I Had to Move Around to Make My Mark – Kwesi Wazumbi

By Esther Korantemaa Offei

Ghanaian highlife artist Kwesi Wazumbi has shared candid insights into his music journey, reflecting on collaborations, challenges, and the perseverance required to cross borders in West Africa’s music industry.

In an exclusive interview on Highlife Conversations on ZED FM, Wazumbi revealed that his long-standing professional relationship with singer Black Rasta ended years ago. “We broke up in 2015, ending into 2016… we separated,” he said. “But I didn’t just work with gospel artists. I worked with Teach for Quiet Days, Castro, New Image, and even JQ, who recorded some of his most popular songs with me before his latest album.”

Wazumbi emphasized that his musical experience goes beyond Ghana. “In Nigeria, I had opportunities to work with many big artists through Righteous Man,” he said. “I met 2Face and others, and I even went to P-Square’s studio at their house to work with an engineer there. I’ve also worked with Don Jazzy at Righteous Man’s studio. These experiences taught me a lot.”

Yet, Wazumbi admits that breaking into Nigeria’s market as a Ghanaian was far from easy. “Being a Ghanaian in Nigeria wasn’t simple,” he explained. “The studios there knew me from my work in Ghana and offered me a chance, but they wanted me to stay consistently in one place. I had other plans, I needed to move around because I was still working with Black Rasta and forming his band. Staying put would have limited my growth.”

He also reflected on his brief tenure at Lagos-based New Image. “I didn’t stay long because I saw it as a transit. But even in that short time, I had the chance to collaborate with talented artists and expand my skills,” he said.

For Wazumbi, music has always been about collaboration, versatility, and human connection. “I’ve worked with too many artists to name them all,” he said. “Every experience shaped me. From gospel to highlife to Nigerian pop, it’s all about creating music that resonates with people.”

Despite the challenges, Wazumbi’s journey highlights the grit and adaptability needed to thrive across borders. His story is one of dedication, skill, and the willingness to embrace new environments while staying true to one’s roots, lessons that resonate with anyone striving to make their mark in a competitive world.