I would have been bigger if I rapped in English - Okyeame Kwame
While espousing the importance of infusing and incorporating the English language into Ghanaian songs especially rap music, Okyeame Kwame has said he would have solidified his brand if he had integrated English into his craft.
The Ghanaian rapper who has been in the game for over two decades shared this perspective in a new interview with the Graphic Showbiz.
Popular as Okyeame Kwame has become, if I’m able to deliver rap lines in English, coupled with the culture, tone and style, I know it will have a much bigger appreciation and appeal. If I deny this, then I’m not being truthful.
However, the success of rapping in English doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I’m saying this because rappers are poets and must be creative with their words.
My explanation is technical but the simplest form I can make people understand my point is that with rap, the artiste is considered the figure and he/she must be able communicate in a language that people understand.
As a creative rapper, no matter how well-crafted my lines are, they will mean nothing when I perform to a US or UK audience. This is because they will not understand the Twi language and will not appreciate my craft, which is very key for a rapper.
The Rap Dacta as his moniker goes said he believed the global feat of a rapper and that of a singer were different.
As I said earlier, a Ghanaian rapper who wants to make worldwide gains will certainly need to infuse the English language in his works but the singer may not need that.
Source: Myjoyonline