vision and not just me anymore.
2) How do you stay connected to the culture 6) Who is the greatest support system in your life whilst living in the UK? right now?
I’m naturally connected. I was born and raised in a heav- Yes. My guy Dj Flex! I loved the remix as much as every body ily Ghanaian cultured household (in the UK) so I guess else. I feel the remix helped to take the song to another level. my parents kept/keep the culture in me on a daily ba- sis. This involves a whole list of things such as hear- 10) Whats your take on the Afrobeats scene blow- ing my parents speak Twi (their native language), hear- ing up so much now? What do you think has caused ing them listening to Ghanaian Highlife music or even something as simple as eating Fufu, waakye, jolly lol haha. These things keep me connected in a way. Its an amazing thing! African music is beautiful man, so it feels good to see it blowing up and touching oth- er cultures around the world. I think the dancing as- 3) What was the defning moment in your life where pect has made it so appealing to the world. Every you knew music was the route for you? body loves to dance! No matter where you’re from! I must have been around 14 years old. I was invited to a studio for the frst time by an older rap crew. They 11) Do you have any advice for any new musicians wanted me to record a verse on one of their tracks. I re- trying to come up in the industry? member being really nervous lol. Once I recorded my verse every body in the studio went crazy and I was flled with praises. From then, I knew music for me. Just do what you like! Do what you feel! Don’t listen to peo- ples opinion too much because as I say, you’re the only one that can see you’re vision. Find your own lane and your own 4) Eggplant is such an infectious tune! Its gone sound, and when you do…run with it! Be consistent and viral - from the UK to Ghana to Germany to Austra- work hard. It takes hard work, and a lot of tries and fails to lia, there are hundreds of dance videos, including the get where you want to be in life. I could say so many other hashtag #eggplantchallenge. How does it feel to see things, but these are the frst things that come to my head. people really loving and responding to your work?
I know right! Thanks man! It’s so humbling. Every time I 12) Are you currently working on any more new watch a new dance video I’m just humbled. The song has projects? We see you’ve just dropped the tune Ebony - literally spread across the whole world and it feels amaz- another banger! ing. International recognition is what every musician hopes for, and Eggplant has received that level of recognition Thank you! For now I’m just keeping the bangers coming. in only four months of release. This makes me happy. I believe I’ve developed a sound that people seem to like, so my plan now is to take this sound to the heights! As high as possible. 5) You’ve collabed with MOBO nomi- nee Mista Silva on the track Power Rangers, what was that experience like? Are there any other Afrobeat artists you’d like to work with?
Mista Silva is like my brother in this Afrobeats thing. Re- member the song I was speaking about in question 1? He was one of the artists I was on that record with. We began this new wave of UK Afrobeats together, so getting him on my song Power Rangers was just as simple as a phone call. He came down, he liked the track and we just vibed together in the studio. And yh, I’d love to work with Mr Eazi as he’s one of my favourite afrobeat artists at the moment.
19 20 Essie Buckman is a 23 year old Central Saint Martins [CSM] BA graduate who specialised in Fashion Design with Market- ing. You may or have not already seen items from her collec- tion making the way around the internet. ‘Fortie Label,’ was inspired by the Forty Elephants Gang who were a group of women from the 19th century who specialised in stealing items from stores. Certain news outlets say the group “terrorised” London. Skilled, smart, and savy there were able to come up with numerous ways to protect themselves from being caught in the act of stealing and evading police. Their crime operation lasted from the 19th centurary into the 20th and expanded into robbing homes and blackmail. They were often said to be able to meet equal numbers of men in battle and were admired by their male counterparts in the Elephant and Castle Mob. Since then Fortie Label has been featured in noted fashion publi- cations such as Italian Vogue, Dull Magazine and i-D. Fortie Label clientele includes fashion and music icons such as Ri- Fhanna, Chaelin CL and Jorja Smith. L @essiebuckman
goals for the future Essie hopes to have her own lifestyle brand that is more than just her fashion designs. She wants to cre- ate opportunities for the youth to get involved in the creative arts. She also plans to tackle events and interior design. Essie is open to collaborative projects with non fashion brands and companies that think outside the box to help bring the creative arts to a broader sector in some way no matter how big or small the company. 23 La Meme Gang (The Same Gang) are without a shadow of a doubt the most exciting group Ghana has come up with in a very long time.
