For a time, Elsie Raad has been a name whispered among those attuned to Ghana’s emerging rap talents. Known for her razor-sharp lyricism and commanding stage presence, she’s cultivated a reputation that’s both alluring and fearsome. But after a four-year hiatus, she’s reemerged with more than just bars. She’s returned with a renewed sense of self and a determination to let music guide her every step.
Her comeback this year is strikingly marked by performances at marquee events like the YFM Alternative Lounge and the BAR7 Concert. Yet, there’s much more to Elsie Raad than the rap persona audiences have come to revere. Behind the gritty flows, her sleek cadences and “murderous flow” lies an artist deeply introspective. A storyteller with a voice shaped by a lifetime of influences, and a legacy she’s only beginning to understand.
In this candid conversation with Ghana music, Elsie opens up about the journey that’s shaped her artistry, the pivotal moments that reignited her passion, and how her music is evolving to showcase all facets of her talent. From her influences to her vision for the future, this is Elsie Raad; unfiltered and unrelenting.
GM: You’ve made quite an impact this year, from YFM Alternative Lounge to BAR7 Concert. Take us back, what version of Elsie existed before music became your primary focus?
Elsie Raad: To be honest I was just trying to make things work out and make money. I was literally looking for money to put back into the music that I’m making. So if you think about it, really and truly, music has kind of always been my primary focus, whether I’m actively doing it or not. So it was right coming back to music this year, that’s just what I’ve been about, looking for money to go back into what I’m most passionate about.
GM: There’s often a pivotal moment that makes artists go “this is it – I need to do this full-time.” What was that moment for you?
Elsie Raad: If I can be very honest with you, I think the time that I realized I’m gonna be doing music for the rest of my life was about six or seven years old when I wrote my first song, I just knew that this is what I will do with the rest of my life. I mean at the time, I was learning other people’s songs and consuming a lot of music. Funny enough the first song I wrote was not a rap song. I think people best know me as a rapper. They don’t know the other sides to me as an artist. There’s a lot of sides to me that hopefully as my career advances and as you guys go on this journey with me, you get to see all the different sides to Elsie Raad.
GM: Let’s talk about your distinctive cadence. Many have noted it sets you apart in the rap scene. How did you discover and develop this unique style?
Elsie Raad: My style over the time has just been like a combination of the numerous genres and the different people that I listen to. Because, I listen to a very wide variety of music. Most people know me to be a rap artist and I truly can’t fault them. But you’d be surprised by the range of music I consume. Country music, classical music, I love indie, Pop, Rock, I love metal, you know. So there’s different sounds in there and so I feel my cadence takes up from a variety of sounds.
GM: Your recent track “Mensei Da” with Ess thee Legend shows a different side of your artistry.
Elsie Raad: After a four-year break from music, Ess was one of the few people who kept encouraging me to return. She constantly pushed me to put out music, even if it wasn’t perfect, and supported me through some dark times. So, when I decided to collaborate again, working with her felt right, especially since we were both navigating similar challenges in life. “Mensei Da” came together naturally. Ess and I chose Sosa as the producer, and by the time I got to the studio, the instrumental was already in progress. It was challenging but exciting, and Ess nailed the chorus on the spot. I took the track home to finish my verse, though I almost didn’t record it because it felt so personal. A friend encouraged me to fully commit, reminding me that honesty is what makes music impactful. That push made all the difference, and the song became something truly special.
GM: The Ghanaian rap scene has historically been male-dominated. How has your experience been as a woman bringing something fresh to this space?
Elsie Raad: Since starting music professionally in 2018, I’ve witnessed significant change. I began recording in 2015, but by the time I entered the scene, it felt like I was one of the only women in my generation of artists. Back then, especially around 2019 during events most lineups were dominated by men. It was rare to see another woman alongside me. Now, the landscape is different, with many more women stepping into the scene, pursuing their passions, and thriving. It’s heartwarming to see this shift because it no longer feels like the weight of representation rests solely on my shoulders. I’m especially grateful to be able to express myself authentically and inspire others. When younger artists tell me I’ve encouraged them to follow their dreams, it’s a reminder of the impact we can have. Knowing I’ve helped someone realize their potential makes it all worthwhile.
GM: You’ve performed at significant platforms like BAR7 Concert – how do these opportunities challenge or validate your decision to pursue music full-time?
Elsie Raad: After a four-year hiatus, returning to music has been incredibly refreshing. In just seven months, I’ve released two singles and performed at back-to-back shows, it’s surreal. Before dropping my first single this year, I worried if people would still listen or remember me. But the love and opportunities I’ve received have been overwhelming and validating. Each new opportunity feels bigger than the last, constantly reaffirming that this is where I’m meant to be. Music is at the core of who I am, and there’s no turning back now.
GM: Artists are often a product of their influences combined with their own innovation. Which artists or experiences have shaped your musical DNA?
Elsie Raad: Which artists or experiences have shaped your musical DNA? Elsie Raad: My musical influences are a mix of Ghanaian and international acts, blending genres and eras. Growing up, I listened to artists like Ja Rule, Mike Jones, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Jamie Foxx, Soulja Boy, Lil Wayne, Eminem among many others and kind courtesy of my mom. It’s quite funny when I started music people said to me I took after my mom and I had no idea she used to do music until I started recording for the first time. So yes I can say, naturally from my mom as well. Locally, I drew inspiration from Daddy Lumba, Obrafuor, Mzbel, Abrewa Nana, Kojo Antwi, Yaa Pono, Kwaw Kese, E.L, Joey B, Sarkodie, Efya, Raquel, and Tiffany, among others. More recently, I’ve been inspired by Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, J.I.D, Little Sims, Florence and The Machine, FKA Twigs, Doechi, Tems, Bloody Samaritan, Rachel Chinouriri, Amaarae, Kweku Smoke, Kojo Cue, I mean there’s going to be a tall list because I truly appreciate artists. It’s an eclectic mix, but each artist has shaped my musical DNA in unique ways.
GM: Beyond the music, what impact do you hope to have on aspiring artists, especially young women, who might see themselves in your journey?
Elsie Raad: For me it will be cool to have real impact and inspire! Not just artists but I need every young girl out there to believe in themselves. If you don’t believe in your sauce no one will. It’s crazy but you can turn whatever it is into reality. Be authentic because it’s easier to copy and lose yourself.
GM: Many artists talk about the gap between public perception and personal reality. What’s something about Elsie Raad that might surprise people who only know your music?
Elsie Raad: I know this is so random but again people don’t really know there’s a bigger side to me than rapping. I’m actually a good baker.
GM: What’s been the most unexpected lesson or discovery since dedicating yourself fully to music?
Elsie Raad: The only thing I can say outright is that it dawned on me that music is actually a lot of work. The space keeps changing very fast and I say this because I was 4 years away from doing music and when I got back in, it got me. I think a lot of Ghanaians or fans don’t appreciate the work from artists enough. After the experiences away and now committing to it, I do believe the music chooses you sometimes.
GM: You’ve already made notable moves this year, from quitting your job to high-profile performances. What’s your vision for your artistic evolution from here?
Elsie Raad: Commit to my work, steadily build my fanbase and I’m excited to see them experience the growth and the in-betweens. It’s going to be crazy years ahead and I need people, Ghanaians, to be open.
