Kumi Guitar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nana Yaw Kumi 16 May 1985 [1] |
| Genres | Afro pop, Highlife |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 2017–present |
| Label | Zylofon Media |
Nana Yaw Kumi (born May 16, 1985), known by the stage name Kumi Guitar, is a Ghanaian Highlife and Afro-fusion singer-songwriter. [2] He is recognized for his lyrical content and usage of guitar, which earned him his stage name. He was the first artist signed to Zylofon Media in 2017; his songs include "Break Into Two", "Dream", and "Betweener". [3] [4] [5]
Kumi Guitar was born Nana Yaw Kumi in Accra, Ghana. He discovered his passion for music at a young age and was a member of a musical group during his secondary education at Adisadel College in Cape Coast (2001–2003). [6] [7]
Following his secondary education, Kumi faced financial challenges that delayed his further studies. During this period, he worked as a taxi driver to support himself while continuing to pursue music, often attending studio sessions at Big F Studios and Sugar Tome Studios before or after his driving shifts. [8] [9] He eventually received formal training from the producer, Zap Mallet, who also gave him the nickname "Kumi Guitar."
Kumi Guitar's professional breakthrough occurred after he collaborated on a compilation by producer Sugar Tome. [10] [11] His single "Break Into Two", featuring Guru, brought him into the national spotlight and earned him a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA). [12] [13]
In January 2017, he signed a five-year management deal with Zylofon Media, which was valued at approximately $100,000, and included a house and a vehicle. [14] [15] [16] Under this label, he released "Dream," a song that chronicled his struggles and rise in the industry. [17] [18] [19]