La Meme Gang have sold out shows, been fea- tured in Vouge, modeled for top international brands, topped the Ghana iTunes chart with their debut EP La Meme Tape holding its own against Sarkodie’s heavily promoted album HIGH- EST and debuted well in the iTunes world chart and their latest effort Shade is gaing traction.
The group made up of: RJZ, Darko Vibes, Spacely Kwaku BS, Kiddblack, and Nxwrth offer a very unique package with their music, personalities, and sense of style. La Meme are: wild, loud, and don’t really care about what any thinks about how they go about their business. The most important word left out of the intimidating pair of adjectives above is talented.
Their message is simple: Their a group of boys from the same hood that want to make it together and have as much fun on this journey as possible; hence the name La Meme Gang (The Same Gang).
@lamemegram RJZ
Joshua Pharez Essuman-Mensah also known as RJZ or The Fuccin' Legend (formerly Twyce) is a Recording Artist/ Song writer/ Music Producer/ Actor and digital artist from Ghana. RJZ has pro- duced and worked on lots of music in- cluding the mixtape “BeGood.BeSafe“. His musical perspective and genre has varied periodically and due to that he has developed great inclination to creat- ing his own genre. As an artist of multi- farious creative abilities, He featured as the main character in the movie [14:32] 2015. He is known for immensely infu- encing the visual aspect of award win- ning musician EL‘s [BAR II Mixtape]E.L- B.A.R-II & the Visual Director for Joey B's Darryl EP and other renowned artists .He is the CEO of the AESJV Design Group Currently based in Accra (Spintex). RJZ is on the verge of releasing his new and upcoming Extended play "$HWAZY" af- ter his debut Album [FLAIR] last 2 years.
27 28 DarkoVibes
Darko fell into music the same way most people that make music for a living did: Experimenta- tion and Passion. Working out of a studio in Mal- lam he got bored of the sounds around him and abandoned conventional for unconventional. Craft- ing lyrics from local tongues such as: Ga, Twi, and Pidgin while all the same keeping English amongst one of many tools he has at his disposal.
He is well known for his 2016 hit single Mercy and summer jam Tomorrow which led to him being nomi- nated for a Ghana Music Award in 2017. Some of his other credits include a feature on Joey B’s Dar- ryl EP, Placebo which features La Meme Gang mate KiddBlack, a long with numerous other col- laborations with Kuvie, Vacs, Edem, and more.
A perfectionist when it comes to executing his ideas coupled with hard work and bravery in very stale in- dustry makes him an exciting act to follow. We don’t know how he got here or where he is going with his mu- sic but wherever it is you’re guaranteed a good time.
30 NXWRTH
If you’re lost sonically and looking for a new sound al- ways head Nxwrth because you’re guarenteed to fnd something new and interesting where ever this man is.
Ahmed Froko a.k.a Nxwrth (pronounced North) is a Ghanaian msuic producer, songwriter, and DJ born and raised in Accra, Ghana. He is only 21 years old, which makes him one of the youngest producers on the scene but when you listen to his music you’ll sense maturity that goes beyond what his age suggests. Nxwrth started producing when he was 16 years old using a variety of diffrent sounds and genres and hasn’t looked back since; some of his credits in- clude: Ranger, Houdini, Godzilla, Cupid and more.
We’re going to stake the tiny amount of clout we have in the industry and say Nxwrth may go on to become one of the best proudcers this country has ever heard.
31 RJZ & NXWRTH SPACELY
Google the defntion of easy-going and some- where in there you’ll fnd a picture of $pace. The grooviest memeber of La Meme Gang.
