Kojo Antwi Urges Music Legends to Document Lives

Ghanaian highlife icon Julius Kojo Antwi, widely known as Kojo Antwi or “Mr. Music Man,” has raised concerns about the failure of many of Africa’s celebrated musicians to document their personal and professional journeys.

Speaking in an interview, the veteran artiste said the lack of written accounts by music legends inspired him to publish his memoir, Mr Music Man: The Journey.

“As a musician and as an artiste, I write with words in songs. What you see is just a little caption in a newspaper that I am performing at an event. Someone like Nana Ampadu should have come up with a book,” Kojo Antwi said.

According to him, the absence of documented histories has created a gap for younger generations seeking insight and inspiration from pioneers of African music.

Reflecting on his formative years, Kojo Antwi noted that he had longed to read about some of the continent’s greatest musicians but found little material available.

“When I wanted to be a musician, I wanted to read something on Osibisa band, Hugh Masekela, he wrote in the later part of his life. I wanted to read about Agya Koo Nimo because he is more of a lecturer. But there was nothing,” he explained.

The highlife legend said his experiences and encounters with some of Africa’s most influential artistes further strengthened his resolve to document his story.

“Somewhere along the way, I thought I should put together what I have been through. I have been privileged to meet with all the giants in African music, and many of them don’t write about themselves. So, I felt the need to come up with a book,” he said.

Kojo Antwi will officially launch his new book on Friday, February 13, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. The memoir chronicles his musical journey, personal experiences, and interactions with some of the continent’s most iconic performers.

Through the publication, the celebrated musician hopes to inspire fellow artistes to preserve their legacies by telling their own stories.