One notable trend that continues to shape the careers of several artistes is their transition from rap to singing.
While rap has long been a powerful medium for storytelling, many Ghanaian musicians who started as rappers found their biggest breakthroughs when they tapped into melodies, hooks, and singing. This pivot has not only broadened their appeal but has also defined a new wave of genre-blending artistry in the country.
Let’s take a look at some Ghanaian artistes who began as rappers but struck gold when they switched to singing.
1. Mugeez (R2Bees)
Known for his smooth vocals today, Mugeez started his music journey in rap battles during his school days. As one half of the award-winning duo, R2Bees, his decision to focus on singing became the soulful glue that balances Paedae’s hard-hitting rap.
Mugeez’s voice has become one of the most recognisable in Ghanaian music, making him a hook master and a go-to collaborator for Afrobeats and highlife hits.
2. Fameye
Fameye rose from the rap trenches of MTN Hitmaker to become one of Ghana’s most emotional storytellers through song. His early works were rap-heavy, but it was his heartfelt singing on tracks like “Nothing I Get” that catapulted him to national fame.
Today, Fameye is celebrated for his deep, reflective lyrics delivered with touching melodies.
3. Amerado
Amerado has earned his stripes as a fierce rapper with sharp lyricism and commanding delivery.
But his recent hit “Kweku Ananse” marked a bold turn toward singing and it paid off.
The song became a nationwide anthem, proving that his versatility extends beyond punchlines.
Amerado’s melodic side now attracts an even broader audience.
4. Kuami Eugene
Before becoming the “Rockstar” of Ghana, Kuami Eugene dabbled in rap and even entered the limelight through MTN Hitmaker as a rapper.
But his pivot to singing brought an instant transformation. With back-to-back hits in highlife and Afrobeats, he is now one of the most streamed Ghanaian artistes and a household name.
5. Daddy Opanka
Opanka’s freestyle, “Simple,” blew up as a viral rap moment on social media, but over time, he embraced more singing elements.
His songs began blending melodic hooks with his signature humorous and thought-provoking lyrics. That shift helped sustain his relevance and expand his musical brand.
6. Ayesem
Coming out of the Western Region, Ayesem made waves as a battle rapper before switching gears with his melodic anthem “Koti.”
The infectious chorus and singing style became a turning point, opening doors to mainstream recognition.
Today, he continues to straddle both worlds, but it’s his singing that gave him commercial success.
7. King Paluta
A lyrical genius and fan favorite in the rap scene, King Paluta’s recent foray into singing especially on emotional tracks like “Yahitte” has broadened his reach.
His ability to blend singing with his deep Ashanti-rooted rap style is redefining his musical identity.
8. Lasmid
Lasmid came up through MTN Hitmaker as a rapper, but it was the catchy Afrobeats jam “Friday Night” sung more than rapped that changed his life.
The song became a TikTok sensation and radio favorite, officially branding him as a singing star. He’s now at the forefront of Ghana’s new wave of Afropop artistes.
9. Kofi Kinaata
Arguably one of the most successful transitions from rap to singing in Ghana’s music history, Kofi Kinaata started as a Fante rapper known for witty lines and freestyles.
But when he leaned into singing, the result has been timeless with songs like “Things Fall Apart” and “Confession.”
His songwriting, laced with proverbs and social commentary, stands out even more when sung.
Why the Switch?
For many of these artistes, the transition to singing was less about abandoning rap and more about evolution and strategy.
Singing, particularly in the Afrobeats and highlife space, has a wider commercial appeal and often resonates more with mainstream audiences.
In a music landscape where hooks and melodies drive hits, many rappers have found it necessary and rewarding to adapt.
Conclusion
The journey from rap to singing isn’t about selling out, it’s about leveling up. These artistes have shown that versatility is a superpower, and that sometimes, the path to stardom means stepping out of your comfort zone.
In doing so, they’ve not only shaped their own destinies, but also influenced the sound of contemporary Ghanaian music.
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:
PAT/AE
