Kofi Kinaata Explained

Kofi Kinaata
Birth Name:Martin King Arthur
Alias:Fante Rap God
Birth Date:15 April 1990
Birth Place:Effiakuma – Takoradi, Ghana
Genre:Highlife, Hiplife
Occupation:Singer, rapper
Instrument:Vocals
Years Active:(2013–present)
Associated Acts:Samini, Kwesi Arthur, Kwaw Kese, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Fameye Pappy Kojo, Sarkodie, Ayesem, Nero X, Becca, Bless

Martin King Arthur (born 15 April 1990), popularly known as Kofi Kinaata, is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi.[1] [2] Known for his Fante rap and freestyle,[3] he is often referred to by the moniker of Fante Rap God (FRG).[4] [5]

Early life and education

Kofi Kinaata was born on 15 April 1990, and raised in Effiakuma, a residential town in Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana.[6] He attended Nana Brempong Yaw School for his primary education and Takoradi Technical Institute for his secondary education.[7] [8]

Music career

In 2008, Kofi Kinaata participated in the Melody FM (Kasahari) rap competition and emerged as first runner-up.[9] He released his first single, "Obi Ne Ba" in 2011.[10] In 2013, he became part of the High Grade Family, a music collective established by Samini, where he received mentorship and gained national prominence.[11] [12] [13]

In December 2015, he released a song titled "Made in Taadi" which was praised by many Fante people due to the song's references to Ankos (a fancy dress and masquerade carnival), a festival the Fante hold every 24 December.[14]

Kinaata is noted for his unique rhyme schemes and humorous rap style.[15] [16] In February 2020, Kinaata became the first artist to win the Hybrid Song of the Year Award at the Ghana Gospel Music Awards.[17]

Kofi Kinaata has won Songwriter of the Year three times consecutively at the Ghana Music Awards .[18] In September 2023, Kinaata performed at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Awards.[19]

In May 2024, Kinaata released his first EP, titled Kofi OO Kofi.[20] [21] The album contained seven tracks: "Auntie Ama," "Abonsam," "Saman," "Effiakuma Broke," "I don't Care," "Take Away" and "Overthinking."[22]

Confession

Released in 2016, the song "Confession" is thought to have kick-started Kinaata's popularity. The song's lyrics were adapted by the English department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology[23] [24] [25] for a Level 200 semester course (English Literature 263). In a final exam, the song (which is recorded in Kinaata's native Fante) was translated to English, and students were required to write a literary analysis of the lyrics.

In his last interview before he was relieved of duties as Coach of the Black Stars, Avram Grant told Bola Ray on Starr Chat that "Confession" was his favourite song.[26]

Kinaata's "Confession" was used in 2017 as the theme song for the minority party (NDC) as a tease to the majority in parliament (NPP) to describe the state of the nation.[27] [28] Players of Ghana Black Stars further popularised the song by doing the "Confession dance" in goal celebrations at AFCON 2017 Tournament in Gabon.[29] [30]

The song received considerable playtime, helping Kinaata to win Song Writer of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year awards at the 2016 Ghana Music awards.[31]

Things Fall Apart

Kinaata released another single, "Things Fall Apart," in 2019. The song saw streaming success across music platforms, and featured in the iTunes Ghana Top 100, Audiomack Ghana Top 20 and Boomplay AfroBeats charts for weeks. The song, produced by TwoBars, also featured on YouTube's Ghana trends with fellow celebrities such as Asamoah Gyan,[32] Michael Essien, Kwami Sefa Kai, Phillip Osei Bonsu, Sadick Adams, KiDi, Efya, Berla Mundi, Joe Beecham rating it highly.[33] [34] [35]

