Kweku Smoke

Last updated
Kweku Smoke
Kweku Smoke.jpg
performing in 2024
Background information
Born
Paul Amankwah


Ghana
OriginAccra, Ghana
Genres
  • Hip hop
  • Hiplife
  • Trap
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
Years active2018–present
LabelsAfricori

Paul Amankwah, known professionally as Kweku Smoke is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

He attended Victory International School for basic education, then Benkum Senior High School, and later studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). [1] During part of his early career he released freestyle under the name YRS. [2]

Music career

In 2019, Kweku Smoke gained wider recognition after a studio introduction let him meet Sarkodie. The collaboration on the track "Yedin" helped bring him to more public attention. [3]

He released the album kweku Jesus on 8th March 2024; it achieved commercial success shortly after release, including reaching no. 1 on iTunes in Ghana. [4]

Later in 2024, he released Born In Hell, a project consisting of 10 track, described as more introspective in detailing personal hardship and growth. [5]

Kweku smoke held a headline concert called "The Revival" on 18th December 2024 at GHUD park near Accra Mall. It included other Ghanaian artist on stage, and some of his popular song were performed. [6] [7] [8]

Awards and recognition

At the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, Kweku Smoke won:

Themes and style

Kweku smoke's lyrics open address is personal experiences, including struggles growing up, poverty, resilience, and street life. His music blends Twi, English, and Pidgin. [1]

Personal life

He has spoken in lyrics and interviews about growing up in Berekum and naming a rice seller ("Yaayaa") whose generosity during his early hardship featured in his song Holy Ghost. [12]

Apart from music he has been involved in other ventures for example operating a shuttle service for students at KNUST. [13]

Discography

Albums

EPs

Selected Singles and Notable Songs

TitleYearTypeFeatured Artist(s)Album / Project
"Yedin"2019SingleSarkodie—
"Airhu"2020SingleBosom P-Yung—
"Akata"2020SingleBosom P-Yung—
"Dis Side"2020SingleKofi Mole—
"You Dey Talk"2021Single——
"Self Employed"2021Single——
"King Dave"2021Single——
"Lost Title"2022Single——
"Take Me Somewhere Happy"2022Single——
"Holy Ghost"2024Track—Born In Hell
"No Complaining"2024Track—Born In Hell
"Dreams"2024Track—Born In Hell
"Regrets"2024Track—Born In Hell
"Nkwanehia"2024Track—Born In Hell
"Reserved Seat"2024Track—Born In Hell
"My Youth"2024Track—Born In Hell
"Higher"2024Track—Born In Hell
"Cheddar"2024Track—Born In Hell

Awards and nominations

YearOrganizationCategoryNominated workResultRef
2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardArtist Of The YearHoly GhostNominated [17]
2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardBest Hiplife/HipHop ArtisteHoly GhostNominated
2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardBest Rap PerformanceHoly GhostNominated
2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardBest HipHop SongHoly GhostNominated

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ghansah, Emmanuel (2021-04-27). "Kweku Smoke: the resilient rapper crossing borders with the Ghanaian sound | Ghana Music" . Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  2. ↑ Music, Ghana (2025-05-07). "Watch: Davido co-signs Ghanaian rapper Kweku Smoke | Ghana Music" . Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  3. ↑ "Kweku Smoke's journey from aspiring lawyer to streetwise rap star". GhanaRemembers. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  4. ↑ Ansah, Peter (2024-03-11). "Kweku Smoke Grabs No.1 Spot 24 Hours After His New 6-Track Album's Release, Fans React - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  5. 1 2 AMPOMAH, JOSEPH OFORI (2024-09-05). "Ghanaian Rapper Kweku Smoke Drops 10-Track EP 'Born In Hell' - Ghanamusicblog.net 🇬🇭" . Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  6. ↑ "Kweku Smoke shines at 'The Revival'". GhanaWebbers. 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  7. ↑ "Kweku Smoke shines at 'The Revival' concert, setting a new bar for Ghanaian hip-hop". 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  8. ↑ ""Revival" - Kweku Smoke's First Headline Concert In Accra — iMullar". 2024-12-16. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  9. 1 2 3 Music, Ghana (2025-05-14). "Africori celebrates Kweku Smoke's triple win at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Ghana Music" . Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  10. ↑ Music, Ghana (2025-03-18). ""Kweku Smoke is too hard…" Blaqbonez | Ghana Music" . Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  11. ↑ "Kweku Smoke announces first details for Revival 2025 concert". GhanaWebbers. 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  12. ↑ Ansah, Peter (2025-02-20). "Kweku Smoke Reconnects With Berekum Rice Seller Whose Food Saved Him - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  13. ↑ "Kweku Smoke starts shuttle business on KNUST campus". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  14. 1 2 "KWEKU SMOKE OWNS SEPTEMBER DIFFERENTLY WITH PLAYMAN - 3Music.tv". 3MusicTV. 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  15. ↑ Ansah, Peter (2024-03-11). "Kweku Smoke Grabs No.1 Spot 24 Hours After His New 6-Track Album's Release, Fans React - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  16. ↑ Music, Ghana (2025-10-31). "'Walk With Me': Kweku Smoke redefines sound with new album | Ghana Music" . Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  17. ↑ Ghartey, Raphael (2025-03-16). "26th TGMA: Stonebwoy, Team Eternity, Kweku Smoke and others nominated for Artiste of the Year". 3News. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
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