Pappy Kojo

Pappy Kojo is one of the most charismatic and distinctive rappers of Ghana's modern scene, a Takoradi-born artist who helped push Fante-language rap into the mainstream with an effortless, swaggering style.

Early life

He was born Jason Gaisie on 13 February 1989 and raised in Takoradi, in the Western Region. He showed a love for rap early, performing at local shows where he covered the likes of Obrafour, Tic Tac and Lord Kenya. In 2004 he left Ghana to join his mother in Italy, where his passion for music deepened as he recorded and posted covers online.

Breakthrough

His career took off in late 2014 with the smash hit Wave, a collaboration with Joey B, and he followed it with his official single Realer No, again featuring Joey B. The pairing of the two stylish artists produced some of the most talked-about music of the period, and established Pappy Kojo as a genuine star.

Recognition

He earned multiple nominations at the Ghana Music Awards and won Hip-hop Song of the Year for Realer No, as well as continental recognition at the AFRIMMA awards. His Fante-inflected rap and cool persona set him apart in a crowded field.

Standing

With his distinctive flow, Western Region roots and knack for a memorable hook, Pappy Kojo carved out a unique place in Ghanaian hip-hop, one of the most stylish and recognisable rappers of his generation.