Martin King Arthur (born 15 April 1990), popularly known as Kofi Kinaata, is a Ghanaianmusician and songwriter from Takoradi.[1][2] Known for his Fanterap and freestyle,[3] he is often referred to by the moniker of Fante Rap God (FRG).[4][5]
In 2008, Kofi Kinaata participated in the Melody FM (Kasahari) rap competition and emerged as first runner-up.[9] He released his first single, "Obi Ne Ba" in 2011.[10] In 2013, he became part of the High Grade Family, a music collective established by Samini, where he received mentorship and gained national prominence.[11][12][13]
In December 2015, he released a song titled "Made in Taadi" which was praised by many Fante people due to the song's references to Ankos (a fancy dress and masquerade carnival), a festival the Fante hold every 24 December.[14]
Kinaata is noted for his unique rhyme schemes and humorous rap style.[15][16] In February 2020, Kinaata became the first artist to win the Hybrid Song of the Year Award at the Ghana Gospel Music Awards.[17]
In May 2024, Kinaata released his first EP, titled Kofi OO Kofi.[20][21] The album contained seven tracks: "Auntie Ama," "Abonsam," "Saman," "Effiakuma Broken heart ," "I don't Care," "Take Away" and "Overthinking."[22]
Confession
Released in 2016, the song "Confession" is thought to have kick-started Kinaata's popularity. The song's lyrics were adapted by the English department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology[23][24][25] for a Level 200 semester course (English Literature 263). In a final exam, the song (which is recorded in Kinaata's native Fante) was translated to English, and students were required to write a literary analysis of the lyrics.[citation needed]
In his last interview before he was relieved of duties as Coach of the Black Stars, Avram Grant told Bola Ray on Starr Chat that "Confession" was his favourite song.[26]
Kinaata's "Confession" was used in 2017 as the theme song for the minority party (NDC) as a tease to the majority in parliament (NPP) to describe the state of the nation.[27][28] Players of Ghana Black Stars further popularised the song by doing the "Confession dance" in goal celebrations at AFCON 2017 Tournament in Gabon.[29][30]
The song received considerable playtime, helping Kinaata to win Song Writer of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year awards at the 2016 Ghana Music awards.[31]
Samini and Tony Pun signed Kofi Kinaata to the Samini Music/ High Grade Family record label in 2013.[45][46][47][48][49][50][51] Kofi Kinaata left the label in 2018 after his 5-year contract with management ended.[52][53] Kinaata is currently an independent artist with his own label, "Team Move Music."[54]
Made in Taadi Concert
Kinaata's annual "Made in Taadi" concert is a major music event for the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. Both Kinaata's fans, and music lovers generally, have traveled from all over Ghana for this concert, which is usually held in Takoradi during Christmas.[55] Over the years, the event has witnessed performances by acts such as: Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Pappy Kojo, Joey B, Kwaw Kese, Medikal, Kidi, Edem.[56] In 2019, the Made in Taadi concert was listed as one of the Top 100 Events in Ghana by Ghana Event Awards.[57]
EPs
Kofi OO Kofi (2024)
"Auntie Ama" (Prod. by Woode)
"Abonsam" (Prod. by TwoBars)
"Saman" (Prod. by Woode)
"Effiakuma Broken Heart" (Prod. by Elorm Beatz)
"I Don't Care" (Prod. by TwoBars & Abochi)
"Take Away" (Prod. by TubhaniMuzik & Klassik Beatz)
"Overthinking" (Prod. by Abochi & Skonti)
Endorsements
Kofi Kinaata was made a brand ambassador of Good Day Energy Drink on 24 June 2021, at Lesfam in Madina, Accra.[58] In May 2021, he was unveiled alongside Diana Hamilton as a Brand Ambassador of Enterprise Life.[59][60] He is also a Goodwill ambassador for the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).[61]
Recognitions
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Kofi Kinaata received notable recognition from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Kumasi.[62] In his speech, the Asantehene quoted the phrase "Obi nya way3" from Kinaata's hit song "Susuka" to highlight the importance of appreciating Ghana's unique identity, despite the challenges the country faces.[63][62] He emphasized that many nations look up to Ghana and aspire to be like it, urging citizens to reflect on the meaningful lyrics in Kinaata's music.[64] The Asantehene praised the wisdom found in the works of musicians like Kinaata, encouraging the public to take time to appreciate the insightful messages in their songs.
Following this recognition, Kofi Kinaata expressed his gratitude, noting that the mention by the Asantehene led to a significant increase in his social media following, streams, and overall engagement.[65] Kinaata celebrated the recognition through several posts on social media, acknowledging the impact it had on his career.[66] The Asantehene's commendation underscored the influence of Ghanaian music and the role of artists like Kinaata in shaping public perception and national pride.[66]
Videography
Year
Title
Director
Ref
2013
Odo Pa (as a featured artiste with Castro and Asamoah Gyan)
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