Elvis E. Amenyah a.k.a $pacely is the kind of dude that radiates calm energy and in a group flled with some of the loudest and craizest m@t%erf**k£r$ in Ghana having someone who can bring a bit of calm is always a good thing. Born in Ghana but raised in Switzerland. $pacely began pursing an active career in music back in 2012. In 2016 he met award winning producer Kuvie, and together they recorded his frst single “Love on Drugs” featuring Darkovibes, pro- duced by Nxwrth; and the rest as they say is history.
Outside of La Meme Gang $pacely has a thriving solo career which includes singles such as Digits ft. Kwesi Arthur and Magom’s Bam Bam which he featured on.
34 kiddblack
Dennis “Kiddblack” Dorcoo’s love for music goes back as far as he can remember. Mak- ing music was always the plan, but it wasn’t until 2009, when a change meeting with a fel- low music enthusiast, Drilix, on a basketball court set him on the journey of music making.
As it turned out, Drilix & Kidd lived in the same neighbourhood, and their organic connec- tion & encouragement from Drilix led Kidd to pen his frst rhyme. For Kidd, as a lyric-driven performer, the rhymes are what it’s all about. Musically, he pulls inspiration from jazz, blues, rock & soul, gravitating to beats that blend those elements.
On a personal note, his style is infuenced by west coast rappers like Dom Kennedy & Nipsey Hussle, having a preference for Chuck Taylor’s and Vans. This laid-back style refects his character as a super chill guy, with a love for vintage flms. When speaking of the collective, Kidd pinpoints their brotherhood as his favourite thing about the Même Gang - which he says was created organi- cally by these brothers with a desire to create unique sounds & inspire genuine expressions. Kiddblack is currently working on fresh content, & folks can expect “classics” from the young rapper.
35 KWAKU BS
Like lots of others, KwakuBS grew up matching MTV. But, unlike lots of others, it wasn’t because he wanted to. The love of music shared by his sis- ters and father saw that it was always on, and even though he would’ve preferred his cartoons, he found interest in the performers he saw and fell in love with the craft. He didn’t dabble in recording until his high school senior Sena Baëta took him to the studio and the rest, as they say, is history.
Micheal K. Boateng a.k.a KwakuBS’ music echoes his eclectic tastes, inspired by multiple genres rang- ing from afro to trap & everything in between. This versatility shows in his personal style too, being a big believer in wearing what makes him comfort- able. Right now, that’s any and everything cozy.
The energy fans see on stage doesn’t come to KwakuBs immediately. Like his music, his personal- ity changes, going from a reserved shyness to the energetic person we see on his performances. And it’s this exact thing - energy - that he pinpoints as the best thing about being in La Même. The boys are his brothers. He calls them “pure souls” keeping each other in check & bringing the best out of one another. That energy and creativity never stops, so fans can expect even bigger things from the gang.