Collaborations

Kofi Kinaata has collaborated with other artists such as: Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Samini, Stonebwoy, Kwesi Arthur, Jayso, Castro, Becca, Fancy Gadam, among others.[36] [37] His works on Odo Pa by Castro and Ghana Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan were also widely-received. Kinaata has credited Castro for being like a godfather to him, an inspiration who paved his smooth entry into Ghana's music industry.[38] [39] [40] [41] Obase Aboli, a Cameroonian musician,[42] disclosed his interest to collaborate with Kinaata in a September 2021 interview. In March 2024, Kinaata featured on the song "Sika" by Okyeame Kwame.[43] [44]

Management

Samini and Tony Pun signed Kofi Kinaata to the Samini Music/ High Grade Family record label in 2013.[45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] Kofi Kinaata left the label in 2018 after his 5-year contract with management ended.[52] [53] Kinaata is currently an independent artist with his own label, "Team Move Music."[54]

Made in Taadi Concert

Kinaata's annual "Made in Taadi" concert is a major music event for the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. Both Kinaata's fans, and music lovers generally, have traveled from all over Ghana for this concert, which is usually held in Takoradi during Christmas.[55] Over the years, the event has witnessed performances by acts such as; Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Pappy Kojo, Joey B, Kwaw Kese, Medikal, Kidi, Edem, etc.[56] In 2019, the Made in Taadi concert was listed as one of the Top 100 Events in Ghana by Ghana Event Awards.[57]

EPs

Kofi OO Kofi (2024)

Endorsements

Kofi Kinaata was made a brand ambassador of Good Day Energy Drink on 24 June 2021, at Lesfam in Madina, Accra.[58] In May 2021, he was unveiled alongside Diana Hamilton as a Brand Ambassador of Enterprise Life.[59] [60] He is also a Goodwill ambassador for the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).[61]

Recognitions

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Kofi Kinaata received notable recognition from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Kumasi. In his speech, the Asantehene quoted the phrase "Obi nya way3" from Kinaata’s hit song "Susuka" to highlight the importance of appreciating Ghana’s unique identity, despite the challenges the country faces.[62] [63] He emphasized that many nations look up to Ghana and aspire to be like it, urging citizens to reflect on the meaningful lyrics in Kinaata’s music.[64] The Asantehene praised the wisdom found in the works of musicians like Kinaata, encouraging the public to take time to appreciate the insightful messages in their songs.

Following this recognition, Kofi Kinaata expressed his gratitude, noting that the mention by the Asantehene led to a significant increase in his social media following, streams, and overall engagement.[65] Kinaata celebrated the recognition through several posts on social media, acknowledging the impact it had on his career.[66] The Asantehene's commendation underscored the influence of Ghanaian music and the role of artists like Kinaata in shaping public perception and national pride.

Videography

YearTitleDirectorRef
2013Odo Pa (as a featured artiste with Castro and Asamoah Gyan)Nana Kofi Asihene
2014Oh AzaayPrince Dovlo
2015SusukaXbills Ebenezer
The Crusade (with Donzy)Yaw Skyface[67]
2016This Year ft SaminiPrince Dovlo
2017ConfessionYaw Skyface
Last Show [68]
2018Single and FreeSnares
No Place Like HomeIOM Project
2019Illegal FishingAbass
Never Again ft Shatta Wale
Adam & EveBabs Direction
Things Fall Apart
2020Never Again[69]

Awards and nominations

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kofi Kinaata.

