Kofi Kinaata | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Martin King Arthur |
Also known as | Fante Rap God |
Born | 15 April 1990 Effiakuma – Takoradi, Ghana |
Genres | Highlife, Hiplife |
Occupation(s) | Singer, rapper |
Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Years active | (2013–present) |
Labels |
|
Martin King Arthur (born 15 April 1990) popularly known as Kofi Kinaata is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi.[1][2] He is noted for his Fante rap and freestyle and therefore known as the Fante Rap God (FRG).[3]
Early life and education
Kofi Kinaata was born on the 15th of April 1990 and raised in Effiakuma, a residential town in the Western Region of Ghana. He attended Nana Brempong Yaw School and completed his secondary education at the Takoradi Technical Institute.[4][5]
Music career
Just after High school, Kofi Kinaata participated in the Melody FM (Kasahari) rap competition and emerged as the second runner-up in 2009.[6] He released his first single "Obi Ne Ba" in 2011. Martin King Arthur popularly known as Kofi Kinaata is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi. He is noted for his fante rap and freestyle and is therefore known as the Fante Rap God.[7]
He is noted for his lyrical dexterity in terms of unique rhyme schemes and humorous Fante rap style with a touch of traditional African proverbs in his local language to entertain and educate.[8][9] In February 2020, he won the Hybrid song of the year at the Ghana National Gospel Music Awards 2019.[10]
Kofi Kinaata has won Songwriter of the Year in the Ghana Music Awards. for three consecutive times.[11]
In December 2015, he released a song "Made in Taadi" which was a jam for most Fante people due to the link to their famous "Ankos" (Fancy dress and Masqueraders Xmas Carnival) annual festival which happens during Christmas.[12]
In September 2023, during the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Awards that was heard in the University of Professional Studies Accra, Kinaata got the chance to perform at this event.[13]
Sweetie-pie
Sweetpie is a love song of its kind. The song starts with a great sensation expressing a great kind of love. Although the lyric was done in Fante, fans love the beats to the song. This is a perfect song for a date. It creates the right mood for a romantic setting. Kin Dee is the producer responsible for this great work.[14]
Confession
In 2016, he released "Confession" with most people relating the song to "Jesus Take The Wheel".[15][16]
An abridged English version of the lyrics to the song, has been adopted by the English department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology[17][18][19] for a Level 200 semester course (English Literature 263).
The song became Avram Grant's favorite Ghanaian track at the time it was released. He told Bola Ray in his last interview before he retired as a Ghana Black Stars Coach.[20]
Kinaata's "Confession" was used in 2017 as the theme song by the Minority party (NDC) as a tease to the majority in parliament (NPP) to describe the state of the nation.[21][22]
The Ghana Black Stars also did a "Confession" group dance as a form of celebration anytime a goal was scored, during the AFCON 2017 Tournament.[23][24]
The song received considerable playtime and moved to the Top 10 in Ghana in 2016. He won the Song Writer of the Year and Best New Artiste of the Year awards at the 2016 edition of the Ghana Music awards.[25]
Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart, a 2019 release has topped charts across music platforms, including iTunes Ghana Top 100, Audiomack Ghana Top 20 and Boomplay AfroBeats charts for weeks. The song which was produced by TwoBars was warmly received by music enthusiasts as one of the most well-written songs so far.[26][27][28] The song has been widely played, circulated and shared on both traditional and social media, it has been number 1 on Twitter trends. The song has also been number one on YouTube's Ghana trends with fellow celebrities giving it rave rating: Asamoah Gyan,[29] Michael Essien, Kwami Sefa Kai, Phillip Osei Bonsu, Sadick Adams, KiDi, Efya, Berla Mundi, Joe Beecham among others.[30][31][32]
Thy Grace
Thy Grace is one of his songs making waves in Ghana's Music. Many celebrities have jumped in videoing themselves dancing to the new banger.
A notable line in the song like ''Charcoal seller ba nu so hye white''- translated ''Charcoal seller son too now wears white''.
