M.anifest

BIO

M.anifest is an internationally acclaimed award-winning musician from Accra, Ghana. In 2013 he was named Best Rapper of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, only a year after being tipped by the BBC's 'The Strand' as one of four artists in the world to watch. Described as “Ghana’s rapper supreme” by Rita Ray of the BBC, M.anifest’s originality, lyricism, flow and depth in content has made him one of contemporary Africa’s best kept secrets.

Born Kwame Amet Tsikata, M.anifest recalls being privy to a breadth of African music having been influenced by his grandfather Prof. J.H. Nketia, one of Africa’s foremost ethnomusicologists. He earned a college scholarship, which led to him spending a decade of his adult life in Minnesota, USA. There, he cut his musical teeth collaborating with underground favorites like Brother Ali and Atmosphere, eventually releasing his debut album 'Manifestations' (2007), which earned him Songwriter of the Year honours at the City Pages Awards and began drawing him international attention. In 2009 he released 'The Birds and the Beats'. In the fall of 2011 he toured Europe with Damon Albarn, Flea, Tony Allen, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and more as part of Another Honest Jon's Chop Up. He was invited by Damon Albarn to be a collaborator on the Rocket Juice & the Moon supergroup project.

After a decade, M.anifest journeyed back home with a wealth of experience and begun buzzing in Africa whiles still making giant steps internationally. He released his sophomore album, 'Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America' in 2011, which earned him nominations for Best Rapper and Songwriter of the Year at the 2012 Ghana Music Awards. The album also received top 10 albums of the year honors in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. In 2012, M.anifest was part of the historic Africa Express Train that toured the UK. In the same year he performed on the 'Big Brother Africa Stargame' stage; a show telecast live to millions across the African continent. His music video for the single ‘Makaa Maka’ was nominated for six 4syte TV Music Video Awards and won in the Best Hip-Hop category. He was also nominated in the Most Gifted Hip Hop category at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards in South Africa, at which he performed. After sweeping two awards at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards, he solidified his spot as one of contemporary Africa’s best live performers. In December 2013 he released 'Apae: the Price of Free' EP, featuring tracks like 'Someway Bi' and 'No Shortcut to Heaven'. In 2014 he collaborated with South African rapper HHP on 'Jigah'. In 2015 he was working on a new album, 'Nowhere Cool'.