Growing up in a Ghanaian society where people in the creative arts especially musicians were perceived to be less educated, school drop-outs etc, it was more than a Herculean task attempting to raise not to talk of convincing your parents (who had managed to put you through our educational structure) to support you venture into music.
In fact, the mere attempt to get your parents attention for such a discussion could get you neglected since they would believe you were not serious and had no ambition.
However, a new school of musicians with special focus on Ghanaian rappers seem to be rewriting the story that was once told of creative arts personalities and that’s what Ghana’s Hub For Urban Entertainment & Pop Culture – www.nydjlive.com seeks to do with this article.
With the highest level of our educational structure being the university or tertiary institutions, it seems one can only go as far as a Doctorate degree or PhD/DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy).
Going by this, it seems there is one Ghanaian rapper who has over the past years distinguished himself as a poet and a wordsmith (although has yet to obtain a doctorate or PhD or DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) ), and sits on top as the most ‘educated’ rapper in the country. Guess who this is? The rap doctor, Okyeame Kwame.
Okyeame Kwame
Born Kwame Nsiah Appau, Okyeame Kwame, Okyeame Kwame in 2010, obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in BSc. Honours in Modern Languages (Akan option).
He later furthered his education to the University of Ghana Business School, Legon where he secured his Masters Degree in Marketing Strategy.
As it stands, Okyeame Kwame seems to be the only Ghanaian rapper with a Master Degree.
In no particular order, we share with you a bit on the educational background of a few of our RAPPERS who are redefining the narrative about musicians in general.
M.anifest
Born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, M.anifest did his High School at SOS Herman Gmeiner International School in Tema.
He was the entertainment prefect of his school known as Amet Tsikata.
He has had artist residencies and given lectures in St Lawrence University (NY), University of Ghana, and spoken to several classes in Hamline University, Macalester College (his Alma Mater), Penumbra Theatre’s Summer Arts institute, Ashesi University and more.
In 2005, M.anifest graduated from the Macalester College in USA with a BA in Economics.
He is a co-founder of Giant Steps (www.GiantStepsMN.com), a five-year old conference for creative entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial creatives.
Kwaku Nsiah Boamah – Flowking Stone
Brother to Okyeame Kwame and born to a teacher, it seems you have no option than to go through the formal education.
Currently following passion, Flowking Stone is a graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and holds a BSc in Bio-Chemistry.
Denning Edem Hotor – Edem
With a number of albums to his credit, Edem completed his primary and Junior High education at the Amazing Love International Schools.
As a product of the secondary school system in Ghana, he enrolled in Bishop Herman College for his senior high school education.
Edem currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
Darlington Kwasi Agyekum – Dr.Cryme
Dr. Cryme was born in Tema and began making music in his early school days. He studied at the Datus School and then attended ASUTECH in Cape Coast and Sotech in Somanya before earning a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Elorm Adablah – EL
Chief Executive Officer of BBNz Record Label, EL as he is affectionately known grew up in the largest estate in Dansoman.
He first attended St. Martin De Porres School in Dansoman where he excelled as a top student and later transferred to Jack and Jill where he completed his Junior Secondary School level.
He then gained admission into Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC), where he discovered his musical talent. After high school, he pursued a degree in economics and political science at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Osei Kwaku Vincent – Strongman
In 2016, Strongman graduated from the University of Cape Coast.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Commerce at the School of Business of the university.
Born Baidoo Lukeman – Teephlow
Born Baidoo Lukeman but well known as Teephlow, he is graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Technology.
Formerly signed to Hammer’s Last 2 Music Group, Teephlow is now signed to Spiderlee Entertainment
Linford Kennedy Amankwaa – Kojo Cue
A journalist by training, a rapper by profession, Kojo graduated from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (G.I.J) perhaps the level of intellect in his writing and music.
Cyril-Alex Gockel – C-Real
Winner of the Channel O Sprite Emcee Africa (Ghana), C-Real as he is well known graduated from St. Peter’s Boys Senior Secondary School, and later from the University of Ghana.
C Real holds an MBA in Marketing.
DID you just change your orientation towards Ghanaian rappers? Yes, there are many others rewriting the story but these are the few we put together.
Credit: nydjlive.com
