Kwartengg

Kwartengg is a Ghanaian rapper and multidisciplinary artist based in Kumasi. Born Bernard Kwarteng, he sets modern drill and hip hop against the older highlife and drum traditions of the Ashanti Region, and he also works in fashion and film.

From fine art to music

His interest in creative work began in senior high school. He went on to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. That training shows in his lyrics, which lean on Akan proverbs and philosophy and return often to identity, place and how the past shapes the present.

Akatafour Dwom and Ired

His first single on streaming platforms, "Scream", dates from 20 February 2020. He picked up the pace in 2024 with "Berma" on 11 June and Akatafour Dwom on 31 August, a three-track release made up of "Intro", "Pressure" and "Winning". A follow-up EP, Akatafour Dwom II, came out on 8 February 2025, and the project Ired arrived on 29 September 2025. Ghana Music described these early records as stories about survival, faith and growing up Ghanaian.

"As It Is" and the Edwumkoɔ rhythm

"As It Is", released on 8 October 2025, is built on Edwumkoɔ, an Ashanti rhythm traditionally used to communicate with people and with the gods, and pairs it with drill. The song is about humility, emotional discipline and protecting one's energy. Later that month Ghana Music profiled him in DSCVRY, its series on emerging acts.

"Wave" followed on 12 November 2025 and "Power" on 17 December, both of which he also recorded as live sessions.

Working with M.anifest and Beeztrap KOTM

On 13 May 2026 he released "Out The Mud" with M.anifest, his most played song to date. "Charging", with Beeztrap KOTM, came out on 30 September 2026.

Fashion and film

Away from the studio he works in fashion design, creative direction and filmmaking. He treats all three as one body of work aimed at presenting Ghanaian culture in a modern form.