Discography

Singles

!Year!Title!Production!Ref
2014Onnyi ChorusOilcity Vybez[70]
Oh AzaayDr Ray[71]
2015Made in TaadiWillisBeatz[72]
SusukaKin Dee[73]
The Crusade (with Donzy)Seshi[74]
2016My LevelKin Dee[75]
Time No Dey[76]
Sweetie Pie[77]
2017Confession[78]
Last Show WillisBeatz[79]
Single and Free [80]
PlayDr Ray[81]
2018Action TimeJMJ
No Place Like Home Beatz Nation
MalafakaKin Dee
The Whole Show
2019Illegal FishingBlaqKeyz
Never AgainKin Dee
Adam and EveShottoh Blinqx
Things Fall ApartTwo Bars
2020Behind The Scenes[82]
2023Effiakuma LoveTwo Bars[83]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kofi Kinaata introduces himself from Ghana to the world . Graphic Showbiz . 20 March 2014 . 9 May 2016 . 2 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190302090801/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Kofi-Kinaata-introduces-himself-from-Ghana-to-the-world-303878 . dead .
  2. Web site: I sing from the heart - Kofi Kinaata opens up on songwriting skills - MyJoyOnline.com . 2021-05-20 . Myjoyonline. . 18 May 2021 . en-US.
  3. Web site: Kofi Kinaata introduces himself from Ghana to the world . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190302090801/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Kofi-Kinaata-introduces-himself-from-Ghana-to-the-world-303878 . 2 March 2019 . 15 September 2017 . GhanaWeb..
  4. Web site: KOFI KINAATA: THE FANTE RAP GOD (Part 1) . ModernGhana.
  5. Web site: Fante Rap God Kofi Kinaata Is New Face Of Ghana Music . ModernGhana.
  6. Web site: Joe . Sir . 2024-08-06 . Kofi Kinaata: A Glimpse into the Life of Ghana’s Fanti Rap God . 2024-11-09 . GH EDUCATE . en-US.
  7. Web site: Kofi Kinaata introduces himself from Ghana to the world. 7 April 2017.
  8. News: Check out schools attended by Top Ghanaian Celebrities – Oilcitytoday Home, Latest News, Ghana News, Takoradi News, Entertainment News, Sports News, Gossips. 13 February 2016. Oilcitytoday Home, Latest News, Ghana News, Takoradi News, Entertainment News, Sports News, Gossips. 7 April 2017.
  9. Web site: Kofi Kinaata Is A 'Fante Yaa Pono' – Wanluv The Kubolor HypingGhana.com . 17 August 2017 . Hypingghana. . 17 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170817205537/http://www.hypingghana.com/kofi-kinaata-fante-yaa-pono-wanluv-kubolor/ . dead .
  10. Web site: Hamelo . G. . 2021-06-26 . Kofi Kinaata: MzVee, Fameye congratulate 'Fante rap god' on historic VGMA win . 2023-08-19 . Yen- Ghana news. . en.
  11. Web site: Quaye . Grace Tsotsoo . 2023-05-19 . Kofi Kinaata Applauds Samini for playing an important role in his music career . 2024-06-10 . The Ghana Report . en.
  12. Web site: Before signing to High Grade family, I was doing music for fun – Kofi Kinaata . 2019-06-19 . 2024-07-14 . GhanaWeb . https://web.archive.org/web/20240714173659/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Before-signing-to-High-Grade-family-I-was-doing-music-for-fun-Kofi-Kinaata-756287 . 2024-07-14.
  13. Web site: Bonney . Abigail . 2024-04-22 . Kofi Kinaata credits success to Samini's High Grade Family . 2024-06-10 . Adomonline.com . en-US.
  14. Web site: 30 November 2001 . Masquerades festival climax Christmas celebration in Sekondi-Takoradi . 7 April 2017 . ghanaweb.com.
  15. Web site: KOFI KINAATA: WESTERN FRONT GHANA RAP MUSIC REVOLUTIONARY. afroliterary. 25 December 2016. Literary Africa. 17 August 2017.
  16. Web site: 26 August 2017 . Finally! Kofi Kinaata raps in English and it's hilarious . 28 August 2017 . GhanaWeb..
  17. Web site: 17 February 2020 . Kofi Kinaata makes history at Ghana National Gospel Music Awards 19 . 17 February 2020 . GhanaWeb.