38 WHY DO SO MANY MUSICIANS END UP BEING ONE HIT WONDERS? In life you’re told there are always two kinds of people. Those who Buying/Getting something new is a brief period of ex- and speed that those talents are contingent on as they take the easy way and those who are ready to suffer to get what they citement in the same manner that the Baha Men mo- age; the body may get weak but the mind and the in- want. The music industry is no different you have those who are will - mentarily offered a new and unfamiliar sound to the stincts all remain sharp, which is why in sports like football ing to endure malnutrition in exchange for artistic creditability and mass market, but as we mentioned above; people you hear the term form is temporary but class is perma- those who just want to become rich and famous. For those trying visibly grew bored and tired very quickly and de- nent swung about for legends of the game. We don’t think to achieve the latter the aim is to always rank high in everything: cided that they were never to be heard again. that the same is true for musicians. The ability will always Charts, Likes, Concert Attendance, and more which is no easy be there and it may even improve with age meaning they thing to accomplish and isn’t necessarily the quickest or the best Boredom and Tiredness are not the only forces that make don’t need power or speed; they need timing and an un- route to stardom. For many the journey ends up being a dis - a one hit wonder; most consumers still don’t fully grasp derstanding of the world around them which is why chart appointing anti-climax because lightening rarely strikes twice. how diffcult the creative process can be which is why topping is sport in itself and is more reserved for the young. The Baha Men (everyone’s favourite example) had one in music “the curse of the second album” is something of the world’s biggest hits with their single Who Let The no musician one wants said around them. The Curse of Dogs Out but; [who who who who who] knows where the the Second Album is when a new solo act or group fol- hell they are now? We could probably have done a bit lows up their hit frst album with a bad second attempt. more research and given you a little “Where are they now” piece within this article but; in 2018 we doubt you care enough about the Baha Men to know where “The brain’s they are now anyway or what the hell they are up to. What we can tell you though is they fzzled out very hunger for novelty quickly, people eventually got tired of them and their occasionally fun yet annoying song and just like that one day you woke up and they were gone from ev - products is a very real erything. The most current example of a probable thing.” one hit wonder we can give you is Big Shaq with his single Man’s Not Hot. Michael Dapaah came out of nowhere and stole the rest of 2017 with A$AP Rocky’s frst proper album, Long. Live. A$AP, what was without a shadow of a doubt the big- which came after his break-out mixtape, Live. Love. gest: Meme, Comedy Video, Music Video, and A$AP did not go down too well with audiences and you’ll Song of the year he isn’t going to get proper struggle to fnd a human being in the world who rates recognition for his achievement in some his album higher than his mixtape. Musicians plan their circles because he isn’t a “proper musi- whole lives for a successful debut, but fail to put in the cian” He is a comedian frst but; the man same amount of effort following the success of their frst has done what most “proper musicians” effort. A$AP Rocky isn’t alone in this category Tyga, The have been trying to do all their lives. We Kaiser Chiefs, and Future, are just a few examples of art- guarantee you the likelihood of some- ists who had less successful follow up albums (but Future thing like this happening for Mr. Dapaah bounced back hard so everyone warmed up to him again). again are slim; very slim. The One Corner fad which swept Ghana not too long ago Which is why young artists coming up in the country suffered the fate (we don’t mind for that one). shouldn’t be fooled into thinking success is simply a mat- Many artists will try and replicate that one big ter of talent, most one hit wonders fail to create a genuine hit in the studio over and over again which is connection with their fan base which is why when they quite tragic but it doesn’t mean they fade away do start to fall no one is there to catch them. Imagine, from the limelight completely Ice Ice Baby and it’s hard enough maintaining a stable relationship with Hammer Time by Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer are people you already know but having to create multiple just two examples of one hit wonder musicians who new ones at the same time is hard work and most musi- still enjoy a fair amount of shine from time to time. Va- cians don’t do that. Sometimes though, musicians are so nilla Ice for example for over nearly thirty decades has tune with what is going on in the world around them and had to endure regular pop culture references and is how it affects their fans that they go on to create work that often the butt of many jokes regarding “bad rap music”. stands the test of time. NWA’s Straight Outta Compton is One hit wonder’s are more accidental than anything else a perfect example of that and in certain parts of the world their place in the pantheon