From group work to solo projects, the Ghanaian music industry has recorded quiet an astonishing and astounding musical talents but vanished in a twinkling of an eye. Over the past decade, most artistes break away from the comfort and protection of a group to seek freedom, success and validation as solo acts. But, while others succeed, others are struck by tragedy along the way.
From Lumba Brother to Praye’s infamous split, there are those who should have realised they’re better with their group but refused.
1) Praye Tenten
Nana Kwame aka Praye tenten of the award-winning Praye group was the first victim of the group’s long lasting fracas. Praye was formed during the maiden edition of the Nescafe African Revelations in 2012. They emerged winner and recorded hits after hits, swept many accolades at Ghana Music Awards ceremonies organised during their time but unfortunately due to their parochial attitude, the trio let go of Praye Tenten to form a duo. Since then, Praye Tenten’s career died.
2) Cartel Big J (Praye Tiatia)
Steven Fiawoo aka Praye Tiatia and Eugene Baah aka Choirmaster (Praye ho ne ho) are inferred to have masterminded the sacking of their group member Tenten and caused the downfall of the group. In 2014, he came out to publicly declare that he and his other group member “sacked Praye Tenten and claimed they are now duo”. He still broke away from the duo to pursue a solo career but never made any hit. He recently released songs like “Mafiwo” featuring Akwaboah and “It’s Friday” featuring Edem but none of them made a hit.
3) Choirmaster (Praye Ho Ne Ho)
Eugene Baah aka Choirmaster of Praye fame has also had similar flopped career just like his former group members. He recently tried all his best to secure a permanent comeback with tracks like “Pull Him Down”, “Obsession”, “Ghana’s Most Beautiful” featuring Daadie Opanka and his latest “Bedroom Cheers” but all proved futile. His solo career has never been good.
4) Kwaku T
Chief G and the Tribe was one of the first rap groups in Ghana consisting of Chief G (now known as Jay Ghartey), Abeeku and Kwaku T. Known for his controversial “Toto Mechanic” track, Kwaku T has also worked with D-Black on several tracks and got featured on BET Cypher 2010 – International (Africa, Ghana). Since then, Kwaku T has been missing. I don’t even know his whereabouts.
5) Irene Logan
Irene Logan who was a former member of award-winning “Irene & Jane (Efya)” group wouldn’t be blamed much for her sinking solo career. I strongly believe that Efya’s decision to go solo affected Irene’s career since she (Irene) was more like a supporting act in the group.
The two met through Charterhouse’s Stars of the Future contest where Irene emerged the winner and Jane came in third. Prior to the show, they were solo artistes. However, after the reality show, they decided to come together to form the group, Irene & Jane and had thrilling experiences working together. They caused a stir on the music scene with their ‘Unveiled’ album and “Heat It Up” single. Irene has tried on so many occasions to break through with good singles over the past years but nothing seems to be working for her.
6) Omanhene Pozo
Omanhene was a member of one of Ghana’s first Hip-life groups Nananom.
The rapper is known for reproducing old-school Highlife hits which gave him the opportunity to work with greats like Awurama Badu, Alhaji K. Frimpong and C. K. Mann. But his career didn’t go well as compared to the career of his other one half, Barima Sidney.
7) Frank Mensah Pozo
Frank also released good hits during his days but his fame was short lived. The demise of his colleague and songwriter Tommy Wiredu affected his career. The “Fa Odo Bo Dom” hit man had many opportunities to break barriers but only God knows what happened to him.
8) Quophi Okyeame
Formerly known as Okyeame Quophi of the award-winning Ghanaian group Akyeame is well known for his immense contribution towards the group but faded out quickly after parting ways with other one half, Okyeame Kwame.
He tried on several occasions to bounce back but his solo career kept sinking anytime he makes an attempt. Though he has written several popular songs including Ex-Doe’s diss song “Maba”, his amour propre created enemies for himself. In a recent interview, the composer/producer who doubles as the drive time host on Rainbow Radio’s “Away Bus” show revealed his former group mate Okyeame Kwame rather dissolved the group because “people made him feel like he was the ‘Christ’ of the group Akyeame”. Until today, nobody knows the root cause of their split.
SOURCE: PULSE.NG
