Speaking to Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie on Daybreak Hitz, Sarkodie reflected on the importance of established artistes discovering and supporting new talent, naming Obrafour as a key figure who played that role in his early career. He stressed the need for similar practices to be encouraged across the industry to promote young and promising artistes.

“When I was coming up, I needed people because co-signs could make a lot for you. Obrafour did his song with me, and of course, I was building up my following, but that gave me a stamp. You have somebody that people really respect, and that person says this is the next person or this is the person I endorse. It did a lot for me and I know what that does for a lot of people,” he said on Hitz FM.

The rapper added that recognising and supporting artistic effort is deeply fulfilling for him, especially when he sees talent translate into real-life success.

“I genuinely find joy in seeing people survive and make it. It’s a beautiful thing because I’ve tasted it and I can only imagine when everybody can feel the same way that I felt, from the streets and then you get a chance to have your song being played on the radio, you travel, win awards, I think it’s that you dreamt and you start to live it and you want everyone to experience that.”

“If you have the talent that I feel has to be heard, I have a soft spot for that talent. I just want people to be able to hear it and I don’t think they should go to waste so just seeing them do amazing things like this, trust me, is fulfilling,” he added.

Touching on generational differences in music production and promotion, Sarkodie called for a balanced approach, while emphasising the importance of social media in the current era.

“Generations are different because we come from a generation where you have to really do a lot of ground work but it’s a different era now with lots of social media. There is the bad side and the good side to it and I think we all learn from each other.”

“When I meet the young ones and they tell me how they promote their music, I sometimes bring that into my era because we grew up doing dance challenges, but they too have to understand that we came from an era where you have to do the ground work so that your foundation will be way stronger. It’s a good blend, and I always wish the best for them. I don’t want them to taste it and go back to what it was,” he said.

Sarkodie also admonished upcoming artistes to remain tenacious despite failure, while holding on to determination and hope for a better future for themselves and Ghana.

“I want them to keep doing what they are doing, but they are going to do amazing. The best out of Ghana is yet to come. What we have been waiting for is going to happen huge, and it’s just a matter of time.”

“It’s already happening, and it’s always going to get better. People will learn from the generation they came to meet did, and then better on that, so just a matter of time and we’re already doing amazing,” he stated.

In a statement, the rapper revealed that the breach has led to unauthorized posts and messages being shared from his page without his consent.

He cautioned fans against clicking on any links or engaging with content currently appearing on the compromised account.

Obrafour explained that his team is working tirelessly to recover the account and restore control.

He expressed disappointment over the incident but thanked his followers for their understanding and patience during the recovery process.

He also advised social media users to exercise caution online, especially when interacting with messages or offers that seem suspicious.

The rapper assured fans that an official update would be issued once the situation is fully resolved and his account is secure again.

SEE ALSO

• AfroFuture Ghana 2025 announces lineup of global stars, DJs, and pre-festival events

• Ghanaians mourn former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
  
• Tinny opens up on feud with King Jerry

“We started rapping from 1997 in Tema. Your favourite rapper Sarkodie is from Achimota, and he came to Tema to learn the genre” he stated.

In his new song titled “Statement,” Yaa Pono said he is one of the trailblazers, who has entertained Ghanaians through rap for over two decades.

Yaa Pono raps, addressing the perception that Sarkodie is a Tema native. “If you talk rap, it’s me. You cannot take me out, and I control the game.”

Yaa Pono’s rap is in response to lyrics in Sarkodie’s song “Brag,” where he appeared to diss other Ghanaian rappers.

“The time I no come then you people all be jons,” Sarkodie rapped, a line that didn’t sit well with Yaa Pono.

In his song, Yaa Pono insists that Sarkodie should pay respect to rap legends who paved the way for him to thrive in the industry.

“Give all the respect to who you believe… If Reggie and Obrafour didn’t come, we won’t be surviving [in this business],” he states.

Yaa Pono’s “Statement” is already trending on Twitter, as fans eagerly discuss the rapper’s bold declarations and his response to Sarkodie’s lyrics.

Check out some reactions concerning Yaa Pono’s statement below: 

MORE: 

• Policeman reportedly shot dead in forest reserve near Ejisu
• Cecilia Dapaah’s stolen money: I was shocked – Husband
• Barima Sidney apologises to Mahama [Video]

Mantse had sued rapper Obrafour and producer Hammer for allegedly claiming sole ownership of the famous ‘killer cut blood’ phrase used in the popular song ‘Oye Ohene’.

However, on Thursday, February 15, the case was struck out by an Accra High Court, presided by Justice John Eugene Nyanteh Nyadu citing technicalities.

The court observed that Mantse had filed separate claims against the producer and rapper, leading to the dismissal.

Speaking to Joy Entertainment, Lawyer for Obrafour, Bobby Banson said he identified the technical loopholes.

According to him, “he should not have sued Obrafour and Hammer for different cause of actions (claims) but he did and the law is the law. So, I asked the case to be struck out and the court agreed.”

He explained that the defendants had to be treated as separate persons in two separate suits.

Lawyer Bobby Banson confirmed that an amount of GH₵10,000 has been awarded against Mantse.

Despite the setback, a spokesperson for the Chalewote Street Art Festival founder stated that they are undeterred by the court’s decision.