of music will never be up there their single Fuck Tha Police must claim heavy rotation. MACK MORRISON with: Aretha Franklin’s Respect, James Brown’s Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, Killing Me Softly With His Song We could also argue the case that most musicians simply by the Fugees, Daddy Lumba’s Aben Wo Ha, 2 Face’s Afri- run out of ideas but they would never admit it. As chil- Young people will always shape popular culture, they’re the can Queen, or Lucky Dube’s Different Colours. Their place in dren we’re all taught our imagination is the best place in soldiers out in the feld exploring, learning, and creating. musical history is permanently attached to the human desire for the world to go to for ideas but are never taught what to They know what gets the blood going. Naturally with age do when one day we go back into our brains and noth- people take more of a back seat in life, social circles narrow something new and remotely entertaining; while the musi- ing is there; not: a guitar strum, a baseline, or a bloody and the large majority of us will inevitably lose touch with cian’s listeners really love about are cooking away in the title all you’re greeted with is emptiness. Here at A2.O what is cool, fresh, and young. You’ll become your parents. studio. Which is exactly why need them; they are we don’t believe people are talentless but we do believe an effective stop-gap/distraction during that long waintg period. good ideas and talent much like any other resource on The brain’s hunger for novelty products or experiences is the planet can be fnite. One person cannot have all the “Chart topping is sport in it- a very real thing if you don’t believe us then; you must have talent or the ideas making decline for some inevitable. been under a rock when: Pokemon Go, Fidget Spinners, “Hov- Gifted musicians are often viewed through a similar lens self and is more reserved for the er boards” and all the other nonsense buried in your mate’s as gifted athletes. Elite athletes never really lose their tal- closet from summer’s past were taking the world by storm. ent it is always there, all they really lose are the power young.” 41 42 KWESI ARTHUR
Kwesi Aruther is fast becoming one of Ghana’s brightest emerging talents. If you haven’t heard his hit song Grind Day on your: radio, television, social media feed, or even on the damn streets of Accra then you’ve probably been sleeping under that rock everyone keeps talking about. We didn’t know much about Kwesi Arthuer before this interview but the Tema native is doing everything possible to make sure this publicatin and everyone else out there knows who is and what he’s about. Soft spoken and a tad shy Kwesi is the type of dude you’d love to have as a friend because of his calm nature and sense of humour but he the type of performer you would hate to come after because of the amout of energy he gives a crowd; it really is like watching two different people kind of like Beyonce and Sasha Fierce.500+ people at The Crusade Concert in September of this year will tell you the boy is star. The noise the crowd made when he stuck his head out to say hi to the crowd was deafng the chaos that followed after as he took of his shirt and beat to Grind Day dropped was insane!Tema has a new star and his name is Kwesi Arthur!
43 “The name is just my way of keeping him alive and close to me. It's the first and only name that came to mind when I decided to choose one.”
Tell us where you’re from?
I'm just a poor boy from Tema, Ghana who tells the story of his people and speaks for the have-not with his music. I try to be as open and honest as possible with my mu- sic so I put all my thoughts and feelings in it cos I'm not much of a talker. We're trying to conquer the world with this thing chaley.
How’d you get into music?
For music, My dad had the radio on every time since I was young, he was an electric gadget repairer so he used to test people's tapes after fxing them, usually playing the owner of the gad- gets' cassettes. I fell in love with the melodies, rhythms and stories I used to hear. Songs from different genres and creators. I never thought I would be creating some myself so I just appre- ciated the songs I heared then on a fan level. I only found out I can do this in 2010 when I started listening to Lil Wayne, Drake and the Young Money Gang heavily. I just fell in love with how easy Drake made rapping seem so I decided to write a few lines one rainy morning at home. I jotted down some 16 bars, memo- rized them real good and performed it the next day for my friends in school. Guys were like " naaa e no be you rep this" and it hit me at that point that I can do this. Been doing this since.
Why the name Kwesi Arthur? Why you you pick up some other rap name?
I actually used to be "Kwesi Arthur Tha King" people still refer to me by that. It's still my facebook name, been trying to change that since but...... Kwesi Arthur is my real name. My birth name is Em- manuel Kwesi Danso Arthur Junior. Junior cos I was named after my grand father, who I never got the chance to meet so the name is just my way of keeping him alive and close to me. It's the frst and only name that came to mind when I decided to choose one.
Who encouraged you to pursue music as a career or did you have fnd the confdence in your- self to go out and just do your thing?
