The Ghanaian music scene has for the past few years seen tremendous growth in various sectors especially with regards to music production, video editing, artists branding and so much more but with these, it still remains a daunting task for most artists to remain relevant and adapt to growing trends to stay relevant in the industry.
Just like many other professions, ceasing to be relevant in showbiz means you are literally dead. However, it is quite worth noting that despite the heavy number of hiplife artists who came into prominence since the introduction of hiplife by Grandpapa Reggie Rockstone, a handful continue to remain relevant in Ghana’s showbiz today.
This does not however mean the other talents have been wasted, maybe, they are dozing.
Today, www.nydjlive.com puts together the top five Ghanaian hiplife artists who have continuously remained relevant and cannot be sidelined when hiplife is mentioned.
- Reggie Rockstone – Reginald Osei
Born in the United Kingdom, his love for music led to the creation of a genre that has over two decades put food on the tables of many young musicians.
Aside this incredible achievement that makes him almost a god, Reggie Rockstone continues to remain relevant with his recent union with evergreen music group VIP now known as VVIP. Although many have considered his move as that of an opportunist move, I beg to differ. His involvement in the group has given him another clout as a hiplife artist who aside creating the genre, remains relevant.
It is however worth noting that but for his record as the originator of the genre and until joining VIP, Reggie Rockstone would not have made the list since he ceased to remain very vibrant after the release of his album Reggiestration in 2010.
- Okyeame Kwame – Kwame Nsiah Appau
Okyeame Kwame was born out of a music group Akyeame which comprised Okyeame Quophi now known as Quophi Okyeame and Okyeame Kwame.
Breaking unto the scene with amazing tracks such as Mesanaba, Fre Fre Obaa Hemaa, Endadame etc, the group could no longer stand the test of time due to differences between both artists but Okyeame Kwame held the forth and can now be considered a force to reckon with.
Although his career spans close to 18 years, he nearly took a nose dive until 2008 when Okyeame Kwame bounced back with a crank version of his hit track Woso. He won the hearts of several people and won several awards with that song. Since then, Okyeame Kwame has not looked back. (Riche Mensah of Lynx studios deserves some credit for the amazing job on the track).
Aside this great feat, Okyeame Kwame has established himself as a household name with quality music and has recently added to his credit, one of the biggest annual musical events, “The Versatile Show”.
- 4×4
Perhaps, the youngest among the list of artists named in here but they deserve to occupy the third spot.
Right from their introduction unto the Ghanaian music scene by Buk Bak, 4X4 has for over 10 years wowed music lovers with great songs after the other and won several awards. 4X4 is the very group that prove critics wrong by releasing bangers just when everyone thinks they are ceasing to be relevant.
Previously made up two members, Fresh Prince was recently added to the group to beef up the team making it a remarkable force to mess with.
- VIP (Now known as VVIP)
I wish there was something new I could say about this group but I as it stands, VIP now known as VVIP remains one of the strongest music groups in Ghanaian showbiz industry. Although they were hit with the exit of a member some months back, the group never relented and kept pushing till the inclusion of Reggie Rockstone (originator of hiplife music).
Known for their remarkable and energetic stage performance, VVIP remains a delight to watch at any event and yes, they always stand out.
Even till date, the group has a command over what trends. No wonder, they make my list of top 5 Old hiplife artists who continue to stay relevant in Ghanaian showbiz.
5. Obrafour – Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko
Soaring impressively high with the very first album Pae Mu Ka under Hammer of the Last Two’s supervision, Kwabena Darko places 5th in my top 5 Old hiplife artists who continue to stay relevant in Ghanaian showbiz.
Although it is often said that climbing high might not be difficult, it is a known fact the ability to stay on top or keep winning is a herculean task and that is what has been Obrafour’s Achilles heel.
Although Obrafour could not maintain his successes after his debut album due to an unknown sickness and other challenges, the Nya Ntetepa hit maker’s recent collaborations and features on various tracks makes him indeed a “senior”in Ghanaian showbiz.
His choruses are just unique and the demand for him has gradually shot up. As it stands, Obrafour is working on a new album which is expected to hit the market soon.
His debut album has often times been argued as the best Hiplife album off all time.