Anny Osabutey noted that despite being a similar case, the court ruled that Obrafour and Hammer had to be sued separately.

He affirmed their commitment to pursuing the matter stating “I have been informed that a cost of GHS10,000 was awarded against us but Mantse will go again.”

Background

In January 2024, it was revealed that Mantse Aryeequaye had sued rapper Obrafour and producer Hammer for allegedly claiming sole ownership of the famous ‘killer cut blood’ phrase.

The ownership of the phrase, used in the popular Obrafour track Oye Ohene, came under scrutiny after the rapper sued Canadian artiste Drake for using it in his track without the former’s permission.

In the suit, Mantse accused Obrafour of claiming ownership of the phrase and copyrighting it in the US in September 2022.

He noted that Obrafour had registered the track, Oye Ohene, with the phrase inclusive in the US “robbing him (Mantse) of his intellectual property and seeking to receive payment for plaintiff’s work exclusively.”

The Chalewote founder called the rapper’s actions malicious with “clear nefarious intent” to divert and use royalties belonging to him. He insists that he owns the intellectual property of ‘killer cut’ and thus, he is praying on the court to declare so.

In addition, he is calling on the court to restrain Obrafour from demanding and receiving payment for ‘killer cut’.

Mantse is also praying to the court to order Hammer to not only relinquish all his works to him but, also submit a record of all his works (with Hammer), including ones that have been used in other tracks.

Among other things, he is also demanding “general damages against 1st defendant for misappropriating Plaintiff’s work and actively seeking to profit from it whilst evading all calls and efforts to rectify his duplicitous conduct” and “costs including full indemnity for legal costs which could have been avoided.”

MORE:

• Reshuffle: Oti residents laud Akufo-Addo for removing Joshua Makubu

• You are very intelligent but… – Stephen Amoah tells Ato Forson

• Damanghene and former Commissioner of Police passes on

The ownership of the phrase, used in the popular Obrafour track, Oye Ohene, came under scrutiny after the rapper sued Canadian artiste Drake for using it in his track without the former’s permission.

In the suit, Mantse accused Obrafour of claiming ownership of the phrase and copyrighting it in the US in September 2022.

He stated that “his artistic work, in the form of a spoken word titled “Killer Cut”, was used on the song ‘Oye Ohene’ by 1st defendant (Obrafour) with permission, but without transfer of any rights, nor permission to 1 defendant to register the work as his own, or receive any payments from its subsequent use by anyone in any form.”

He added that “the “Killer Cut” which was used by the 1st Defendant in his song, is separate and distinct from the song recorded by Defendants. It was recorded separately and subsequently infused into the 1st Defendant’s song by the 2nd Defendant (Hammer), mainly to enhance/improve the song.”

Mantse said that after knowing of Drake’s request to use that part of the ‘Oye Ohene’ track, he called for a meeting with both Obrafour and Hammer, however, none of his requests materialised.

He noted that he later found out Obrafour had registered the track with the phrase inclusive in the US “robbing him (Mantse) of his intellectual property and seeking to receive payment for plaintiff’s work exclusively.”

The Chalewote founder called the rapper’s actions malicious with “clear nefarious intent” to divert and use royalties belonging to him.

He insists that he owns the intellectual property of ‘killer cut’ and thus, he is praying on the court to declare so.

In addition, he is calling on the court to restrain Obrafour from demanding and receiving payment for ‘killer cut’.

Mantse is also praying to the court to order Hammer to not only relinquish all his works to him but, also submit a record of all his works (with Hammer), including ones that have been used in other tracks.

Among other things, he is also demanding “general damages against 1st defendant for misappropriating Plaintiff’s work and actively seeking to profit from it whilst evading all calls and efforts to rectify his duplicitous conduct” and “costs including full indemnity for legal costs which could have been avoided.”

Meanwhile, although the suit was filed in July 2023, Mantse in a Facebook post revealed that Hammer and Obrafour had been evading being served by the court’s bailiff.

As such, his lawyers applied for an Order of Substitution, allowing them to serve the two on their personal WhatsApp, Facebook, and Notice Board of the High Court, Accra.

Background

In June 2022 Ghanaians woke up to a surprise when they saw Canadian rapper Drake had not only released an album but he sampled Obrafour, one of Ghana’s favourite artists.

On ‘Honestly Nevermind’ Drake sampled Obrafour’s Oye Ohene remix released in 2003 for his track ‘Calling My Name’.

The sample is found at 0:53 seconds of the Drake tune, where it transitions into a house music vibe sending the song into a different type of ambiance compared to its initial trajectory.

“Killa cut blood!” is the chant heard multiple times. That part was sung by Mantse Aryeequaye as an opener to the late 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ off the Ntete Pa album.

However, nearly a year after the song was released Obrafour sued Drake in a New York court to the tune of $10 million.

The rapper in court documents indicated that the ‘Hotline Bling’ hitmaker did not have his permission to sample the track.

The Ghanaian rapper indicated that Drake and other defendants following the release of ‘Calling My Name’ have greatly benefited from his work.

But, Mantse after knowing of the suit did not sit quietly.

In a series of tweets directed at Drake, Mantse, as he is popularly called, said that he is the sole owner of the phrase ‘Killa cut blood’ on Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix.