A lot of people chale. Luckily for me I have a very solid support system you know? Shoutouts to my top dawgs at Ground Up chale, Shoutouts to Big Homie Flee. These people inspire me and push me to be the very best I can be. They keep on my toes and have helped nurture my craft to the level it is now. Not forgetting man like Sedudzi, who's believed in me from the onset. I'm thankful for all these people. And the fans bro, I don't even call them fans they're my family.
45 Who encouraged you to pursue music as a career or did you have fnd the con- fdence in yourself to go out and just do
A lot of people chale. Luckily for me I have a very solid support system you know? Shou- touts to my top dawgs at Ground Up chale, Shoutouts to Big Homie Flee. These people inspire me and push me to be the very best I can be. They keep on my toes and have helped nurture my craft to the level it is now. Not forgetting man like Sedudzi, who's believed in me from the onset. I'm thank- ful for all these people. And the fans bro, I don't even call them fans they're my family.
Grind Day that is a monster of a jam how did that come about? What got into your head when you created this beast?
Nothing really, it's just like every other song I made in the studio with my brothers . The only difference maybe is how a lot of peo- ple relate to it upon it's release. I wrote it with the intention of it being kind of like a hustler's go to piece. Shout outs to KaySo and Big Homie Flee for being there and helping out with the whole process. Before I forget, I had another melody and lyrics for the beat of Grind Day. So I sang it for KaySo. He made the beat and after listen- ing to it for sometime I decided to change “Live From Nkrumah Krom EP” the initial idea for the song. Yeah! Abedi Pele be the initial idea. Big Homie Flee did the skits in the song and that was it.
Tell us about the EP Live From Nkrumah Krom how did that come about?
Live From Nkrumah Krom EP is a project about the struggles of a kid in Ghana and his burning desire to be a better person and successful. “I actually had the I actually had the idea for it in 2010, but we didn't have the right resources to bring it to life idea for it in 2010, till like 2015, dropped it in April 2017 and the reception has been klaaazy. KaySo did most but we didn't have the of the production on that record, Jay Fyn and Dusha Billions did same. right resources to bring it to life till Tell is about Ground Up Chale what are you guys about? like 2015, dropped it
Ground Up Chale! That's my family, God's gift. in April 2017 and the The name actually suggests what we stand for. Building it from the buttom to the high- reception has been est level. Ground Up is all about helping tal- ented people reach their goals and dreams, klaaazy”. and showcase their talent to the world. They @kwesiarthur_ inspire you to be more than you think you are. The time and effort the people here in- vest into what they believe in just go bost your mind. I'm grateful to have them in my life.
48 We believe Shaina/Afa is thee most dangerous woman alive! One quick scroll through her instagram feed @thesam- urider will have many of you agreeing with us. She fghts in three different dsiciplines: Kickboxing, Wu Shu, and XMA (not MMA, X-M-A so you know she’ll kick your ass) and her favourite weapons are: The Bo, Swords, Nunchucks, and Chains. An Englishwoman of Ghanaian decent she is unlike any female we’ve ever come across. Stabbing the spaces inbetween her fve fngers while singing are just some of the things she loves to do for fun. She loves riding bikes (600cc and above bikes bruh!) and is a fan of the Marvel Universe. If you were looking for a Bad B***h look no futher than Shaina; she is all that and then some and we’re so happy she took the time out to answer some of our questions.
