Emerging Ghana: Kofi Jamar

Among a vital crop of young voices stirring up Ghana’s pop scene, the artist is steadily establishing himself as a reliable hit architect, proving his knack across genres and promptly securing props and collaborations from maestros including Stonebwoy, Ice Prince, Khaligraph Jones and Shatta Wale.

Kofi Jamar was born Derrick Osei Kuffour Prempeh in Kumasi and began pursuing music from a young age. Before securing a footing in the mainstream, he endured a number of odd jobs, including working as a pallbearer after finishing secondary school.

Those days are behind him now as he settles into the life of a popstar. He is behind the six-track The Truth EP, the Stonebwoy-assisted aspirational hit ‘Mi Dey Up Remix’, ‘In The City’ featuring Ice Prince and Khaligraph Jones and infectious drill anthem ‘Ekorso’, which has also made him a poster boy of the ‘Kumerica’ movement.

Recognition has also arrived in the form of awards, including multiple trophies from Muse Africa’s Bangerz of the Quarter and the inaugural Ashanti Region Music Awards, both held last year. Additionally, he secured three nominations at the 2021 3Music Awards, for EP of the Year, Breakthrough Act of the Year and Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year.

For industry watchers, Kofi Jamar’s versatile craftsmanship and diaristic lyricism, demonstrated over myriad of genres including hip hop, Afropop, highlife, R&B and hiplife, distinguish him as one for the long haul and not merely a flash in the pan.

We bring you a playlist of five essential Kofi Jamar songs, ideal both as a reminder to existing fans of his creative genius and a starter pack for those not yet familiar with his music.

Mi Dey Up Remix ft. Stonebwoy

Asuoden ft. Medikal

In the City ft. Ice Prince and Khaligraph Jones

1000 Hours

Ekorso ft. Yaw Tog and Ypee