This buttresses many views on how his songs are lyrically touching and sensible.[33][34]
Collaborations
Kofi Kinaata has done major collaborations with artistes such as; Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Samini, Stonebwoy, Kwesi Arthur, Jayso, Castro, Becca among others.[35][36] One major collaboration that blew him to the mainstream and limelight was "Odo Pa" by Castro which featured Kinaata and Ghana Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan. The track was a hit all over the continent and won awards locally and internationally.[37][38] Castro was a god-father and an inspiration to him since he grew up seeing him, and help him with his entry in the industry.[39][40][41][42]
Obase Aboli, a Cameroonian musician[43] has also disclosed his keen interest to collaborate with the Fante Rap God to bring out a hit song.
Management
Samini and Tony Pun signed Kofi Kinaata unto the Samini Music/ High Grade Family record label in 2013.[44][45][46][47][48][49][50] Kofi Kinaata left the label in 2018 after his 5-year contract with the management ended.[51][52] He's currently an independent artiste with 'Team Move Music' which he heads as his management.[53]
Made in Taadi Concert
The annual ‘Made in Taadi Concert’ is one of the biggest musical concerts in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. The concert attracts fans of Kofi Kinaata and people from all classes in society. Fans travel far and near for this concert.[54]
The show has been witnessed by fellow artists such as; Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Pappy Kojo, Joey B, Kwaw Kese, Medikal, Kidi, Edem, etc.[55]
In 2019, it was listed as one of the top 100 events in Ghana by Ghana Event Awards.[56]
Endorsements
Kofi Kinaata was made a brand ambassador of Good Day Energy Drink on Thursday, June 24, at Lesfam in Madina, Accra.[57] In May 2021, he was unveiled together with Diana Hamilton as the Brand Ambassadors of Enterprise Life.[58][59] He is also a Goodwill ambassador for UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).[60]
Videography
Year | Title | Director | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | Odo Pa (as a featured artiste with Castro and Asamoah Gyan) | Nana Kofi Asihene | [61] |
2014 | Oh Azaay | Prince Dovlo | [62] |
2015 | Susuka | Xbills Ebenezer | [63] |
The Crusade (with Donzy) | Yaw Skyface | [64] | |
2016 | This Year ft Samini | Prince Dovlo | [65] |
2017 | Confession | Yaw Skyface | [66] |
Last Show | [67] | ||
2018 | Single and Free | Snares | [68] |
No Place Like Home | IOM Project | [69] | |
2019 | Illegal Fishing | Abass | [70] |
Never Again ft Shatta Wale | [71] | ||
Adam & Eve | Babs Direction | [72] | |
Things Fall Apart | [73] | ||
2020 | Never Again | [74] |
Awards and nominations
Discography
Singles
Year | Title | Production | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Onnyi Chorus | Oilcity Vybez | [75] |
Oh Azaay | Dr Ray | [76] | |
2015 | Made in Taadi | WillisBeatz | [77] |
Susuka | Kin Dee | [78] | |
The Crusade (with Donzy) | Seshi | [79] | |
2016 | My Level | Kin Dee | [80] |
Time No Dey | [81] | ||
Sweetie Pie | [82] | ||
2017 | Confession | [83] | |
Last Show | WillisBeatz | [84] | |
Single and Free | [85] | ||
Play | Dr Ray | [86] | |
2018 | Action Time | JMJ | |
No Place Like Home | Beatz Nation | ||
Malafaka | Kin Dee | ||
The Whole Show | |||
2019 | Illegal Fishing | BlaqKeyz | |
Never Again | Kin Dee | ||
Adam and Eve | Shottoh Blinqx | ||
Things Fall Apart | Two Bars | ||
2020 | Behind The Scenes | [87] |
References
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata introduces himself from Ghana to the world". Graphic Showbiz. 20 March 2014. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ↑ "I sing from the heart - Kofi Kinaata opens up on songwriting skills - MyJoyOnline.com". Myjoyonline. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata introduces himself from Ghana to the world". GhanaWeb. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata introduces himself from Ghana to the world". Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ "Check out schools attended by Top Ghanaian Celebrities – Oilcitytoday | Home, Latest News, Ghana News, Takoradi News, Entertainment News, Sports News, Gossips". Oilcitytoday | Home, Latest News, Ghana News, Takoradi News, Entertainment News, Sports News, Gossips. 13 February 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata Is A 'Fante Yaa Pono' – Wanluv The Kubolor | HypingGhana.com". Hypingghana. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ Hamelo, G. (26 June 2021). "Kofi Kinaata: MzVee, Fameye congratulate 'Fante rap god' on historic VGMA win". Yen- Ghana news. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ↑ afroliterary (25 December 2016). "KOFI KINAATA: WESTERN FRONT GHANA RAP MUSIC REVOLUTIONARY". Literary Africa. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Finally! Kofi Kinaata raps in English and it's hilarious". GhanaWeb. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata makes history at Ghana National Gospel Music Awards 19". GhanaWeb. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- ↑ "Here's Why Kofi Kinaata Has Won VGMA's 'Song Writer Of The Year' Three Times Straight". Ghana Showbiz.com. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ↑ "Masquerades festival climax Christmas celebration in Sekondi-Takoradi". ghanaweb.com. 30 November 2001. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ "2023 GFA Awards: Full list of winners". Happy Ghana. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ↑ "Sweetie-Pie". Yen News. 14 August 2018.
