Cover star interview: Ghanaian Afrobeats artist Olivetheboy

Working with Sarkodie on ‘Bend’

When I finished ‘Bend’, I was about to do a second verse and then thought of having someone on it. I don't think anyone would've fit the song better than Sarkodie. He’s like, solid in that field. In Ghana, everyone knows that if you want a rapper on that kind of a song, don't go anywhere, you have Sarkodie right there! When I talked to him, he already loved my vibe. He already knew stuff about me. So it was just easy to put him on. We did a couple more songs in the studio, too.

Nominated for multiple Telecel Ghana Music Awards

Last year was three; now it's five because yes, I’ve worked way better than last year. It just makes sense—it’s just the growth to me. I just love the fact that they appreciated and recognised the growth.

His ‘Tattoo’ track

The thing about ‘Tattoo’ is that it’s one song that took me days! Normally I don’t take days to write songs, but ‘Tattoo’ is one song that took me two days to finish. Because after writing the chorus, I was like, nah, this is not the chorus. I want to get it right. So I had to sit down and write something else. So the whole composition, the whole everything about that song now amazes me. I love that song man.

Talent coming from Konogo

When talent comes from Konogo, you should not doubt them because the truth is, Konogo is a place of enjoyment. So if you have talent, you just get schooled without you knowing you're being schooled! You can pass by somebody's house, [and] they’re playing music, and there are a lot of clubs and places where they play music a lot. So if you're somebody that has [music] in you, the brain actually catches all these melodies, and you become subconsciously trained to them. There’s music and festivals going on; it's just that crazy. 

Handling fame at a young age

God does not give you something you’re not prepared for. He will definitely prepare you before you get there. I’m just ready, man. Let’s get it!