'I watched KiDi on Hitmaker and told myself I'd be on that stage too

Award-winning Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene has disclosed how watching his colleague KiDi compete in Hitmaker inspired him to pursue the music reality show that eventually launched his career.

Speaking in an interview with Headless YouTuber, the artiste recounted how his journey began through a chance meeting with Lynx Entertainment CEO Richie Mensah while working with another contestant.

According to Kuami Eugene, he first met Richie Mensah while recording songs for fellow Hitmaker contestant Gunshot, whose producer was the Lynx Entertainment boss.

"There is this guy called Gunshot who was also in Hitmaker. I used to record him and luckily for me, his producer was Richie Mensah. That's how I met Richie. We recorded with him and when we were in the studio, I was teaching the guy how to go about some of the verses. Richie then said I was good and asked why I hadn't gone for Hitmaker. I told him I was preparing myself, so hopefully the following year I would be there," he said.

Kuami Eugene explained that while preparing for the competition, he closely followed KiDi's performances and became convinced that the latter would emerge victorious.

"That same year, it was KiDi's era in Hitmaker and he was performing. He had a red bandana on his head and was holding a guitar. I watched and tapped into the blessing. I told my friend that the following year, I would also be on this platform," he stated.

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The singer noted KiDi stood out from the rest of the contestants because of the support system and industry exposure he already had.

"I knew he was going to win because he was the fans' favourite and he was doing something different from the rest of them. It was later I got to know that even Lynx Entertainment was behind him when he was at Hitmaker, so that's why he was doing things differently," he shared.

He continued, "The rest were coming from home to do it, but Lynx were behind KiDi, so he won with the experience and everything, the exposure around MzVee, Richie and DJ Vyrusky. That exposure is very much needed as an artiste.”

Kuami Eugene further disclosed that when he finally auditioned for Hitmaker the following year, Richie Mensah recognised him and immediately recommended him to renowned producer Kaywa.

"The following year, I went for the audition and Richie saw me there. He remembered me and told Kaywa that I was good," he added.