“I was housebound from a pretty serious motorbike accident where I How did you get into doing what you do? Your page is amazing! fractured my neck” Thank you very much. It all start- ed as a hobbie; something that First of what is your name and made me happy. I was in a very where are you from? dark place in my life when I decid- ed to pursue my 'unconventional' training. I was house-bound from My name is Shaina West. My Gha- a pretty serious motorbike acci- naian name is Afa. I'm from South dent where I fractured my neck London, England but I'm also a & broke my hand. Then, before bit of a vagabond. My proud heri- I could even leave the hospital, tage is from Accra & Kumasi, my (at-the-time) boyfriend had Ghana. I will defnitely live there just broken up with me. He broke some day. I was made for the sun. my heart. I lost my job as a con- sequence of not being able to go How do you support yourself with to work for the following weeks. your talent? Do you teach classes It was a series of unfortunate over in the UK?, Music videos?, events, however, it was exactly Films? what I needed to fnd myself. As they say: "the night is darkest just before the dawn." I personal train & teach group-ses- sions. Freelance modelling jobs, TV/ flm, music videos etc. Anything I feel is benefcial to developing myself as a stunt actor. I don't always accept jobs - I'm quite careful about my image and how I choose to represent myself to my followers. I strongly believe that black women need a positive image of strength and dignity to kick the stigma of 'ratchet bad-bitchery'.
THE SAMURIDER 50 What are some of your favourite action Yes, of course I played combat games! I movies? played whatever games my big brother had: tekken, mortal combat, street fghter. I loved My favourite action movies are ones like "Kick Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Blanka but totally idolised Ass". I absolutelyloved the concept of 'normal' Chun Li - still do! Although I preferred adven- people overcoming the obstacles to become ture style games like 'Metal Gear Solid, Tomb real-life superheroes. It was amazing to see Raider, Spyro, Kirby, Crash Bandicoot, Ray- the mortality of these heroes, with real weak- man'... the list goes on. nesses, going through real hardship as op- posed to Chuck Norris' perceived 'invincibil- What type of music do you like to listen to ity'. I also love Jackie Chan flms - I am a huge when you train? fan. His creativity and unspoken comedy is something I aspire to achieve in my perfor- I love to train to all sorts of music. I guess, de- mance someday. I also love 'Kung Fu Hustle' pending on the sort of training & my mood. & 'Chocolate'. Must sees! Most often I will listen to animesoundtracks like the Afro Samurai/Naruto OSTs, or Skril- Are you into Anime at all and if so which lex for when I really want to feel pumped. ones? For many of us here we decided it Even some Neo-soul or hip hop/RnB/ was Bleach and Naruto that got us into that Hip-Life. As long as I can feel the rhythm. style of animation and from then on we’ve just been fnding loads more. Ever inure yourself with one of your weap- ons while training? Like I mentioned before, I have a burning love for anime. Animemade me who I am. Natu- All. The. Time. I'm currently typing this with 4 ro is my most favourite - it's the frst anime I sprained fngers and a very swollen left-hand. watched alone. (I used to watch Dragon Ball It comes with the territory. I don't think I've ever Z over my brothers shoulder when I was very gotten though a good training session without young... Mainly because he had the remote). at least one injury. I have seen so many now that I can't recall them all. I hope to create one someday, with If you could do a flm/tv series who would it more black characters. Representation is be with? very important for black anime fans; when I frst saw Afro Samurai, I was simply euphoric. If I could do a flm/TV show it would be with my 'team': the people who have helped me DC or Marvel and why? get this far, without a doubt. After that, I would Good question... Marvel. Because their rep- LOVE to work with Jackie Chan, Michael Jai resentation of superheroes are more relatable White, Tony Jaa, Terry Crews & Michelle Yeoh to the audience. Their characters are usu- but there are so many more! ally 'normal' people who obtain their power through some sort of unfortunate/supernatural What’s your routine like because you event. Unlike DC, where most of the heroes need to be in shape to handle the kind are almost 'God-like': born with unfathom- of physical pressure you’re putting on able power (I'm looking at you, Superman). your body. Do you have a special diet? Although I defnitely love both! My favourites How many times are you in the Gym? are The Flash, from DC & Deadpool from Mar- vel. To be honest, I go with the wind. I train as and when I feel the urge. It could You’re on bikes a lot on your gram we’re be 5 times a week, it could be once. I guessing you ride? (If you do which bikes do you mess with?) feel that although dedication is impor- tant, so is quality of life. I try my best to I have a white/silver 2009 Suzuki GSXR 600cc eat well; my diet is mostly plant-based, - her name is Titania. Before that, I had another however, I grew up indulging in meat I named 'Venom', a 2007 GSXR named 'Kiba', too, so I try to fnd a balance until I a 2004 GSXR 600 named 'Suzie' and my very frst was a Derbi CBR 125cc that I named 'Deli- can fnally transition into a plant-based lah'. I'm obviously a fan of GSXRs. whole-foods diet.