He stated that he did not relinquish his rights to Obrafour and Da’ Hammer, producer of the track and thus not only can Obrafour not claim sole ownership of the sample but he also cannot be given sole compensation.

Hammer has responded to agitations by Mantse Aryeequaye.

Speaking to Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Hammer said everyone who played a role in the production benefits if the verdict goes in favour of Obrafour. 

He said that Mantse Aryeequaye had nothing to worry about. 

“It is everybody on the song against Drake. Obrafour is only leading the conversation. So I don’t know what the hullabaloo was about,” he said.

Asked how the writ includes all the actors when their names were not written, Hammer said “we are mentioned in the docket. The publishing of the song has Tina, Tinny, Mantse, me and Obrafour. Obrafour is the one leading because it’s his song. He owns the copyright.”

Hammer also indicated that Obrafour had a conversation with Mantse and everybody involved before he went in for the suit. 

“He spoke to everybody. I connected the conference call. We were all on the call. We all agreed and Obrafour went on with the suit,” he stated.

MORE:

• Government to remove squatters to make way for Accra-Tema motorway expansion

• The saga of goat rearing and Berekum gods: Traditional leaders react

• Family announces burial date for late Rawlings’ speech writer

Obrafour confirmed that he received an email from Drake’s team on June 8, 2022, requesting clearance, but there was no deal to that effect.

The 2003 song, however, benefitted from the controversy boasting its listening and streaming rate and made its way to the top of Adom FM’s Music Chart in Week 15.

I Feel Nice by Kuami Eugene, Group Chat & EMPIRE took the second spot.

Great Ampong’s Style Bia Bi after topping the chart in Week 14 dropped to number 3.

Controversial track Ofon Na Ɛdi Nsɛm Fo by Daddy Lumba after being in the top three for weeks is number 4 this week.

Crypto Currency from Empire’s Kuami Eugene and American singer Rotimi moved up to the 5^th spot of the chart. After three weeks after its release, the song currently has over 900, 000 views on YouTube.

Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy’s More of You dropped from five to number six.

Jamz album single Country Side by Sarkodie which features Black Sherif descended the music chart from number 4 to the 7^th slot.

Ohemaa from Skyface SDW, O’Kenneth, Reggie, Beeztrap Kotm, Kwaku DMC & Jay Bahd retained its 8^th spot in week 15. With the official video released just three days ago, the song is trending at number 6 on Youtube.

Fa No Fom by VGMA New Artiste nominee, DJ Azonto is number 9.

My Meditation by Ghanaian UK-based gospel singer Diana Hamilton stands strong at number 10.

Afrobeats artiste, Kelvynboy’s Billionaire is number 11 this week.

Kwesey Pee’s Ayele’s consistency on the Adom Music Chart cannot be overlooked as it remains on the chart at number 12.

Asakaa’s very own Jay Bahd’s Anadwo dropped the chart to 13.

This Far by VGMA nominee Ewura Abena dropped to number 14.

Questions by Fameye took the 15^th slot.

Kelvynboy’s Be Like That is stationed at number 16.

Papabi byMishasha ft. Stonebwoy took the 17^th spot again in Week 15 of the music chart.

Adoley G.D.S ft Camidoh made its debut in the music chart last week. This week, the song from his second EP maintained the 18^th position on the chart.

The beautiful video is close to hitting a million views on YouTube barely two weeks since its release.

Sho by Lynx Entertainment signee, Maya Blu featuring Mr. Drew attained the last but one slot for this Week’s Adom Music Chart.

Self-acclaimed dancehall king, Shatta Wale’s They Will Know made a debut at number 20 in this week’s Adom Music Chart. The song highlights his achievement in the entertainment industry and his social impact.

According to him, the owner of the master tape, Obrafour, has the primary right to sue, adding that Mantse, who claims to also have interest as a collaborator, can only sue Obrafour who is the owner of the master tape of the recorded sound.

Rex Omar further advised the parties residing in the country including the producer of the Oye Ohene song, Hammer to refrain from speaking on the matter since it can jeopardise the case.

In another sense, Rex Omar said the record label that owns the master tape, Execution Entertainment, under normal circumstances should be the owner and have primary right to sue and deal with the rest of the interested parties.

Read his post below:

My take on the Obrafoɔ/Drake issue

1. The owner of the master tape of that recorded sound has the primary right to sue.

2. The creator of that particular sampled phrase ‘Killer cut blood’ also has interest, but his interest is within that of the owner of the master tape of the recorded sound.

It’s imperative for all interested parties to STOP commenting on the case as it can be used to jeopardize the case especially Mantse, Hammer and Obrafoɔ. For 1% of something is better than 100% of nothing. ??.

Nii Mantse doesn’t have a recorded or unrecorded song called ‘Killer Cut’.

The phrase Killer Cut forms part of Obrafour’s recorded song called OHENE.

The sample phrase ‘Killer Cut’ was taken from the song OHENE that was composed by Obrafour.

The record label that owns that master tape is called EXECUTION which under normal circumstances should be the owner of the master tape and should have the primary right to sue and then deal with the rest of the interested parties. [SIC].

