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Music of Thursday, 25 February 2010

Source: nii atakora mensah/ghanamusic.com

I never left - Qweci (formerly known as Ded Buddy)

Every so often, a great male R&B singer is born. A singer whose voice touches the heart of young ladies and whose image and profile gets the nod of approval from the guys. Rumored to be the next Usher, Ghana Music.com once again introduces to you, Ded Buddy now known as Qweci.

However, years later, Qweci is back and sounding better than ever. Ghana Music.com chit chats with the musical veteran about what he's been up to musically. If you haven’t yet heard of Qweci, then you’re about to…

With his new single 'Favourite' which will be uploaded on Ghana Music.com soon, Qweci is ready for an invasion Are you ready for young Qweci? Because young Qweci is ready for you.

Armed with more than a decade of experience in the game and many heavy hit songs like “Asa”, “Onipa”, “Sansankroma” and “Auntie Araba” he still claims he has a lot to offer.

Ghana Music.com: Please let’s welcome the very talented and newly independent Ded Buddy who has also changed his name to Qweci? Qweci: Thanks for having me.

Ghana Music.com: What are some of the challenges you are facing with your upcoming album? Qweci: It’s been a tough road and a very adventurous one as well. Challenges have been about coming up with a plan to market the music to the perfect audience but no challenge is bigger if you believe in your art, so here I am.

Ghana Music.com: How would you say you have grown since your hit "Yebesa" in the 90s? Qweci: I have grown in ways beyond even my own imagination. I am a producer, song writer, and artist. It's a blessing. I now have total control of my music and that to me is very important.

Ghana Music.com: What’s the first single off the upcoming album? Qweci: “Favorite Girl”.

Ghana Music.com: Do you think dancing is one of the main reasons your kind of music is so mainstream? Qweci: Definitely.

Ghana Music.com: Are there any songs you wrote for other artistes that you wish you kept? Qweci: I have actually written songs for other artist who are due for release soon but honestly speaking the hits never stop with me so I don't mind sharing.

Ghana Music.com: Do you get songwriting credit? Qweci: Yes I definitely do.

Ghana Music.com: Can you describe the first time you performed in Ghana and first time in the states? Qweci: In Ghana it was at the Miss AFS where I translated Boys II Men's "I'll Make Love To You' into Twi. Yeah that was big. Before that though I perform with Native Funk Lords at Panafest 94 opening for Stevie Wonder. In the states I have performed for schools and other night clubs.

Ghana Music.com: Let me put you on the spot...If you were to propose to that special lady, how would you do it? Qweci: Put the ring in a chocolate covered strawberry.

Ghana Music.com: If you could date any celebrity who would it be and why? Qweci: If I could? Ha-ha. I will and the celebrity that I like is Dania Ramirez. She is fire.

Ghana Music.com: Who is that favourite girl? Qweci: Did not show up yet. Soon though.

Ghana Music.com: What are you trying to convey with this new album? Qweci: Trying to do music the right way - fun, dance, make love and not war. Just got a lot of messages I need to let the world hear it.

Ghana Music.com: So you have been missing for about three years after your 'Auntie Araba' song. What have you all been doing? People don’t hear new music they’re asking “Where’s Ded Buddy? What are you doing? Qweci: I have been planning the next cypher. My music sounds like it. I am just a warming up for what's coming.

Ghana Music.com: What would you say to people who believe that you were largely responsible for the success of your Afro pop music in Ghana? Qweci: I will say that a lot of factors contributed to me coming up with that style of music and I’m thankful for God and the people that inspired me.

Ghana Music.com: There have been a lot of new artists that came out and new R&B groups. Who is Ded Buddy feeling right now out of the new GH R&B group and single artists that are out there? Qweci: I will say I am still down with my old buddies but still proud of the new artist out there. They are doing their thing for sure.

Ghana Music.com: After eleven years of being in this industry, what do you think Ded Buddy can offer to the game? Qweci: I never really left because I do timeless music and it stays on but as to what I will bring is the good music that I am known to bring.

Ghana Music.com: Tell me about the most meaningful song you’ve ever written, not necessarily the most successful? Qweci: ‘Onipa’ which is on the Sansankroma album. It talks about everybody coming together.

Ghana Music.com: Have you reached all the goals you’ve set out for yourself in regards to music? Qweci: No I haven't. I have a long road ahead of me and I am truly looking forward to achieve every goal alone the way.

Ghana Music.com: When it comes to your look, what article of clothing or accessory makes you feel most powerful? Qweci: My tie, shoes and glasses.

Ghana Music.com: When it comes to world events, both the good and unfortunate, what particular event has changed your life? Qweci: Definitely Haiti. It has actually thought me to love everyone and live life to the fullest.

Ghana Music.com: With you being considered a veteran in the game, what three things should guys coming up, that could be looking up to you, have to get through this industry? Qweci: "Believe In Their Craft", "Write Music To Teach The World", "Never Give Up" and "Love The World".