- ↑ Quarshie, M. "Kofi Kinaata's 'Confessions' song explained according to the gospel of Matthew". Yen – Ghana news. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ "Review: Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' doesn't promote boozing". ghanaweb.com. 23 January 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ Addo, Charles. "KNUST features Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' in an English Course". Yen – Ghana news. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' features in KNUST English Course". ghanaweb.com. 14 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ Online, Peace FM. "Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' Appears in KNUST English Course". Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ Quashie, Richard. "I was madly in love with Kinaata's "Confession" song – Avram Grant reveals". Yen– Ghana news. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Video: Minority sings Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' as Prez delivers SONA". 22 February 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Our jubilation dance was inspired by Kinaata's 'Confession' – Christian Astu". GhanaWeb. 23 January 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "AFCON 2017: Kofi Kinaata inspired Black Stars celebration". Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata's". 22 January 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Live updates: Ghana Music Awards 2016". 8 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ↑ "Adom FM Music Chart (Week 41): Kofi Kinaata's Things Fall Apart debuts at No.1". myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Ghana Music | Charts". Ghana Music. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "November Week 3: Top 10 Trending Songs | DCLeakers". 24 November 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Asamoah Gyan jams to Kofi Kinaata latest song 'Things Fall Apart'". Pulse Ghana. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata deserves nomination in Gospel Song of the Year category – Quophi Okyeame". myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Reflections; Kofi Kinaata's Things Fall Apart". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Adom FM Music Chart (Week 42): Kofi Kinaata keeps No.1 spot". myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "DOWNLOAD MP3: Kofi Kinaata - Thy Grace". DownGh.com. 20 April 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata changing levels with 'Thy Grace' - Part 2". Ghana Weekend. 15 August 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ↑ "I can't fill Castro's spot – Kofi Kinaata | GhHeadlines Total News Total Information". Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata Eyes Collaboration With Stonebwoy – Daily Guide Africa". dailyguideafrica.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ↑ "Castro calls Kofi Kinaata on phone?". ghanaweb.com. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Castro – Odo Pa ft Kofi Kinaata & Asamoah Gyan". ghanamotion.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Castro is not dead – Kofi Kinaata reveals". Rite 90.1FM. 12 March 2015. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ Administrator. "I really miss Castro – Kofi Kinaata". Ghana Trade – Official SME Product Portal and Web Gallery. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "VIDEO: I coin most Tadi terms + How I met Castro – Kofi Kinaata". 233times.com. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "I believe Castro is still alive – Kofi Kinaata Reveals". dklassgh.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "I will like to collaborate with Kinaata because his music is unique – Obase-Aboli". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ↑ "Some Of Those on the VGMA Board Do Not Know Music – Kofi Kinaata's Manager". Ghanacelebrities.com. 28 February 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ "Highgrade Never Hindered My Progress – Kofi Kinaata | News Ghana". News Ghana. 20 March 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- ↑ Administrator. "I really miss Castro – Kofi Kinaata". Ghana Trade – Official SME Product Portal and Web Gallery. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata Thanks Samini, This Is What He Said • XbitGh | Ghana's Hottest News Portal". www.xbitgh.com. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata Discusses Working With Samini | News Ghana". News Ghana. 24 January 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "My Record Label Doesn't Take A Dime From Kofi Kinaata- Samini – Radio Univers". radiouniversonline.com. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "We are proud of Kofi Kinaata – Samini". ghanaweb.com. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata leaves Samini's High Grade Family label". 26 January 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
