Okyeame Kwame Looks to Future: Rap Gives Way to Flute in His Golden Years
Ghanaian music legend Okyeame Kwame is preparing for a fresh chapter in his musical journey, hinting at a switch from rap to playing the atentenben—a traditional Ghanaian bamboo flute—as he envisions a new style for his later years.
In a recent appearance on Quophi Okyeame’s ’30 Questions’ show, Okyeame Kwame shared that he’s been learning the atentenben for four months, inspired by the realization that the high-energy nature of rap may not suit him as he ages.
“I recently took up the flute,” he said. “Rap can be demanding on the body, so when I’m older, I hope to still engage audiences, maybe seated, sharing Ghana’s sounds with a global audience through the atentenben.”
He humorously added that he plans to create a captivating experience with traditional dancers in kente and raffia to enhance his performances.
Renowned for songs like “Woara,” “Woso,” and “Made in Ghana,” Okyeame Kwame has become a master of musical evolution. This new path with the flute not only reflects his commitment to artistry but also signals his intention to bring fresh dimensions to Ghanaian music as he transitions into a new phase of his career.
