Bapi Joss is on a mission to refresh Ghana’s highlife sound for a new generation.
The Accra-born artist, known offstage as Nadim J. Acquaye, has been writing music since his teenage years, and now, his lively performances are turning heads.
One recent night at The Woods, an alternative poolside lounge in Accra, the crowd erupted as Bapi Joss made his way to the stage, clapping to the beat.
“If you’re feeling good, say ahaa! One, two, three, four!” he shouted, before launching into a vibrant, rhythm-packed set that had everyone moving.
His music blends different genres but always keeps the heart of highlife alive. “I enjoy the catchy ad-libs and vocals in Gyedu-Blay Ambolley’s music. He pays attention to every detail. I also love Amandzeba’s unpredictability. He brings two different worlds together and makes it work,” Bapi Joss said.
These legends, along with his early experiences in Kokomlemle — where DJs played all day and local jam sessions never stopped — shaped his sound. For Bapi Joss, highlife is a canvas: a space for freedom, storytelling, and emotion.
“As far as modern artists go, Darkovibes and Black Sherif capture the spirit of Ghanaian music with a futuristic energy,” he added. “Darkovibes has a playful soulfulness, while Black Sherif’s raw vocals are truly unique.”
In recent years, Bapi Joss has worked with Kirani Ayat, Blaq Pages and DJ KO, and has performed at Cali Vibe Fest 2024 and Enjoyment Land 2024. His goal? To keep highlife evolving while staying true to its roots.