MORE:

• Latest video of Wayoosi and wife warms hearts

• STC bus transporting SHS students crashes on Kasoa-Cape Coast highway

• NDC Women’s Organiser accused of mixing ‘husband’s food with broken bottles

According to him, the voice behind the Killa Cut sound, Mantse, owner of Chale Wote Festival, has the right to claim the intellectual property used by Drake.

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Bulldog cited his reasons said: “Because it was only Mantse’s voice that was picked on the song. It was his voice texture, his coinage, if it was someone who wrote for him then we can debate, but this came from him.”

“Obrafour had no right to sue. If anyone has the right it’s Mantse… Because if you listen to the sample, it was only Mantse’s voice. Although it’s a body of work, it’s his voice that was sampled and an a cappella, and he wrote part of the song.

“So this is a straight IP matter and it is Mantse that owns the sole right. Then when he takes it he can give Obrafour and Hammer something out of the whole money.

“Obrafour cannot claim whatever especially when Mantse has come out now, they will do the right thing. He can ask Drake not to pay anything and settle for something else. I thought it was an opening for Mantse… they can get the money,” Bulldog said.

With industry players and lawyers who claim Obrafour didn’t register his intellectual property on time, hence Drake cannot be sued, Bulldog disagreed.

“Everybody gets theirs when it comes to intellectual property… whether you registered or not, you have some rights to it. If someone registers a product of someone else then it means it’s theft.”

Meanwhile, Robert Klah, one of the entertainment pundits on the Daybreak Hitz show disagreed with Bulldog’s statement that only Mantse had the right to sue.

He explained that Obrafour owned the masters of the song hence Drake needs to pay him if it becomes necessary.

“I am not even sure why Obrafour has to involve Mantse. If you realise that someone has infringed on your right you can also submit your suit. Obrafour has got rights to the song,” he said.

MORE:

• Lovely moment Jackie Appiah’s son met with dad [Video]

• Two MPs fall in love, set to marry

• Brother of late Kumawu MP drops bombshell about his death

The sample is found at 0:53 seconds of the Drake tune, where it transitions into a house music vibe sending the song into a different type of ambience compared to its initial trajectory.

“Killa cut blood!” is the chant heard multiple times.

That part was sung by Mantse Aryeequaye as an opener to the late 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ off the Ntete Pa album.

In a series of tweets directed at Drake, Mantse, as he is popularly called, said that he is the sole owner of the phrase ‘Killa cut blood’ on Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix.

He stated that he did not relinquish his rights to Obrafour and Da’ Hammer, producer of the track and thus not only can Obrafour not claim sole ownership of the sample but he also cannot be given sole compensation.

“I Mantse Aryeequaye maintain my intellectual property rights and claim over all my artistic works including the ‘Killer Cut’ sound you sampled off ‘Oye Ohene’ remix used on Obrafuor’s album My lawyer  Kofi Bentil esq. of Lex Praxis Incorporated  kbentil@lexpraxis.net who is pursuing this matter has informed me of a lawsuit against you solely in the name of @IamObrafuor,” he wrote.

“This is to confirm I [Mantse Aryeequaye]  insist that although @IamObrafuor has an interest in the matter, he is not the owner of the right, and cannot assert it, definitely not alone, or make any demands for sole compensation for its use,” he noted.

This comes after Obrafour sued popular Canadian rapper Drake for sampling his 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ on his song ‘Calling My Name’ off the Honestly Nevermind album.

In the documents presented to a court in New York, Obrafour stated that he “never granted Defendants permission to use the Copyrighted Work and the Infringing work was released mere days later.”

The Ghanaian rapper is seeking about $10 million in damages among other things.

Hours after the lawsuit went viral, Mantse also made a claim to the sound.

He stated that he was disappointed in Obrafour for seeking sole compensation adding “would be good to tell the public the truth about this matter or I will be forced to lay out how you’ve never paid a dime for any of my works on your songs over the last 20yrs.”

He is sueing Drake for $10, 000, 000 for sampling his 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ for his song ‘Calling My Name’.

In the writ of summons presented to a court in New York, Obrafour states that Drake infringed on his copyright when he sampled his song without permission.

“Defendants released the Infringing Work on June 17, 2022, despite the fact that an agent of one or more Defendants had previously contacted Obrafour seeking to obtain Obrafour’s permission for the use of the Copyrighted Work in the Infringing Work.”

“Obrafour never granted Defendants permission to use the Copyrighted Work and the Infringing work was released mere days later,” parts of the document read.

The Ghanaian rapper indicated that Drake and other defendants following the release of ‘Calling My Name’ has greatly benefited from his work.

The portion of Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix that Drake sampled is not a melody; it is the introductory chant done by Nii Mantse Aryeequaye.

The writ mentions that: “in the Sampled Phrase from the Copyrighted Work, a male voice with a distinct tone and accent is heard energetically repeating the following phrase: “Killer cut, blood, killer cut.”

“The phrase incorporates use of slang terms universally associated with hip-hop culture. In this lexicon, the Sampled Phrase can be understood as approximately saying, “Great song, brother, great song.”

“The copying of the Sampled Phrase in the Infringing Work is so direct in nature that the audio of the Sampled Phrase heard in the Infringing Work contains little or no audible manipulation, processing, or other alteration to its original character as heard in the Copyrighted,” it further reads. 

