The word Kumerica first gained attention on social media in 2020, a playful blend of “Kumasi” and “America” that quickly grew into something more than a trend. What began as internet humor soon evolved into a cultural identity, embraced by the youth of Kumasi to describe their unique way of life.
The name reflects an integration of influences: American hip-hop fashion, street slang, and music, all reshaped through the lens of local experience. Even before the internet caught on, Kumasi’s neighborhoods were already being nicknamed after American cities, and its rap scene had developed its own language and codes.
To better understand this evolving identity, here are 10 terms that define the Kumerica lifestyle and capture how young people in Kumasi speak, connect, and express who they are.
1. Akata
In the Kumerican context, Akata is used to describe someone with real street experience; sharp, grounded, and resilient. According to Rabby Jones, co-founder of Life Living Records, the term is commonly used among Kumerican youth to refer to peers who embody ghetto authenticity. In an interview with Pan African Music, Rabby shared that an old man once explained to him that Akata has Yoruba origins and originally described someone with a true ghetto background. While that claim hasn’t been independently verified, the word has been embraced locally in Kumasi and is now closely tied to the image of the street-savvy youth in the city’s urban music culture.
2. Ojoo
In Kumerica, Ojoo is an exclamation that pops up in many conversations, especially among young people reacting to something shocking, unexpected, or even funny. It can express disbelief, excitement, or alarm depending on the tone. For example, if someone hears gossip or sees something surprising, they might respond with, “Ojoo, serious?” It’s a vocal reaction that helps keep street conversations animated and expressive.
3. Asakaa
Asakaa is the name for Kumerican drill music, a genre that mixes the gritty beats of UK and Chicago drill with Ghanaian street culture. It features lyrics in Twi, Pidgin, and local slang, capturing the experiences, codes, and spirit of Kumasi youth. Asakaa artists often describe life in Kumasi with raw honesty and pride. The Asakaa culture includes groups like Life Living Records and artists such as Jay Bahd, Reggie, and O’Kenneth. Their track “Akatafoc,” featuring Kawabanga, O’Kenneth, Reggie, and Jay Bahd, became a defining anthem of Kumerican development.
4. Kala
In everyday Kumerican speech, Kala is the word used to refer to a girl or young woman. It’s a casual and street-level term, often used among peers when talking about romantic interests, social scenes, or female friends. You might hear someone say, “The kala fine waa,” meaning the girl looks really good.
5. Brutaa
Brutaa is a slang term used to describe something intense, wild, or emotionally heavy. It could refer to a song, an event, or even a person’s reaction. In Kumasi, when someone says, “ Eei That Jay Bahd verse was brutaa,” they mean it hit hard, raw, and real. It’s a way of praising something that feels powerful and unfiltered. You might also hear it when a fight breaks out or someone gets roasted badly: “Ei, the way they lash am, brutaa!”.
6. Croos
In Kumerican slang, Croos refers to a close-knit group or crew; often friends, collaborators, or peers who move together and share a common identity or purpose. While it may sound similar to “crew,” in the Kumerican context, “Croos” emphasizes unity, loyalty, and shared experiences. The term is widely used among youth signifying social bonds formed in neighborhoods, schools, or work environments. Examples include: Me and my croos dey pull up for the show tonight,” or “Dem be my croos since SHS days.”
7. Oseikrom
This is a traditional nickname for Kumasi that continues to be used even with the rise of Kumerica. It connects the city to its royal heritage through Osei Tutu, founder of the Asante Kingdom. Many young people move between both identities, Kumerican and Oseikrom depending on the context.
8. Borga
Borga is used to describe someone, usually a man who has returned from overseas, often from Europe or the U.S. A borga is typically seen wearing expensive clothes, stylish shoes, or sunglasses, sometimes even driving expensive cars. In Kumerica, being called a borga is almost like being seen as someone who’s “made it.” It comes with a sense of admiration, aspiration, and sometimes even exaggeration, especially among youth who dream of that kind of success and recognition.
9. Capo
In Kumerica, Capo is a term used to refer to someone who holds a position of authority or influence within a group; a leader, a boss, or a respected figure. The word itself is borrowed from Italian, where “capo” means “head” or “boss,” and has been widely used in global pop culture, especially about mafia figures. In the Kumerican context, however, it is more about status on the street than organized crime. For instance, if someone walks into a hangout with confidence and swagger, wearing chains, and everyone greets him, you might hear, “That’s the capo of Dichemso.” It can also be used casually among friends as a compliment: “You dress like a capo today.”
10. Crown
In Kumerican slang, Crown is a mispronunciation or twist on the English word “clown.” It’s used to describe someone who is being silly, unserious, or trying too hard in a way that draws unnecessary attention; usually mockingly or humorously. If someone dresses in an overly flashy or mismatched way, a friend might say, “Ei, why you dey dress like crown?” teasing them for their look. In response to someone telling exaggerated stories: “This guy be full crown; nothing wey he no go talk!” suggesting they’re being ridiculous.
