A Year Of Stars

Tinny

The year 2004 has seen a major breakthrough for hiplife in Ghana's music industry. Many hiplife artistes, both old and new have treated us to various kinds of hiplife melodies. One such artiste whose captivating and infectious Ga lyrics has arguably made him the best Ga rapper around is Tinny.

His lyrical dexterity knows no bounds and it came as no surprise when he won the coveted New Artiste of the year at this year's Ghana Music Awards. If what we saw of him in this year is anything to judge by, all eyes will be on Tinny in 2005.

Another big achiever this year who made a spectacular entry on the vibrant local music scene was raglife 'Papa' Batman, runner-up in Kora's search for the most promising artiste in West Africa. Although he did not walk away with the title, the young lyricist whose Linda hit song dominated the local charts certainly became a force to be reckoned with. He made his mark in the ever-challenging Ghanaian music scene when he dazzled fans during the launch of Tic Tac's 'Wope' album, Obour's tour, Joy Fm's Night With the Stars and the likes.

How can anyone forget the chart-dominating artiste Obour who has warmed the hearts of fans with his unique talent? He is certainly guaranteed a top spot on the 'A' list of year 2004 music achievers, with the sort of success that he has chalked with his 'Konkontibaa' album. To say Obour's achievements were impressive will be an understatement. He is arguably Ghana's hiplife soldier. No wonder he won an award at the just ended Ghana Music Awards UK in London.

Hiplife originator Reggie Rockstone has to feature on the list. He blazed the trail for others to follow. He is enjoying a lot of attention wherever he goes and gossip columnists cannot leave him alone. More remarkable is that his album 'Last Show' was already a hit long before its official release. He really deserved the award he won at the just ended Kora Music Awards.

Gosh! I nearly forgot another fabulous bunch that made a grand entrance in the Who's Who list this year-VIP. They continue to reign in the music showbiz as crowds shower them with much deserved praises for having put Ghana on the map and representing them so well at the Kora Music Awards 2004. They seem to have stolen the show with their style and no wonder they swap most of the awards at the just ended Ghana Music Awards.

Obrafuor is still enjoying the limelight as the focus remains on his every move. He boasts incredible vocal talent and a stunning image. His exquisitely crafted album 'Nteteepa' is something else. He is embraced by the public and has become an inspiration to many young people. He won the Ghana Music Award's best songwriter of the year, Ghana Music Award UK's best album of the year and best album of the year in Canada in 2003, a good sign that the industry recognizes his efforts.

Another go-getter who seemed to be on fire in 2004 is the loveable Borax. He burst onto the scene in a big way and has not looked back. He has set tongues wagging in Takoradi, Koforidua and many other towns in Ghana. People are still talking about his sterling performance in Brong Ahafo. He continues to shine at tender age putting Ghana on the map.

Tic Tac, Bandanna, Castro, K.K Fosu, Mad Fish, Kokovelli, Dada K.D, Ofori Amponsah and Asuafuor cannot be omitted from the list either. Theirs was an impressive ride to the top. These hiplife kings have become favourites among their people and are well received around the country.

Meanwhile, another shining group in 2004 has to be confident stars, Buk Bak comprising Bright and Ronnie. This year saw them making it big in the music industry as they moved crowds into frantic ecstasy. Their names are on everyone's lips and there cannot be a show without Buk Bak.

All these individuals had luck and God on their side in 2004. This year saw a galaxy of musicians reaching for the stars. But it remains to be seen if they can sustain their reputations next year. Watch out for budding talents like Okra, FBS, Quata, Kwaw Kesse, Screw Face and YFM.