Biography of Kofi Kinaata

Martin King Arthur (born 15 April 1990) popularly known as Kofi Kinaata is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi. He is noted for his Fante rap and freestyle and therefore known as the Fante Rap God (FRG).

Early life and education

Kofi Kinaata was born on the 15th of April 1990 and raised in Effiakuma, a residential town in the Western Region of Ghana. He attended Nana Brempong Yaw School and completed his secondary education at the Takoradi Technical Institute.

Music career

Just after High school, Kofi Kinaata participated in the Melody FM (Kasahari) rap competition and emerged as the second runner-up in 2009. He released his first single “Obi Ne Ba” in 2011. Martin King Arthur popularly known as Kofi Kinaata is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi. He is noted for his fante rap and freestyle and is therefore known as the Fante Rap God.

He is noted for his lyrical dexterity in terms of unique rhyme schemes and humorous Fante rap style with a touch of traditional African proverbs in his local language to entertain and educate. In February 2020, he won the Hybrid song of the year at the Ghana National Gospel Music Awards 2019.

Kofi Kinaata has won Songwriter of the Year in the Ghana Music Awards. for three consecutive times.

In December 2015, he released a song “Made in Taadi” which was a jam for most Fante people due to the link to their famous “Ankos” (Fancy dress and Masqueraders Xmas Carnival) annual festival which happens during Christmas.

In September 2023, during the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Awards that was heard in the University of Professional Studies Accra, Kinaata got the chance to perform at this event.

Sweetie-pie

Sweetpie is a love song of its kind. The song starts with a great sensation expressing a great kind of love. Although the lyric was done in Fante, fans love the beats to the song. This is a perfect song for a date. It creates the right mood for a romantic setting. Kin Dee is the producer responsible for this great work.

Confession

In 2016, he released “Confession” with most people relating the song to “Jesus Take The Wheel”.

An abridged English version of the lyrics to the song, has been adopted by the English department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology for a Level 200 semester course (English Literature 263).

The song became Avram Grant’s favorite Ghanaian track at the time it was released. He told Bola Ray in his last interview before he retired as a Ghana Black Stars Coach.

Kinaata’s “Confession” was used in 2017 as the theme song by the Minority party (NDC) as a tease to the majority in parliament (NPP) to describe the state of the nation.

The Ghana Black Stars also did a “Confession” group dance as a form of celebration anytime a goal was scored, during the AFCON 2017 Tournament.

The song received considerable playtime and moved to the Top 10 in Ghana in 2016. He won the Song Writer of the Year and Best New Artiste of the Year awards at the 2016 edition of the Ghana Music awards.

Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart, a 2019 release has topped charts across music platforms, including iTunes Ghana Top 100, Audiomack Ghana Top 20 and Boomplay AfroBeats charts for weeks. The song which was produced by TwoBars was warmly received by music enthusiasts as one of the most well-written songs so far. The song has been widely played, circulated and shared on both traditional and social media, it has been number 1 on Twitter trends. The song has also been number one on YouTube’s Ghana trends with fellow celebrities giving it rave rating: Asamoah Gyan, Michael Essien, Kwami Sefa Kai, Phillip Osei Bonsu, Sadick Adams, KiDi, Efya, Berla Mundi, Joe Beecham among others.

Thy Grace

Thy Grace is one of his songs making waves in Ghana’s Music. Many celebrities have jumped in videoing themselves dancing to the new banger.

A notable line in the song like ”Charcoal seller ba nu so hye white”- translated ”Charcoal seller son too now wears white”.

This buttresses many views on how his songs are lyrically touching and sensible.

Collaborations

Kofi Kinaata has done major collaborations with artistes such as; Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Samini, Stonebwoy, Kwesi Arthur, Jayso, Castro, Becca among others. One major collaboration that blew him to the mainstream and limelight was “Odo Pa” by Castro which featured Kinaata and Ghana Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan. The track was a hit all over the continent and won awards locally and internationally, Castro was a god-father and an inspiration to him since he grew up seeing him, and help him with his entry in the industry.

Obase Aboli, a Cameroonian musician has also disclosed his keen interest to collaborate with the Fante Rap God to bring out a hit song.

Management

Samini and Tony Pun signed Kofi Kinaata unto the Samini Music/ High Grade Family record label in 2013. Kofi Kinaata left the label in 2018 after his 5-year contract with the management ended. He’s currently an independent artiste with ‘Team Move Music’ which he heads as his management.

Made in Taadi Concert

The annual ‘Made in Taadi Concert’ is one of the biggest musical concerts in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. The concert attracts fans of Kofi Kinaata and people from all classes in society. Fans travel far and near for this concert.

The show has been witnessed by fellow artists such as; Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Pappy Kojo, Joey B, Kwaw Kese, Medikal, Kidi, Edem, etc.

In 2019, it was listed as one of the top 100 events in Ghana by Ghana Event Awards.

Awards

1. Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA): Kofi Kinaata has been a consistent winner at VGMA, securing the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award in 2016, 2017, and 2019. He also received the Highlife Song of the Year award in 2017 for “Confession.”

2. 3Music Awards: He has won several 3Music Awards, including Song of the Year in 2020 for “Things Fall Apart” and the Highlife Song of the Year award in 2019 for “Malafaka.”

3. MTN 4Syte Music Video Awards: Kinaata’s music videos have also been celebrated. His video for “Confession” won the Best Highlife Video award in 2017.

4. Central Music Awards: As a native of the Central Region in Ghana, Kinaata has received recognition at the Central Music Awards, winning several categories such as Artiste of the Year, Highlife Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year.

Nominations

Kofi Kinaata has been nominated for several other prestigious awards and accolades, including the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Ghana Music Honours, and Ghana Teen Choice Awards.

Aside from these, his impact on the Ghanaian music scene is also evident through his chart-topping songs, which often receive widespread acclaim and recognition.

Kofi Kinaata’s journey in the music industry is marked by a commitment to his unique style and meaningful lyrics, addressing social issues, love, and everyday life in Ghana. His awards and nominations underscore his significant influence in the Ghanaian music landscape, particularly in the Highlife and Hiplife genres.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide you with a list of some of Kofi Kinaata’s hit singles and mention his albums. Please note that there may have been additional releases since then. Here are some of his well-known singles and albums:

Hit Singles

1. “Susuka” (2015) – This song was a major hit in Ghana and marked a turning point in his career.

2. “Confession” (2016) – Known for its catchy tune and relatable lyrics, this song received widespread acclaim.

3. “Last Show” (2017) – Another popular track that showcased Kofi Kinaata’s musical prowess.

4. “Play” (2018) – This song was a fan favorite and received significant airplay.

5. “Things Fall Apart” (2019) – An emotionally charged song that addressed social issues, it became a massive hit and received critical acclaim.

6. “Adam and Eve” (2019) – This song continued Kinaata’s success with its captivating melody.

7. “Behind The Scenes” (2020) – A song that encouraged hard work and staying focused on goals.

8. “Never Again” (2020) – A collaboration with Shatta Wale that gained popularity.

9. “The Whole Show” (2018) – Another catchy and melodious track that resonated with audiences.