Did you ever play combat games? Tekken, Mortal Kombat, Dead or Alive (that’s a throw back), Street Fighter?
51 52 The video of you stabbing the spaces in between your fngers is mad! How long did it take you to get up to speed to pull it off? Or did you just wake up one morn- ing and decided I’m going to do this and hopefully not lose a thumb in the process!
The latter. I saw the original knife game song on YouTube by Rusty Cage and just thought "... sure, I'll give that a go." I practised with a pen for an hour or two and then I was ready! That video is actually the reason I went vi- ral (I only had about 900 followers at the time). To think, I made that video for fun, yet it brought about 20k followers to my Instagram page overnight! The internet sure is crazy.
What did you parents think when you decid- ed I’m going to make risking injury/your life almost everyday as a career? You know how Ghanaian parents can be sometimes.
I have always been a bit of a 'rebel' when it came to conforming to my parents' idea of success. I have some pretty funny stories of my Mum trying to comprehend exactly what I was doing with all the "crazy" weapons and @thesamurider 'fghting skills'. So, there's this video on my In- stagram page (we're talking 2014) of me learn- ing to throw knives from my bed into a box I taped on the wall opposite. One day, my mum Final question if you could be super hero what would your had found the box with the knife in it & multiple name, powers, and costume be? knife-holes whilst I was out. I then got a call from my Doctor who was concerned for my mental-welfare! After explaining to my doctor Simple. It would be "The Samurider". Otherwise & Mother what I had been doing, she actually known as "Superia" (I'm a fan of wordplay). My went ahead & set up an intervention for me, with powers? My determination. Kind of like Batman, or one of my 'aunties'. It was both terri- Hit-Girl. My costume would include my Afro; I want bly frustrating and hilarious. Now, my Mum is very open to my career choices. it to be a symbol. The rest of it is still undecided.
54 Daily Paper founded in 2010 by Jefferson Osei (Ghana), Abder- rahmane Trabsini (Morocco) and Hussein Suleiman (Somalia), is an Amsterdam-based menswear label with a habit of blend- ing African heritage and design with streetwear culture. Sharing a common African background, the three designers use tradi- tional fabrics and prints to create a range of dope ready-to- wear garments, which has grown from their humble beginnings working with simple graphic branded apparel to now having multiple fne-tailored collections including a variety outerwear sil- houettes, pants, loungewear and a huge selection of headwear.
The PUMA x Daily Paper Autumn-Winter ’17 col- lection pays homage to PUMA’s 20th year of long- standing commitment to Africa and African football. Daily Paper infuses contemporary streetwear styl- ings inspired by their African heritage onto PUMA’s football team kits, team gear and classics sneaker silhouettes from the sports archive. Intricate graph- ics and color-blocking patterns are reminiscent of the vibrant team kits of PUMA sponsored teams from the Confederation of African Football - Ghana, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. The collection pieces also prominently feature the number 20 written in Amharic, a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia.
PUMA and Daily Paper have appropriated all marketing funds towards the building of a football pitch and facilities at the Accra Senior Girls School in Ghana and equipping gear for their team.
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“The pitch will not only serve the school but other communities in Accra, further- ing the development of the sport amongst young footballers and empowering them for the future. The project was made pos- sible in cooperation with the Right to Play foundation”.
- DAILY PAPER
60 LA MEME GANG (DARKOVIBES, $PACELY, KIDDBLACK, RJZ, BS, & NWXRTH) - KWESI ARTHUR - A STAR - THE SAMURIDER