Kwabena Kwabena Marks 20 Years of ASO With Star-Studded Remake Featuring Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata
Ghanaian highlife musician Kwabena Kwabena has shared fresh insights into the creative process behind the 20th-anniversary remake of his celebrated classic, ASO. Speaking on Big Convo, the renowned vocalist reflected on the origins of the original track, the early studio environments that shaped his career, and the deliberate selection of Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata for the new version.
Kwabena Kwabena recounted the demanding studio culture of the early 2000s, long before digital home recording became common. Studios such as Hush Hush and Hammer of Da Last Two, he noted, operated at full capacity and served as vital hubs for emerging artistes. Access to studio time was strictly rotational, creating an atmosphere where patience and preparedness were crucial.
“Studios were always full. You waited for your turn. Someone had to finish before you could even enter,” he said. He credited veteran producer Hammer of Da Last Two for offering him a strong foundation, revealing that he provided vocals for several of Hammer’s productions and became a consistent contributor to the Sounds of Our Time project.
Addressing a widespread misconception about his career timeline, Kwabena Kwabena clarified that his musical journey began earlier than many assume. Though widely associated with the mid-2000s, he stressed that he had been recording since 2002 through various collaborations and compilation projects. “Listeners who followed Hammer’s compilations would know I started long before 2005,” he added.
With ASO reaching its two-decade milestone, the artiste said the time felt right to revisit the song without altering its essence. The remake, he explained, is designed to honour the original composition while introducing new textures that reflect the evolution of Ghanaian music.
Kwabena Kwabena disclosed that an extensive consultation process informed the final choice of collaborators. Stonebwoy was chosen for what he described as “exceptional craft and dynamic range,” while Kofi Kinaata was selected for his lyrical depth and storytelling ability. Although the original version featured rap, he revealed that the team intentionally avoided adding a rapper to the remake to create a fresh yet respectful reinterpretation.
One of the standout revelations from the interview was the fact that neither Stonebwoy nor Kofi Kinaata knew they were both featured on the project. He also highlighted the impressive speed with which Stonebwoy completed his part.
Revisiting a song that holds deep personal meaning came with emotional challenges, Kwabena Kwabena admitted. Yet, twenty years after its initial release, ASO remains one of the most enduring songs in contemporary Ghanaian music. The anniversary remake, anchored by the contributions of Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata, serves as his tribute to the song’s lasting legacy and its continued relevance across generations.
