Ghanaian music heavyweight Kwesi Slay has made a bold return to the music scene after a prolonged hiatus, reigniting the mic with renewed lyrical fire, creative clarity, and a deeper artistic resolve.
Emerging from the creative shadows, the Ashaiman-born rapper Bernard Kwesi Appiah, popularly known as Kwesi Slay, returned with renewed vigor, delivering the debut of his six-track EP, Aben, a bold statement that success is near (“Aben” means “it is near”).
This marks his first major project since 2021’s standout single Eye Clear, featuring Kofi Mole, which garnered significant attention on streaming platforms. In between, he dropped fan favorites like Street Ways and Wedi Bet in 2017, plus a series of collaborations with heavyweights such as Medikal, Kwesi Arthur, and Kuami Eugene.
On Aben, Kwesi reconnects with his roots while pushing his sound forward. Standout tracks include the anthemic singles Street Ways and Wedi Bet, while fresh collaborations with artists like Ko-Jo Cue, Cabum, Kemenya, and Wanlov underscore his commitment to creative synergy. The EP is produced by a blend of talents, including Lyrical Beatz, Kemenya TV, and Kwesi Slay himself.
He first cemented his place in Ghana’s rap elite with gritty, street-savvy anthems such as 3y3 Normal with Yaa Pono and the viral breakout Seven featuring Kwesi Arthur. His sound became the soundtrack of almost every youth, fusing raw energy with social commentary.
Slay went silent for over two years, a move that stirred both concern and speculation among fans and industry watchers. But now, with new music projects in the pipeline and a sharpened voice, Kwesi Slay has made it clear: his break was not an exit, but a reset.
“I needed to disconnect in order to realign. It was a period of recalibration and creative rebirth,” the rapper said. “Sometimes silence is the loudest form of preparation. I’ve lived, I’ve grown, and now I’m ready to speak again, louder than ever.”
His upcoming releases are expected to be soul-baring and hard-hitting, blending poetic introspection with street realism, a sonic evolution fans are already calling “Slay Season.”
Kwesi Slay’s return reaffirms his authenticity. Known for collaborations with Medikal (Frass), Quamina MP (Pussy Cat), and Kuami Eugene (Follow Me), the rapper has consistently pushed boundaries while staying true to his roots.
“This is not about reclaiming fame,” he said. “It’s about representing a truth—mine and that of every dreamer who’s ever had to pause to gather strength.”
According to his management, his re-entry will include collaborations with both local and international talents, alongside a potential headline tour. They also confirm that he’s working on a multi-track project set for release later this year.
With crisp production, sharpened flows, and deeper storytelling, his return is being hailed as a pivotal moment for Ghanaian hip-hop, one that bridges past grit with future ambition.
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