ALSO READ:

Drake samples Ghana’s Obrafour on new ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Album

Ghanaian rapper Obrafour sues US rapper Drake

It explains that “Killer,” used in this context, means “great.” A “cut” is a colloquial way of referring to a song or piece of music, deriving from the analogue era of music recording where music was primarily recorded to reels of tape that would be cut. “Blood” is a term of endearment or affection meaning “brother.”

However, a quick search on the internet for the lyrics of Drake’s ‘Calling My Name’, actually has “killa cop, blood” instead of “killer cut, blood.”

In the meantime, Nii Mantse Aryeequaye, who owns the voice of that intro has written on Twitter that Obrafour does not own the right to the portion of the song for which he has sued Drake.

After declining to give the OVO label artiste the green light to sample his Oye Ohene remix song which featured Tinny, Drake went ahead to release his Calling My Name song without clearance.

According to the suit in the jurisdiction of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, Calling My Name (the “Infringing Work”), which was released by Defendant Drake on or about June 17, 2022, contains direct copying—or “sampling”—of vocal excerpts taken from the sound recording of Obrafour’s copyrighted work.

Meanwhile, Obrafour confirmed that he received an email from Drake’s team on June 8, 2022, requesting clearance, but there was no deal to that effect.

“Obrafour had not yet responded to the June 8, 2022 Clearance Email or the follow up June 13, 2022 Clearance Email. Drake’s ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ album was
released on June 17, 2022,” the suit added.

Interestingly, Obrafour is seeking for damages, in aggregate, in an amount not less than $10,000,000.

Listen to Obrafour’s Oye Ohene intro below:

Listen to Drake’s version below:

Check out the suit below:

Obrafour sues Drake by Dennis Adu on Scribd

MORE:

• STC bus transporting SHS students crashes on Kasoa-Cape Coast highway

• Video of 3 female soldiers doing waist dance get fans talking

• For men: Five secrets about women’s orgasm you should know

According to him, it wasn’t apt for commercial purposes, since Obrafour was and is still an active musician who is yet to retire.

Like Obrafour giving a baton to Sark. Obrafour said he was going to relax, and Sark took that and run off with it. It’s wrong for commercial purposes. Haven’t we discussed that? If a milk brand introduces another brand over theirs, what does it mean?

Obrafour, 12 years ago, crowned young rapper, Sarkodie, as the next big artiste in the local music industry due to his exceptional talent and dexterity in rap music.

‘Ghana Rap Sofo’, as he is affectionately called, handed over his golden ‘rap crown’ to Sarkodie, who is now one of the most decorated rappers on the continent.

The intimate handing-over ceremony had in attendance the then-girlfriend of the rapper now wife, Tracy, as well as members of his management team.

Sarkodie, who was still a newbie, held tightly to the crown with immense pride as he was truly honoured by Obrafour’s gesture.

The duo went ahead to also release a single, ‘Saa Okodie’, where Obrafour further cemented Sarkodie’s career with his verse on the song.

But Mr Logic said the move didn’t favour Obrafour, adding that, it should never have occurred.

According to him, music is not a baton race where one passes to the other to keep the race active.

It’s a mistake for King Promise to endorse another over himself. It’s like Kidi Saying Kuami Eugene is better than him, which can never happen. Likewise, it’s wrong for hammer to make such a post.

Mr Logic went ahead to say: Hammer, you are an authority. I send you songs because I know your level when it comes to this area. Do you know what that means to me when you say a song is fire?

Meanwhile, Shatta Wale’s former manager, Bulldog, said he believes otherwise.

According to him, Obrafour’s crowning gesture was positive, and it put everything in the right light.

I don’t believe that what Obrafour did for Sark meant that he was giving his rights away. I believe that he saw a young talent and blessed him. Obrafour will be happy that he didn’t bless the wrong person, Bulldog said.

MORE:

• Armed robbers attack filling station at Amasaman; fuel attendant killed

• Taadi ‘pregnant’ woman makes shocking revelation

• Fans drool over Tracey Boakye’s thick thighs in bathroom video

It is a 14-track project released on Friday.

For his Ghanaian fans, it was a double surprise for them.

On Track 6, ‘Calling My Name’, Drake sampled a beloved popular song from one of Ghana’s best musicians alive, Obrafour.

The Grammy award-winning rapper sampled ‘Oye Ohene’ which features Tinny and was produced by Da Hammer.

The sample is found at 0:53 seconds of the Drake tune, where it transitions into a house music vibe sending the song into a different type of ambiance compared to its initial trajectory.

“Killa cut!” is the chant heard multiple times.

That part was sung by Mantse Aryeequaye as an opener to the late 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ off the Ntete Pa album.

The original song, however, was off of Obrafuor’s Time Out for Adhesion (TOFA) Album back in 2003.

In the 2000s, Mantse became a household voice behind ‘Last 2’ signees’ adlibs on many of the producer, Da Hammer’s works.

Mantse has also worked with other former ‘Last 2’ artistes including Sarkodie, Edem among others.

The reworking of the adlib into a 2022 record is another reason many Ghanaian music lovers are paying a closer attention at Drake’s fresh album for more subtle references.

