Ladsmid Nathaniel Owusu, also known professionally as “Lasmid” (formerly called "Charger"), is a prominent Ghanaian musician, rapper, and songwriter celebrated for his unique blend of Afrobeats, Highlife, and Rap. Hailing from Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana, he gained national recognition after winning the MTN Hitmaker Season 8 in 2019.

Lasmid is particularly acclaimed for his 2022 hit single "Friday Night," which went viral on TikTok and topped several music charts across Ghana. He draws significant inspiration from Kofi Kinaata, who serves as both a mentor and a key influence in his career.

Early Life

Lasmid’s musical journey began in the Western Region of Ghana, specifically in Takoradi, a city renowned for producing highlife and hiplife legends. He developed a love for music from a young age, performing within his local community.

Education

Lasmid received his primary education in a village near Dunkwa in the Western Region. He later attended Takoradi Technical Institute (TTI) for his secondary education, where he balanced his studies with an increasing passion for music.

After completing senior high school, he participated in MTN Hitmaker, marking a significant turning point in his career.

Musical Beginnings

• Early Talent: Lasmid began singing and rapping at a young age within his community.

• The "Charger" Days: Before rising to fame, he performed as an underground artist in Takoradi under the stage name "Charger."

• Local Support: He built a small yet devoted following in the Western Region before seeking wider recognition through talent shows.

• Turning Point: His life transformed in 2019 when he moved to Accra to compete in MTN Hitmaker Season 8, which he ultimately won, propelling him from a local student to a national sensation.

Career

Winning MTN Hitmaker in 2019 came with a GH₵120,000 recording contract, propelling Lasmid into the limelight. Following his victory, he signed with Ghanaian producer Kaywa at the Highly Spiritual Music record label. In 2022, Nigerian artist Naira Marley expressed interest in signing him to his label.

As of 2022, Lasmid had collaborated with several renowned artists, including Sarkodie, Medikal, Kofi Kinaata, Dead Peepol, Mr Drew, Kuami Eugene, and Amerado. His "Sika" remix, featuring Kuami Eugene, significantly contributed to his rise in fame.

Pulse Ghana has regarded Lasmid as the heir to Kofi Kinaata's musical legacy, emphasising his talent in both singing and rapping. His fan base, particularly strong in Takoradi, continues to grow.

Career Highlights

1. Stage Name Evolution: Formerly known as "Charger," he now performs under his birth name, Lasmid.

2. Record Labels:

• Initially signed to Highly Spiritual Music after his Hitmaker win.

• Recently, in 2025, he reportedly signed with Dapper Music Ent.

3. Breakthrough Hit: His single "Friday Night" became a major viral sensation on TikTok and dominated charts in Ghana.

4. Collaborations: Lasmid has worked with top-tier artists, including Sarkodie, Kuami Eugene, Kofi Kinaata, and Amerado.

Popular Tracks

• "Friday Night" (Breakout viral hit)

• "Sika" (Remix) feat. Kuami Eugene

• "Bad Boy."

• "Running"

• "Puul"

• "Butta My Bread" (Collaboration with JZyNO)

Controversies

Lasmid faced criticism following a performance at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, where his delivery did not meet expectations.

In an interview with Andy Dosty in August 2023, he acknowledged his own disappointment with that performance.

In the lead-up to the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), Lasmid's management (NE Records) formally petitioned the awards board, expressing concerns over perceived "snubs" in major categories despite his prominent showing in 2025.

Discography

• "Odo Lastic" ft Kofi Kinaata

• "Atele"

• "Sika" ft Dead Peepol

• "Father" ft Mr Drew

• "Sika" Remix ft Kuami Eugene

• "Friday Night."

• "Grace" (by Amerado, as a featured artist)

• "Ewuraba" (by YPee, as a featured artist)

• "Running"

• "Butta My Bread" (feat. JZyNO)

• "Bad Boy."

• "Puul"

• "Zanzibar (Alubarika)."

• "Olivia" (2025)

• "No Issues" (2025)

• "TSOOBI (AKONOBA)" (2025)

Awards and Nominations

Lasmid has firmly established himself as a dominant force in the Ghanaian music scene, notably winning the “Best New Artiste” award at the 2023 VGMAs.

His management has actively voiced their concerns regarding his exclusion from major award categories for the “2026 TGMA”, despite a successful year.

Key Wins

1. MTN Hitmaker Season 8 (2019): Overall Winner.

2. Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) 2023:

• Best New Artiste

• Best Hiplife Song for "Friday Night."

Major Nominations

1. Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) 2025:

• Afrobeat Song – "Puul"

• Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year – "Puul."

• Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste

2. 3Music Awards 2024:

• Afrobeats/Afro Pop Song of the Year – "Bad Boy."

• African Song of the Year – "Butta My Bread" (with JZyNO)

3. Ghana Music Awards 2024:

• International Collaboration of the Year – "Butta My Bread."

4. TGMA 2026 (Pending/Current)

• Lasmid has been recognized with nominations for Best Afropop Song for "Olivia" and Best Afrobeats Song for "Issues" featuring King Promise at the upcoming awards.