  18. Web site: Here's Why Kofi Kinaata Has Won VGMA's 'Song Writer Of The Year' Three Times Straight. . Ghana Showbiz.com . 29 August 2020 . 2 October 2021 . 2 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211002150145/https://www.ghanashowbiz.com/heres-why-kofi-kinaata-has-won-vgmas-song-writer-of-the-year-three-times-straight/ . dead .
  19. Web site: 2023-09-11 . 2023 GFA Awards: Full list of winners . 2023-09-13 . Happy Ghana . en-US.
  20. Web site: Adu . Dennis . 2024-05-10 . Kofi Kinaata finally drops maiden EP 'Kofi oo Kofi' [Listen] ]. 2024-05-13 . Adomonline.com . en-US.
  21. Web site: 2024-05-10 . Kofi Kinaata finally drops maiden EP 'Kofi oo Kofi' - MyJoyOnline . 2024-05-13 . www.myjoyonline.com . en-US.
  22. News: Citinews . 2024-05-24 . Kofi Kinaata officially unveils debut EP "Kofi OO Kofi" at star-studded event .
  23. News: Addo . Charles . KNUST features Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' in an English Course . Yen – Ghana news. . 15 September 2017.
  24. Web site: Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' features in KNUST English Course. ghanaweb.com. 14 September 2017 . 15 September 2017.
  25. News: Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' Appears in KNUST English Course. Online. Peace FM. 15 September 2017.
  26. News: Quashie . Richard . I was madly in love with Kinaata's "Confession" song – Avram Grant reveals . Yen– Ghana news. . 14 September 2017 . 15 September 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170915161129/https://yen.com.gh/88823-i-madly-love-kinaatas-confession-song-avram-grant-reveals.html . dead .
  27. News: Video: Minority sings Kofi Kinaata's 'Confession' as Prez delivers SONA. 22 February 2017. 14 September 2017.
  28. Web site: 23 January 2017 . Our jubilation dance was inspired by Kinaata's 'Confession' – Christian Astu . 14 September 2017 . GhanaWeb.
  29. News: AFCON 2017: Kofi Kinaata inspired Black Stars celebration. 14 September 2017.
  30. News: Kofi Kinaata's. 22 January 2017. 14 September 2017.
  31. Web site: Live updates: Ghana Music Awards 2016. 8 May 2016. 9 May 2016.
  32. Web site: Asamoah Gyan jams to Kofi Kinaata latest song 'Things Fall Apart'. 31 October 2019. Pulse Ghana. 29 November 2019.
  33. Web site: Kofi Kinaata deserves nomination in Gospel Song of the Year category – Quophi Okyeame. myjoyonline.com. 29 November 2019.
  34. Web site: Reflections; Kofi Kinaata's Things Fall Apart. Modern Ghana. 29 November 2019.
  35. Web site: Adom FM Music Chart (Week 42): Kofi Kinaata keeps No.1 spot. myjoyonline.com. 29 November 2019.
  36. News: I can't fill Castro's spot – Kofi Kinaata GhHeadlines Total News Total Information. 15 September 2017.
  37. Web site: Kofi Kinaata Eyes Collaboration With Stonebwoy – Daily Guide Africa. https://web.archive.org/web/20170819065946/http://dailyguideafrica.com/kofi-kinaata-eyes-collaboration-stonebwoy/. usurped. 19 August 2017. dailyguideafrica.com. 15 September 2017.
  38. News: Castro is not dead – Kofi Kinaata reveals. 12 March 2015. Rite 90.1FM. 15 September 2017.
  39. News: I really miss Castro – Kofi Kinaata. Administrator. Ghana Trade – Official SME Product Portal and Web Gallery. 15 September 2017. 17 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204855/http://ghanatrade.gov.gh/Latest-News/i-really-miss-castro-kofi-kinaata.html. dead.
  40. News: VIDEO: I coin most Tadi terms + How I met Castro – Kofi Kinaata. 233times.com. 15 September 2017.
