For decades, Ghanaian couples have danced to Kojo Antwi at their weddings, and many have named their love songs after his. He is called Mr Music Man, and few in Ghana would dispute the title.
Kojo Antwi was born Julius Kojo Antwi on 24 November 1959 in Accra. He grew up in Darkuman, a suburb of the city, in a large family of thirteen children.
Early bands and his sound
After school, Antwi played with a band called Boomtalents and later became the lead singer of Classique Vibes, formerly Classique Handles. These years gave him stage experience and a following. His first solo album, All I Need Is You, was released in 1986 and became a hit in Ghana. It launched a solo career that has lasted almost four decades.
Antwi’s music mixes Ghanaian highlife, Congolese soukous, Caribbean lovers rock and African American soul and R&B. His smooth voice and romantic songs made him the soundtrack of love for many Ghanaians. He sings mainly in Twi, with some English, and his lyrics are known for their poetic phrasing.
The albums and awards
Antwi has more than twenty albums to his name. They include Don’t Stop the Music (1991), Mr Music Man (1992) and Afrafra (1999). “Tom and Jerry” is one of his most popular songs across West Africa. Antwi was the first Ghanaian artist to be nominated for a BET Award. He has received many other honours, including All Africa Music Awards and a Kora Award.
His concerts, especially around Valentine’s Day and Christmas, are major events in Accra, drawing fans across generations. Couples who danced to his early songs now bring their children.
The voice and collaborations
Antwi’s voice is soft and warm, and he rarely shouts or strains. He sings love songs as conversations, which is one reason couples feel his songs are speaking for them. He has performed for Ghanaian communities in Europe and North America, where his concerts draw diaspora audiences who grew up with his music. For many of them, a Kojo Antwi show is a trip home for one night.
Younger Ghanaian artists have worked with him, and his songs have been covered and sampled, keeping his music in circulation. Many musicians chase trends. Kojo Antwi has spent four decades refining one thing: songs about love, sung beautifully. Ghanaian wedding playlists suggest the approach has worked.