• Additionally, his management has submitted a petition for "Afrobeats Artiste of the Year," leveraging his impressive performance data from 2025.

Other Recognitions

• Audiomack: "Olivia" was ranked #6 Best Ghanaian Song of 2025.

• Pulse Ghana: Lasmid was named one of the Best New Ghanaian Artistes of 2022.

Guinness World Record Performance

In an incredible milestone for African live music, Lasmid was part of the team that set the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Orchestra for an Afrobeats Concert."

Performance Details

• Event: "Trench Symphony: The Dapper Live Experience."

• Date and Location: December 16, 2025, at the Balmoral Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria

• The Record: A total of 85 musicians performed live together

• Musical Style: A unique "Trenches Opera" blending Afrobeats and Fuji rhythms with full symphonic arrangements, including strings, horns, and choir

• Key Artists: Lasmid performed alongside stars like T.I Blaze, Bhadboi OML, and Fuji legends Saheed Osupa and KS1 Malaika

The record was officially verified by Guinness in March 2026, marking a significant achievement for the scale of African live music productions. Lasmid is particularly known for his high-pitched vocals and vocal dexterity, successfully blending Highlife with modern Afrobeats.

Top Solo Tracks

• "Friday Night" (2022 breakout hit).

• "Sika" (Introduced him to the mainstream).

• "Olivia" (Global streaming success in 2025).

• "Puul" (Multiple award nominee in 2025/2026).

• "Bad Boy" (Popular club and radio anthem).

• "No Issues" (Major 2025 release).

Notable Collaborations

• "Butta My Bread" – with JZyNO (Cross-border mega-hit)

• "Sika (Remix)" – featuring Kuami Eugene

• "Issues" – featuring King Promise (Key 2026 nominee)

• "Running" – featuring Kofi Kinaata (Collaboration with his mentor)

• "Odo" – featuring Sarkodie

• "Grace" – with Amerado

His single "Olivia" has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, making it one of the most successful Ghanaian songs of the decade. By early 2026, Lasmid's major tracks are dominating his official playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, largely defined by the success of "Olivia" and his newest collaborative projects.

2026 Essential Hits

• "Wish I Had a Girlfriend" (March 2026) – Latest solo release

• "Darkest Style" (February 2026) – High-energy Afrobeats track

• "No Issues" (feat. King Promise) – One of the most-streamed songs of the year

• "Olivia" – The breakout global hit with over 100 million streams

• "Puul" – A fan favorite, central to his live performances in 2026

Official Playlists and Albums

• Sweet Songs 4 You (Album): A 2025/2026 project with Tml Vibez featuring hits like "meet 4 corner" and "la fête.”

• Lasmid Mix (Spotify): The official "This Is Lasmid" playlist showcasing his full discography from "Friday Night" to his latest singles of 2026.

• The Dapper Experience: A curated selection of tracks performed during his Guinness World Record orchestra event.

Tenure in the Music Industry

Lasmid's professional journey spans approximately 7 years, starting from his local beginnings to national stardom.

• 2019 (The Start): Gained national fame by winning MTN Hitmaker Season 8, marking his entry into the professional music scene.

• 2020 – 2021: Developed his sound under the Highly Spiritual Music label, releasing early tracks like "Sika."

• 2022 (The Breakthrough): Achieved new levels of stardom with the viral hit "Friday Night."

• Present (2026): He is now a multi-award-winning global streaming artist with over half a decade of experience.

Pre-Professional Years

Before his winning moment in 2019, Lasmid was active in the Takoradi underground scene for a few years under the stage name "Charger." He performed at local events and honed his musical craft while studying at Takoradi Technical Institute.

Transition from the "Charger" Era to "Lasmid"

Lasmid’s transformation from "Charger" to "Lasmid" was a strategic rebranding that coincided with his rise from local talent to national stardom.

The "Charger" Era (Pre-2019)

• Local Roots: Began his career as an underground rapper in Takoradi.

• The Name: Known as "Charger," reflecting a high-energy and raw rap style.

• Focus: Emphasised rap battles and building local street credibility.

The Rebrand to "Lasmid" (2019)

• The Catalyst: Name change coincided with his participation in MTN Hitmaker Season 8.

• Identity: "Lasmid" is derived from his real name, Ladsmid Nathaniel Owusu.

• Sonic Shift: Transitioned from pure rap to a fusion of melodic Afrobeats and Highlife.

• Professionalism: The rebrand signaled his signing with Highly Spiritual Music and readiness to enter the mainstream commercial market.

"Charger" began his journey as a local rapper, but it was "Lasmid" who transformed into a global singer-songwriter phenomenon. Lasmid's breakout hits, including "Friday Night" and "Olivia," have set records and garnered international acclaim.

Private Life

As of 2026, Lasmid maintains a high level of privacy regarding his personal life. He is currently considered single and does not have any children.

Rarely does he share insights about his family or romantic relationships on social media, choosing instead to focus primarily on his music career and updates related to his record label.

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