  41. Web site: I believe Castro is still alive – Kofi Kinaata Reveals. dklassgh.com. 15 September 2017. 30 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180630184845/http://dklassgh.com/2016/06/03/i-believe-castro-is-still-alive-kofi-kinaata-reveals/. dead.
  42. Web site: I will like to collaborate with Kinaata because his music is unique – Obase-Aboli . www.myjoyonline.com . 8 September 2021 . 2 October 2021.
  43. Web site: 2024-03-05 . Okyeame Kwame collaborates with Kofi Kinaata on new single 'Sika' . 2024-03-25 . Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana . en-US.
  44. Web site: 2024-03-05 . Okyeame Kwame discloses why he featured Kofi Kinaata on 'Sika' - MyJoyOnline . 2024-03-25 . www.myjoyonline.com . en-US.
  45. Web site: Some Of Those on the VGMA Board Do Not Know Music – Kofi Kinaata's Manager. 28 February 2017. Ghanacelebrities.com. 7 April 2017.
  46. News: Highgrade Never Hindered My Progress – Kofi Kinaata News Ghana. 20 March 2016. News Ghana. 7 April 2017.
  47. News: I really miss Castro – Kofi Kinaata. Administrator. Ghana Trade – Official SME Product Portal and Web Gallery. 17 August 2017. 17 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204855/http://ghanatrade.gov.gh/Latest-News/i-really-miss-castro-kofi-kinaata.html. dead.
  48. Web site: Kofi Kinaata Thanks Samini, This Is What He Said • XbitGh Ghana's Hottest News Portal. www.xbitgh.com. 15 September 2017. 15 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170915204827/https://www.xbitgh.com/kofi-kinaata-thanks-samini-said/. dead.
  49. News: Kofi Kinaata Discusses Working With Samini News Ghana. 24 January 2016. News Ghana. 15 September 2017.
  50. Web site: My Record Label Doesn't Take A Dime From Kofi Kinaata- Samini – Radio Univers. radiouniversonline.com. 15 September 2017. 6 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114139/http://www.radiouniversonline.com/2017/07/31/my-record-label-doesnt-take-a-dime-from-kofi-kinaata-samini. dead.
  51. Web site: We are proud of Kofi Kinaata – Samini. ghanaweb.com. 24 May 2016 . 15 September 2017.
  52. News: Kofi Kinaata leaves Samini's High Grade Family label. 26 January 2018. 17 April 2018.
  53. Web site: Offficial!! Kofi Kinaata Leaves Samini's High Grade Family . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190710071932/http://music.com.gh/official-kofi-kinaata-is-no-more-with-saminis-high-grade-family/ . 10 July 2019 . 17 April 2018 . music Ghana.
  54. Web site: 25 September 2019 . Top 5 artistes who left their management and are doing better . 29 November 2019 . GhanaWeb.
  55. Web site: Sarkodie dismantles Made in Taadi Concert stage with energetic performances. ghanaweb.com. 23 December 2018 . 29 November 2019.
  56. Web site: 9 Ghanaian musicians who pulled massive crowd to their concerts. 30 October 2019. Entertainment. 29 November 2019.
  57. Web site: Full List of Nominees For 2019 Ghana Event Awards. 7 July 2019. e.TVGhana. 4 February 2020.
  58. Web site: Kofi Kinaata unveiled as brand ambassador for Good Day Energy Drink - MyJoyOnline.com. 2021-06-26. www.myjoyonline.com. 26 June 2021 . en-US.
  59. Web site: Enterprise Life names Diana Hamilton and Kofi Kinaata as brand ambassadors - MyJoyOnline.com. 2021-05-16. www.myjoyonline.com. 14 May 2021 . en-US.
  60. Web site: 2021-05-11. Diana Hamilton, Kofi Kinaata named 2021 brand ambassadors for Enterprise Life Ghana. 2021-05-17. Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. en-US.
  61. Web site: 2017-11-24. UN Migration Agency Appoints Ghanaian Rapper as Goodwill Ambassador to Promote Safe Migration. 2021-07-15. International Organization for Migration. en.
  62. Web site: GhanaWeb . 2024-09-10 . 'Sometimes, listen to the wisdom of Kofi Kinaata' - Otumfuo tells Ghanaians .
