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Dennis Nana Dwamena, widely recognized by his stage name “KiDi,” which translates to “Rhythm,” was born on August 18, 1993. He is a prominent Ghanaian singer-songwriter known for his contributions to the genres of afrobeats and high-life. KiDi is affiliated with Lynx Entertainment, and he has garnered international acclaim, particularly for his chart-topping single “Touch It.” Notably, the remix of this track features the renowned American rapper Tyga, and it has achieved widespread streaming success across the globe.
Early life and education
KiDi, whose birth name is Dennis Nana Dwamena, was born on 18 August 1993 in Accra, Ghana. He identifies with his Kwahu heritage, with his mother Beatrice being of Ga descent and his father Gerald hailing from Kwahu-Abetefi. His dad passed away when he was 7 years old. KiDi is the eldest of three siblings, having two younger brothers named Phillip and Elliot. His educational journey began at St. Anthony’s School in Accra for his primary education, and he later pursued his high school education at Accra Academy. Continuing his academic pursuits, he attended the University of Ghana Legon, where he successfully earned a degree in Economics and Information Studies in 2016.
Music career
Early beginnings and breakthrough
While studying Economics and Information Studies at the University of Ghana, KiDi’s love for music led him to perform on Moonlight Café – a music production that supports upcoming artistes and gives them a platforms to display their talents on University Campuses in Ghana. He also recorded covers of popular songs. In 2015, KiDi took a leap of faith by joining the MTN Hitmaker competition. He went on to win the competition and was later signed to Lynx Entertainment. KiDi shot to prominence in 2017 when he released “Say You Love Me” a song he not only composed but also arranged and produced. KiDi established himself as one of the fastest rising stars in Ghana when he released yet another chart-topper titled “Odo” in July 2017, the remix with Nigerian artist Davido and Mayorkun in December 2017, and Adiepena in April 2018.
Artistry
KiDi has mounted several stages including 2017 Rapperholic Concert, Ghana Music Honors 2017 Edition, December to Remember 2017, S Concert 2017, the 61st Ghana Independence Celebration Show in March 2018 at the Indigo 02 in London. He has performed on the same stage as many award-winning African artists including Sarkodie, Samini, Shatta Wale, MzVee, WizKid, Tiwa Savage, Efya, and Patoranking.KiDi has also produced several tracks for other artists and co-produced with award-winning Ghanaian producer, Richie Mensah. He has also written for Ghanaian acts including the award-winning MzVee and Adina and has collaborated with artists such as Tic tac, Ko-Jo Cue, Magnom and Kwesi Arthur. KiDi received 6 nominations at the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards including ‘Best New Artiste’, ‘Afro-pop Song of the Year’ and ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and went on to win the award for ‘High-life Song of the Year’ at the awards in April 2018. He was crowned as the Artiste of the 5th Edition of the 3Music award and VGMA 2022. KiDi currently has 2 studio albums and 1 EP. His debut album, Sugar was released on May 31, 2019. He also released a movie the same year with the album name (Sugar) in Accra, Kumasi, and the UK.
Personal life
KiDi has a son named Zayne
Awards and Honors
1. VGMA (Vodafone Ghana Music Awards)
Kidi has been a standout artist at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, one of the most prestigious music awards ceremonies in Ghana. Over the years, he has received several VGMA nominations and walked away with multiple awards. Some of his notable wins include:
2018: Highlife Song of the Year for “Odo.”
2018: Best New Artiste of the Year.
2020: Best Male Vocalist of the Year.2020: Album of the Year for “Sugar.”
These awards recognize Kidi’s exceptional talent in the highlife and Afrobeats genres, as well as his consistent contributions to the Ghanaian music industry.
2. 3Music Awards
Kidi has also made a strong presence at the 3Music Awards, another prominent music award ceremony in Ghana. His achievements at this event include:
2018: Highlife Song of the Year for “Odo.”
2019: Highlife Song of the Year for “Thunder.”
2020: Highlife Act of the Year.
These awards highlight his success in the highlife genre, a style of music deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture.
3. International Recognition
Kidi’s talent has transcended national borders, earning him recognition on the international stage. In 2020, he was nominated for the prestigious Afrimma Awards (African Muzik Magazine Awards) in the category of Best African Collaboration for his song “Cinderella,” featuring Nigerian artist Mayorkun and Ghanaian superstar Peruzzi. This nomination showcased Kidi’s ability to collaborate across borders and appeal to a global audience.
4. Chart-Topping Hits
In addition to formal awards, Kidi has achieved significant success on music charts. Several of his songs, including “Adiepena,” “Enjoyment,” and “Say Cheese,” have consistently topped charts in Ghana and other African countries. These achievements underscore his popularity and the impact of his music on listeners.
In conclusion, Kidi’s journey in the music industry has been marked by outstanding achievements and recognition. His numerous awards and honors, both in Ghana and internationally, reflect his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. As of September 2021, Kidi continues to be a rising star in the African music scene, with a promising future ahead.
