Introducing Delasi....

Ghana breeds creativity...Whether it is with Sarkodie and his azonto banging tunes or Deborah Ahenkorah's Golden Boabab concept, it is fair to say we (as a proud Ghanaian) are indeed creatively inclined.

Delasi adds to this creative bubble. I came across Delasi via the powerful social media tool know as twitter. Another creative Ghanaian, I had to know more. He is a passionate musician who resides in Accra Ghana. Not only does he sing, he also acts and draws!

Originally from the Volta Region in Ghana, Delasi grew up in Accra. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana majoring in Playwriting. Delasi grew up listening to Soul, RnB, Reggae. His parents introduced him to the likes of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Jim Reeves. Surprisingly he was not really exposed to Ghanaian music however he did mention Osibisa, A Ghanaian afro pop band founded in London in the 1970s.

I dug deeper to find out more...

How did you become interested in music?

When I was young, I used to write and sing songs in school. One of my earliest songs was dedicated to my love of fried fish. It was a hit with my classmates. It when then I realised I like to make people feel happy. Fast forward ten years I met Reggie Rockstone, I saw him on a bicycle and didn't pay too much attention to him. Little did I know I would later collaborate with him on a song.

Your song 'Where do we go' is very political...who was this aimed for?

I wrote it at a time of frustration. I questioned why things were so bad. People who are in power, people who can actually make changes don't. I didn't understand. The song was quite popular. It is No 7 out of the top 60 African songs of 2013.

You illustrate too...what else do you do apart from music?

Music is number one however I do like to draw. Once in a while i'll draw a portrait of someone. I've also written a children's book about chickens as well a short play.

I also recently ran a project called Unheard Voices. A Danish NGO and myself worked together to change the general perception of developing countries amongst Danish People. It focused on developing Ghanaian youth through musical skills. I worked with Children from some of the less privileged areas of Accra.

I also took part in a hip hop workshop at the Chalewote festival.

What inspires you to write?

Happiness, Anger, Disappointment, Frustrations, Human Relationships, Every day things....

Do you do this full time?

Yes but previously I did a few research roles, conducting research for organisations such as an American NGO and a Dutch company.

What's next?

More work with children, some gigs....I want some of the children i have been working with in the workshops to blow up.

I'm also hoping to release my album this year.

So that is it! I ended the conversation knowing more about Delasi and I’m looking forward to seeing his next steps. Have a listen to some of his music right here! Let's keep supporting each other Ghanaians!