  63. Web site: GhanaWeb . 2024-09-15 . Asantehene's love for Kofi Kinaata's music confirmed by personal bodyguard .
  64. Web site: Graphics Online . 2024-09-11 . (VIDEO) "Kofi Kinaata's songs offer valuable life lessons", Otumfuo asserts .
  65. Web site: Lartey . Winifred . 2024-09-18 . Streams have increased after Otumfuo mentioned my name, says Kofi Kinaata . 2024-10-24 . Asaase Radio . en-US.
  66. Web site: 2024-09-10 . See what happened when Otumfuo mentioned Kofi Kinaata's name in his speech - Adomonline.com . 2024-10-24 . en-US.
  67. Web site: Donzy & Kofi Kinaata – The Crusade (Official Video). ghanamotion.com. 14 September 2017.
  68. Web site: Kinaata – Last Show (Official Video). vibehubs.com. 28 November 2017. 21 November 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171121145133/http://www.vibehubs.com/download-kofi-kinaata-last-show-official-video/. dead.
  69. Web site: Kofi Kinaata Drops Oficial Video Of 'Never Again' Ft Shatta Wale. 6 January 2020. GhanaCelebrities.Com. 6 March 2020.
  70. News: Kofi Kinaata – Onnyi chorus (Prod by OilCity Vibes) . Adinkra. Fiifi. 29 August 2014. GhanaNdwom.com. 17 August 2017.
  71. News: Kofi Kinaata- Oh Azaay (Download MP3) exposeGHANA.com. 7 April 2014. exposeGHANA.com. 17 August 2017.
  72. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Made in Taadi (Prod By Willis Beatz). ghanamotion.com. 17 August 2017.
  73. News: Music Download: Kofi Kinaata – Susuka (Prod. By King Dee). 7 October 2015. EnterGhana.com. 17 August 2017. 17 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817205453/http://enterghana.com/music-download-kofi-kinaata-susuka-prod-by-king-dee/. dead.
  74. News: Music Download: Donzy ft Kofi Kinaata – The Crusade (Prod. By Seshi). 20 June 2015. EnterGhana.com. 17 August 2017. 17 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817205938/http://enterghana.com/music-download-donzy-ft-kofi-kinaata-the-crusade-prod-by-seshi/. dead.
  75. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – My Level (Prod by Kin Dee). ghanamotion.com. 17 August 2017.
  76. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Time No Dey (Prod By Kin Dee) GhXclusives.Com. www.ghxclusives.com. 17 August 2017. 19 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180819200448/http://www.ghxclusives.com/kofi-kinaata-time-no-dey-prod-by-kin-dee/. dead.
  77. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Sweetie Pie (Prod By Kin Dee) GhXclusives.Com. www.ghxclusives.com. 17 August 2017. 6 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180806091900/http://www.ghxclusives.com/kofi-kinaata-sweetie-pie-prod-by-kin-dee/. dead.
  78. News: Kofi Kinaata – Confession (Prod by Kin Dee). 26 March 2017. NdwomPa. 17 August 2017.
  79. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Last Show (Prod. by Willis Beatz). ghanamotion.com. 17 August 2017.
  80. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Single and Free (Prod. by Willis Beats) . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180828003735/http://www.ghxclusives.com/kofi-kinaata-single-and-free-prod-by-willisbeatz/ . 28 August 2018 . 27 November 2017 . Ghxclusives.
  81. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Play (Prod By Dr Ray). ghanamotion.com. 18 May 2024 .
  82. Web site: Kofi Kinaata – Behind The Scenes (Prod. by TwoBars) . 15 April 2020 . ghanamotion.
  83. Web site: Wonah . Israel . 2024-11-06 . Kofi Kinaata - Effiakuma Love Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz . 2024-11-06 . trendybeatz.com . en.

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