Derrick Kantanka, known in the music world as Amerado, hails from Ejisu in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana. A proud alumnus of KNUST Senior High School, he is currently pursuing a Political Science degree at the University of Ghana, adding depth to his artistry with academic knowledge.
Amerado’s journey in music took off in 2015 when he placed third in the Solid FM Freestyle Show. His standout performance caught the eye of music producer Azee Ntwene, who soon signed him to MicBurnerz Music, officially launching his career. He soon collaborated with Mix Master Garzy on a track promoting peace ahead of Ghana’s 2016 elections. In 2017, Amerado dropped his debut single “I AM,” which was celebrated as one of Pulse Ghana’s top 10 songs in January, and later that year, he released his first EP, Rapmare.
The year 2018 saw Amerado featured on Sarkodie’s hit song “Biibi Ba,” which became a breakthrough moment. The song’s success earned a Best Hiphop Song nomination at the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, signaling Amerado’s rise. His reputation continued to grow in 2019 as DJ Black named him among the top 50 Ghanaian rappers, while Reggie Rockstone lauded his talent as one of Ghana’s finest new rappers.
In 2020, Amerado’s career hit new heights with collaborations like “Ahodwo Las Vegas” with Shatta Wale. That year, he also performed an unforgettable freestyle on Tim Westwood’s Capital Xtra show in London, which GRM Daily praised as one of the most impressive performances on the platform.
Amerado released his second EP, Patience, in 2021. Featuring top Ghanaian artists like Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, and Fameye, the EP quickly topped streaming platforms like Apple Music, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube. It won Best EP at the 2022 3Music Awards, making Amerado the first rapper from Kumasi to claim the Rapper of the Year title.
In October 2022, he released his debut studio album, G.I.N.A. (God Is Never Asleep), with features from artists like S1mba, Efya, Eno Barony, and Lasmid. The album demonstrated Amerado’s versatility and solidified his status among Ghana’s leading rap artists.
Rapping primarily in Twi, with English woven into his lyrics, Amerado’s music carries cultural resonance. His name, meaning “Governor” in Akan, reflects his ambition to lead Ghana’s music scene. Beyond his music, Amerado promotes Ghana-made chocolate as an ambassador for the Ghana Cocoa Board, and he has partnered with brands like Vodafone Ghana, AirtelTigo, and GoTV.
Amerado’s live performances have been a draw at major events, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, S-Concert, Rapperholic Show, Ghana Music Awards UK, and Ghana Music Awards USA. On December 28, 2023, he hosted his first-ever My Motherland Concert at Okese Park in Ejisu, where thousands gathered to celebrate his music alongside acts like Fameye, Lasmid, and Eno Barony.
Awards and Achievements
Amerado has received numerous accolades, including:
Best EP and Rapper of the Year at the 3Music Awards (2022)
Best Hiphop Video at the 4Syte TV Music Video Awards (2019)
Influential Act in Ashanti at the Ashanti Music Awards
Rapper of the Year at the One Awards Ghana
In 2020, Audiomack recognized him as one of the top 10 African artists to watch, cementing his growing influence in African music.
Though he initially dreamed of a career in football, Amerado’s passion for music ultimately prevailed. He reflects in interviews, like one with VOA, that he has no regrets about choosing music—a path that has brought him closer to his dreams and made him a standout voice in Ghanaian rap.
Credit: Abyhna Asantewaa
