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Music of Thursday, 16 February 2006

Source: ghanamusic.com

Lord Kenya Born Again

Lord Kenya has had his highs and lows in life and although his latest album is titled Born-Again, the Rap

Heavyweight does not have a straight yes or no answer as to whether the song tells his own story.

?I will just say that I?ve been through very difficult times when I had no one to hold on to except God?, he said. ? All good things are made possible by God?.

He told Showbiz that he was aware of the rumours that were circulating prior to the release of his latest album that he had drugged himself out of the music scene.

Kenya said his Born-Again song is actually a love song in which a partner offends the other and comes back to apologise saying he would not repeat any act that has upset his partner.

He urges people in relationships to adopt the habit of apologising when they offend their partners for the sake of peace and reconciliation.

?Born-Again does not end there,? said Kenya. He believes that he may have said or done certain things in the course of his career that might have upset his fans. To all of them, he is saying he is sorry and will not do any of those things again.

Exactly what was Kenya doing during the three or so years that he was virtually silent? ?Hey, I was really missing the stage but it was a period during which I reflected on how best to come out with something really good to please my fans,? he said.

Showbiz wanted to know Kenya?s opinion about the popular perception that musicians like him indulge in drugs, alcohol use and lots of sex.

?There is this general belief that we musicians live carelessly and indulge in all those but believe me, there are people who do similar things who are not musicians.?

Kenya believes that it is an unfortunate impression but did not rule out the fact that some musicians may be indulging in these acts.

?It depends on the upbringing of the individual. ? I do not indulge in any of those because I have a responsibility towards my children and my fans, a good number of whom look up to me,? he said.

Since the release of his latest album last year, Lord Kenya has bounced back on stage doing what he is known for doing best.

He expressed gratitude to all his fans who have been so loyal to him, ?It is so gratifying to know that they are still there for me.?

Another Mount Kenya Records production, Born Again has eight songs on cassette and ten on CD. The title track is enjoying massive airplay nation-wide, an indication of its popularity and the fact that people have been hungry for his songs.

Other songs on the Born Again album are 'Chompia' (his own way of saying Champion) Waba', 'To Keje', 'Baba O', 'Room 44' and 'Ebetoda'.

Perhaps he has featured more people on this album than any of the previous five. Morris Babyface, Swazy B, Kafzo, Ramzy and Ike all have their voices on the album in addition to Ofori Amponsah, Kofi Nti and Barosky.

As is typical of him, Lord Kenya does not only endear himself to his fans with his songs but also with his unique stagecraft.

He promises his fans more of that, ?I am seriously back to show the uniqueness of my stagecraft and that is a promise,? he said with a smile.