A few years back, if you asked the average Ghanaian about drill, you’d probably get a blank stare. Fast-forward, and Asakaa—the homegrown spin on the genre—is dominating airwaves and shaping street culture. At the center of this sonic shift stands Kwaku Smoke, one of the voices helping shape the genre into a cultural force.
Kwaku Smoke stepped into the music scene prepared, with a sound that demanded attention. His music carries the rawness of Kumasi’s streets, layered with the polish of Accra’s ‘hip-hop’ culture.
Through his bars, Kwaku Smoke brings the hustle to life—stories of loyalty, ambition, and pushing through every obstacle. Each track is a snapshot of his journey, pulling you into his world and making you feel the grind, the triumphs, and the struggles.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Kweku Smoke’s musical journey began in his childhood when he developed an interest in rap by watching his elder brother, an aspiring rapper. Frequent studio visits with his brother exposed him to music production, and he quickly gained his lyrical skills. While in Benkum Senior High, he and his friends formed FlowMotion and set up their own studio to create music.
In 2015, he collaborated with Flowking Stone on a song, but due to poor management, it didn’t gain much traction. But that didn’t deter him. He was determined to make an impact and, hence, continued refining his skills while pursuing higher education at KNUST. After completing his studies, he shifted his full focus to music, initially releasing freestyles under the name YRS before rebranding as Kweku Smoke.
His significant occurrence in 2019 was when he met Nana Boro in a studio session. Impressed by Smoke’s talent, Nana Boro facilitated an introduction to renowned rapper Sarkodie. Sarkodie’s personal experience of Smoke’s talent propelled him to endorse Kweku Smoke on social media, which further led to their subsequent collaboration on the track “Yedin.” Yedin significantly elevated Kwaku Smoke’s profile in the Ghanaian music scene.
The Rise of a Street Icon
Following the success of “Yedin,” Kwaku Smoke released his debut EP, Big Shmoke, featuring tracks like “On Dem” and “Time No Dey.” He followed up with another EP, Eye Red, showcasing songs such as “Kwekuee” and “Nana Ama.”
In 2020, he honored his late brother Snoop with the album Snoop Forever, a 16-track project featuring collaborations with artists like Sarkodie, Kwesi Arthur, and Joey B. Snoop Forever carried themes of loyalty, pain, and ambition.
Tracks like “Let It Go,” featuring South African rapper Emtee, and “Tonight” highlighted his versatility and depth as an artist. His song, On the Streets featuring Kwesi Arthur painted a picture of survival, while Aketesia brought a smoother, more melodic side of Smoke to light.
The Kwaku Smoke Effect
What makes Kwaku Smoke different? It’s the way he bridges two worlds. On one hand, he carries the raw energy of Kumasi’s Asakaa movement: the slang, the attitude, and the street wisdom. On the other hand, he brings the refined hip-hop culture of Accra, making his music appealing to both underground fans and mainstream audiences. He’s proof that drill music in Ghana carries real cultural weight.
His themes delve deeper than mere words thrown over beats. When he raps about hustle, it’s because he’s lived it. Holy Ghost, for instance, dives into personal struggles: his father losing his job, his mother’s illness, and the sacrifices made to keep going. The song’s impact has undeniably earned different nominations at this year’s upcoming Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA): Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste, Best Hip-Hop Song, Best Rap Performance, and Artiste of the Year.
The Asakaa Movement and Cultural Impact
Asakaa, characterized by its hard-hitting beats and the fusion of Twi and English lyrics, originated in Kumasi’s neighborhoods. The term itself is a creative twist on the Twi word “kasa,” meaning “talk,” emphasizing authentic expression. Artists like Yaw Tog and Jay Bahd have been instrumental in propelling this genre to international recognition.
Kwaku Smoke’s contributions have been pivotal in elevating Asakaa from a regional sound to a national movement. His collaborations bridge the Accra-Kumasi divide, fostering unity among artists and promoting a cohesive musical front.
The authenticity of his narratives has inspired emerging artists to embrace their roots and share their stories unapologetically. Internationally, Asakaa’s growing popularity has attracted listeners from countries like the UK, US, and Germany.
Looking Ahead
Kwaku Smoke’s journey highlights the power of authenticity in music. Through skill, persistence, and dedication, he has steadily built his legacy and is now reaping the rewards.
His impact is undeniable, earning him nominations for Artiste of the Year and Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste, while Holy Ghost secures spots in Best Hip-Hop Song and Best Rap Performance at this year’s upcoming TGMA scheduled for May 3, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