- ↑ "Offficial!! Kofi Kinaata Leaves Samini's High Grade Family". music Ghana. Archived from the original on 10 July 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
- ↑ "Top 5 artistes who left their management and are doing better". GhanaWeb. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Sarkodie dismantles Made in Taadi Concert stage with energetic performances". ghanaweb.com. 23 December 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "9 Ghanaian musicians who pulled massive crowd to their concerts". Entertainment. 30 October 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ↑ "Full List of Nominees For 2019 Ghana Event Awards". e.TVGhana. 7 July 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata unveiled as brand ambassador for Good Day Energy Drink - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
- ↑ "Enterprise Life names Diana Hamilton and Kofi Kinaata as brand ambassadors - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ↑ "Diana Hamilton, Kofi Kinaata named 2021 brand ambassadors for Enterprise Life Ghana". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ↑ "UN Migration Agency Appoints Ghanaian Rapper as Goodwill Ambassador to Promote Safe Migration". International Organization for Migration. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ↑ Ghana Music (24 April 2014), Castro – Odo Pa (Feat Asamoah Gyan & Kofi Kinaata), retrieved 19 August 2017
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata (31 October 2014), Kofi Kinaata – Oh Azaay (Official Video), retrieved 19 August 2017
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata (18 October 2015), Kofi Kinaata – Susuka (Official Video), retrieved 19 August 2017
- ↑ "Donzy & Kofi Kinaata – The Crusade (Official Video)". ghanamotion.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata (17 May 2016), Kofi Kinaata – This Year ft. Samini (Official Video), retrieved 19 August 2017
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata (16 April 2017), Kofi Kinaata – Confession (Official Video), retrieved 19 August 2017
- ↑ "Kinaata – Last Show (Official Video)". vibehubs.com. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata – Single And Free (Official Video), retrieved 11 November 2019
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata – No Place Like Home (IOM Safe Migration), retrieved 11 November 2019
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata – Illegal Fishing [Closed Season] (Official Video), retrieved 11 November 2019
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata – Never Again ft. Shatta Wale (Audio Slide), retrieved 29 November 2019
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata – Adam & Eve (Official Video), retrieved 29 November 2019
- ↑ Kofi Kinaata - Things Fall Apart (Official Video), retrieved 24 October 2023
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata Drops Oficial Video Of 'Never Again' Ft Shatta Wale". GhanaCelebrities.Com. 6 January 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ↑ Adinkra, Fiifi (29 August 2014). "Kofi Kinaata – Onnyi chorus (Prod by OilCity Vibes)". GhanaNdwom.com. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata- Oh Azaay (Download MP3) | exposeGHANA.com". exposeGHANA.com. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Made in Taadi (Prod By Willis Beatz)". ghanamotion.com. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Music Download: Kofi Kinaata – Susuka (Prod. By King Dee)". EnterGhana.com. 7 October 2015. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Music Download: Donzy ft Kofi Kinaata – The Crusade (Prod. By Seshi)". EnterGhana.com. 20 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – My Level (Prod by Kin Dee)". ghanamotion.com. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Time No Dey (Prod By Kin Dee) | GhXclusives.Com". www.ghxclusives.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Sweetie Pie (Prod By Kin Dee) | GhXclusives.Com". www.ghxclusives.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Confession (Prod by Kin Dee)". NdwomPa. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Last Show (Prod. by Willis Beatz)". ghanamotion.com. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Single and Free (Prod. by Willis Beats)". Ghxclusives. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Play (Prod By Dr Ray)". ghanamotion.com.
- ↑ "Kofi Kinaata – Behind The Scenes (Prod. by TwoBars)". ghanamotion. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
External links
- Kofi Kinaata discography at Discogs