A joint press release issued by the Ghana State Book Project, the Kwahu Traditional Council, Daasebre Development Advisory Board, National Commission on Culture, Bureau of Ghana Languages and the Kwahu Golden Members said Obrafour had been entrusted with the task of reflecting the authentic history and culture of the people of Kwahu.

He is also to aid in securing the indigenous culture and traditions for subsequent generations.

Speaking to the hiplife legend after the unveiling, the celebrated musician assured stakeholders of ensuring and projecting an enviable brand of the project.

He further promised to garner scores of people across Ghana and diaspora to appreciate the history and culture of the Kwahu state.

The three thousand page book is scheduled to be officially launched on Saturday, April 16, 2022, under the distinguished auspices of His Royal Majesty Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II at Mpraeso Social Centre of the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Background of Ghana State Book Project

The Ghana States Book Project is a nationwide research project designed to document and authenticate all traditional histories in Ghana.

The aim of the project is to create an authentic State History Book for each traditional state in Ghana.

The project is being undertaken by the States-Book Ghana and ROOTLINK Research Consortium in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, National Commission on Culture, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, and other supporting institutions.

The project was launched at Agona Swedru in March 2012.

According to Hammer, Obrafour put his career on the line to work with him even when he did not have the experience and a brand as a renowned music producer. He opined that he would not have been who he is today if the ‘Pae Mu Ka’ hitmaker had not believed in him.

“I always give Obrafour the credit for discovering me. He put his career on the line to work with an amateur like me. He didn’t have to work with us. My partner and I were amateurs. Even when I was not familiar with studios, he still believed in me.”

Hammer also heaped praises on the rapper for his spontaneous writing skills.

“One thing about Obrafour is that he is a spontaneous singer. When he hears a beat, the chorus is seconds away.”

The second part of the Chronicles of Hammer will continue next week, 25th February 2022 on Hitz FM.

‘The Library’ is a show designed to tell stories of music producers and their journey through the music scene. The maiden edition opened the archive of legendary producer David Kwamena Bolton of DKB Studios.

The show airs every Friday from 10:00 am to 12noon on Hitz FM.

MORE:

• My best friend looked down on me after SHS because I couldn’t… – Yvonne Nelson

• I’m not dead – Policewoman dismisses viral reports

• Marry 5 wives or be jailed – Swaziland King orders country men

The photo, taken in an unidentified location, captured their youthful days as creative arts industry players.

They were clad in trousers and shirts while the late Ansah had a spectacle and cap to complement his outfit.

In the photo, Obrafour maintained a stern look while Mr Ansah gave off a slightly smiling face and Tic Tac, a weird facial expression.

Obrafour and Tic Tac, now Tic are still doing well for themselves in the music industry.

ALSO READ:

• Hit songs are no longer part of my problems – Tic Tac

• No musician writes like I do – Obrafour

However, death laid its icy hands on Mr Ansah who was a favourite actor of most Ghanaians. Sadly, on May 2, 2008, his death shook the foundations of the nation.

The viral photo has garnered massive reactions from Ghanaians who have tried to eulogise the trio for their great works.

Delay asked a pressing question which led interviewee Ayisha Modi to make some accusations against Obrafour.

Miss Modi alleged she supported many musicians back in the days, citing Obrafour’s ‘Kasiebo’ as one of the works she supported with $45,000.

The claim has, however, been challenged by the musician with a retraction and apology letter addressed to both Delay and Miss Modi.

Delay, doing the needful, has apologised in a latest social media video where she pleaded to be exempted from whatsoever feud the two have.

RELATED

• Ayisha Modi in big ‘trouble’

• Obrafour ‘angrily’ replies Yaw Labito over allegations

She added she was only doing her job as a presenter and what response is given does not reflect her opinion.

“I do not endorse whatever my guest said about Obrafour so I detach myself from it,” she said in attempts to elude the GH¢ 800,000 compensation.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

Apologies to @iamobrafour for any inconvenience.

A post shared by THE BIG MAN IN THE BUSINESS (@delayghana) on Nov 11, 2020 at 5:24am PST

Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko, popularly known as Obrafour, has threatened legal action against ardent Ghanaian music lover, Ayisha Modi.

This comes after the latter, speaking in an interview, revealed she invested about $45,000 into Obrafour’s Kasie Bor hit song with Guru.

She claimed despite all her efforts in promotion, she benefited nothing despite the huge proceeds made from the song.

However, in a press statement from Execution Entertainment, sighted online, the company described Miss Modi’s claims as false.

ALSO READ:

• Ayisha Modi narrates how she stole her mother’s money to support Samini

• Obrafour ‘angrily’ replies Yaw Labito over allegations

Execution Entertainment noted it had no business deal or agreement in the past or present with Miss Modi, stating that the claims were attempts to reduce Obrafour’s relevance in the music industry and that the company will not hesitate to go to court to seek redress.

Read the full statement below:

Yaw Labito who is a longtime friend of the Ghanaian rap legend alleged that Obrafour neglected him during the video shoot of popular Odo song on which the latter was featured.

He further revealed how Obrafour hijacked his travel plans and failed to involve him in his recent Pae Mu Ka concert, a situation he finds disrespectful till date.

Reacting to the allegations by Yaw Labito on Zylofon FM, however, Obrafour revealed that he paid for Labito’s album and even searched for a buyer who was willing to pay GHC 7000 for his song only to get to know that Yaw had already sold the album for GHC 1000

READ ALSO

• READ: Kanye West invited to hold Sunday Service at NYC strip club

• Maame Yeboah Asiedu schools celebs, Ghanaians on marriage

• KelvynBoy replies Stonebwoy

 “How do I present a song I did not invest in? The song he is hyper about was written and composed by myself; I produced the album but Yaw Labito just chooses to be ungrateful.

If I ever wronged Yaw Labito, God should deal bitterly with me but if he wronged me, I pray God forgives him,” Obrafour angrily responded.

He further explained how he had plans of inviting Yaw Labito to his recent concert despite his rants.

Ending his phone-in conversation with Sammy Flex, he urged Labito to take the matter to court if he feels cheated in any way.

One of the things he discussed that amazed people was how the rap beef between him and colleague Lord Kenya started.

According to Obrafour, he had an ardent fan in Lord Kenya’s camp who was telling him everything they discussed in their studios, hence was forced to reply him on one of his songs.

SEE THIS: Kwesi Arthur is an innocent kid, I don’t want to spoil him – Efia Odo

He told Andy Dosty that, “a friend of mine who was in Lord’s camp once told me Lord had mocked me when I stated in my song ‘Yaanom’ that I was a rap heavyweight champion and that he was the real heavyweight. I went into defence upon hearing that by recording a song in response.”

Obrafour explained that unlike today, their beef was healthy and further helped them promote their works organically.

“We didn’t sit to plan but at the back of our mind we knew it was cool. I never went on radio to incite the fans against Lord, neither did he do that. If I release an album, fans go for it because they know there is something there for Lord,” he concluded.

ALSO SEE: Yvonne Nelson speaks on legalisation of ‘wee’

Circa 2005, rap legends Obrafour and Lord Kenya went head-to-head in the music industry over who deserves the Rap Heavyweight crown.

Lord Kenya, now a pastor, ignited the prolonged beef by hitting Obrafour below the belt on songs such as ‘Enyom No’ and ‘Baby Nayoka’ among others.

According to Obrafour, listening to his own songs do not motivate him to work hard enough.

READ ALSO: This Is Tema: Mammoth crowd storm Sarkodie’s free concert [Video]

The Pae Mu Ka legend made the revelation in an interview on Adom FM’s Work and Happiness on Tuesday, October 29, 2019.

“I don’t listen to my own songs unless I have to practice for a show. Listening to my own songs don’t allow me to improve my lyrics,” he said.

ALSO READ: My husband is the most honest person I have ever met – Regina Daniels

Obrafour has chalked two decades in Ghana music and his latest show to commemorate the Pae Mu Ka milestone will happen on November 9, 2019, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Source: Adomonline.com | Dennis K. Adu 

He said this when he passed by Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz show, monitored by Adomonline.com, on Friday for his album debut.

SEE THIS: VGMA 19: I still can’t understand why ‘Wo’ song wasn’t nominated-Ras Kukuu

Ras Kuuku, who was of the view that the media doesn’t patronise him enough, said working with legends like Samini makes songs on the album hard to skip.

“The only album you can compare to mine is Obrafour’s ‘Pae Mu Ka’. When we talk about real reggae acts in Ghana you can’t skip me,” he told host Merqury Quaye.

ALSO SEE: Video: No artiste does hip-hop, reggae or dancehall in Ghana not even Stonebwoy

‘Kuntunkununku’ is an 18-track masterpiece which features Samini, Stonebwoy, MzVee and other major artistes. The one hour, two minutes collection is well brewed with lyrics and melody in successive one drop rhythms.

Source: Adomonline.com | Dennis K. Adu

He has on several occasions proclaimed that Obrafour is a major influence when it comes to his music and in fact, he has even touted that the ‘Yaanom’ hit rapper is his inspiration.

READ ALSO: PaeMuKa@20: Sarkodie lauds Obrafour for 20-years journey in music industry (photo)

And after years of featuring the rap legend on some of his well-known tracks – including ‘Saa Okodie No’ –  some industry persons, who have watched a documentary on the Obrafour’s 20th anniversary in the Ghanaian music space, has started asking questions.

The documentary highlights some of the significant happenings since Obrafour started his rap career and also features key industry persons who played roles in the rapper’s career.

The documentary, which JoyNews has had the privilege of watching, features well-known industry names like CY Lover, Hammer, Tic Tac (now TiC), Kwaw Kese, KOD, Yvonne Nelson, M.anifest and a host of others.

Sarkodie missing

Considering the history between Obrafour and Sarkodie, it has come as a shock to some people, who have had the privilege of watching the documentary, that the latter is not featured in it.

Investigations by JoyNews have revealed that management and producers tried on several occasions to feature the ‘Artiste of the Decade’ winner at the 20th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, in the documentary to no avail.

According to sources close to the anniversary planning team, Sarkodie, who was in Ghana throughout the shoot, kept giving the production team one excuse after the other till the team wrapped up the shoot on August 23.

A source explained that after several attempts, management of Sarkodie on one occasion (during a final attempt) told the production team, which shot the documentary at MiPROMO Studios in Dzorwulu, that the rapper was not appropriately dressed for the shoot.

JoyNews also gathers that rapper M.anifest, for instance, who was in Nigeria during the shoot, managed to fly back to Ghana just to be a part of the documentary.

According to sources, M.anifest actually drove straight to the location from the airport but had to go home after he was told he was in too early. He went home, freshened up and later returned for the shoot.

READ ALSO: No Beef: Sarkodie and Obrafour perform ‘Yaanom’ at Rapperholic concert

JoyNews has gathered that Obrafour is not happy that his ‘son’ could not get time to feature in the all-important documentary.

Obrafour, during a media engagement on Thursday, explained that “we invited everybody. If you don’t see anyone, ask them why they are not there. Some people were around but they didn’t want to show up.”

Sarkodie’s reaction

When JoyNews reached out Sarkodie’s team for an explanation as to why the rapper did not feature in the documentary, Angel, Sarkodie’s manager said, they tried their best to be a part of it and will never say “No” to Obrafour.

Angel explained that there were definitely arrangement issues because “Sark[odie] was over willing” to feature in the documentary.

According to him, the producer of the documentary called him and communicated that they would like to shoot Sarkodie’s bit at 2 pm on an agreed date but unfortunately, the rapper was still at Pastor Brian Amoateng’s IYES Conference at the National Theatre as at that time.

ALSO READ: I do not have a beef with Obrafour – Sarkodie [Video]

Sarkodie’s manager further said, Obrafour had later said he was sending the team over to his – Sarkodie – house to shoot the rapper’s part, which never happened.

“It’s just a matter of [mis]communication.”

“If right now self if these people want to shoot Sark[odie] a, he go shoot,” Angel said in pidgin. He noted that they would not have agreed to shoot if they were not interested.

READ ALSO: Celebrities defy rains to celebrate Obrafour’s ‘Pae Mu Ka’ @20 [Photos]

Angel added that the team was at Obrafour’s Pae Mu Ka @20 launch in May this year and Sarkodie was even ready to perform at the main anniversary concert scheduled for the National Theatre on November 9.

An initial 30-minute version of the documentary will be premiered at the Silverbird Cinema on September 25.

The documentary will later be broken down into a 12-part 10 minutes series, to be shown later on TV.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Watch Obrafour’s performance below:

Source: Ghana/Adomonline.com/Dennis kofi Adu/ Gershon Mortey

Click here for more Photos

In 2010, the two had a media scuffle after Obrafour featured Guru on a track titled ‘Kasiebo’ with references made to a certain Kumasi-based musician by name ‘OK’ who according to the song was accused of defilement.

That line and another in the song that detailed a rapper claiming to be the ‘best rapper alive’ yet cannot boast of five albums sparked the rift between Obrafour and Okyeame Kwame.

However, speaking to Joy News’ MzGee, Obrafour christened Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko said his colleague misunderstood his creativity.

“His name was not in the song, He took the OK mistakenly to be a reference to him. There is Moses OK, there is Okomfour Kwade, there is Okyeame Kofi and there are some many OK’s.” the rap god lamented.

Obrafour revealed all attempts by him to mend their relationship after Kasiebo has proven futile.

“I took the initiative, approached my brother and told him if he thought that song had demeaned him in any way or brought his name into disrepute, he should let it go”.
According to Obrafour, it’s pathetic that Okyeame Kwame refuses to list him among his favourite rappers although he (Obrafour) acknowledges Okyeame’s prowess on every available platform.

“My brother I am telling you today, let go. There is nothing between me and you so do not hold anything against me because I don’t even think about you,” Obrafour stated.
Obrafour also exhibited gestures that confirm the rumour that there is bad blood between him and rapper Guru.

Watch the video:

He however hinted Obrafour would need to convince him that he is born again before they sing together.

He was speaking with Fancy Di Maria on Angel Sunset Drive today.

The born again musician admonished Christians not to condemn high life musician, Ofori Amponsah, who returned from priesthood into the secular music arena but rather pray for his deliverance.

Evangelist Lord Kenya also revealed on the show that, some Ghanaian celebrities may be called to do the work of God in the not too distant future adding that he had most of them on his prayer list.

Sharing some of his experience before he gave his life to Christ, Lord Kenya said, “I used to smoke wee with Lazy Dog, but he was not a good smoker…he comes and goes while I spent my day at the wee smoking base.”

Though Obrafour constantly names M.anifest’s arch rival, Sarkodie as his favourite rapper, he revealed that M.anifest’s prowess as a rapper hasn’t really been acknowledged by Ghanaians.

“There is another rapper that to be honest with you I think he’s been underrated for so long but God being so good and the truth will always stand, he is getting the recognition now,” Obrafour told JoyNews’ MzGee.

“M.anifest is too deep. I listen to myself sometimes – I hardly do though – but I think we bore semblance. He is deep with the queen’s language, and that is what makes him unique,” the ‘Pae Mu Ka’ rapper added.

When JoyNews’ MzGee asked if he saw M.anifest as the English version of him, the veteran rapper retorted, “yes, exactly.”

He also addressed the seeming tension between Sarkodie and M.anifest hinting his intervention brought an end to the ‘Sark/M.ani beef’ that ensued in late 2016.

Watch the video below: