Kojo Antwi says Ghana’s founding President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, remains a major influence on his identity and worldview, describing himself as fortunate to have been born in a country shaped by Nkrumah’s pan-African vision.
The highlife legend, popularly known as Music Man, shared the reflections during an appearance on StarrChat with Bola Ray on Thursday, February 12, 2026, where he spoke about unity, African consciousness and the ideas that have shaped his music over the years.
Describing himself as a “conscious African,” Kojo Antwi said Nkrumah’s role in bringing Ghanaians together continues to inspire him.
“I’m very fortunate to have been born in a place of someone like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah… he tried to make Ghana come together. I am blessed to be part of that,” he said.
Kojo Antwi explained that his appreciation for Nkrumah’s philosophy also connects with themes he admired in reggae and Rastafarian music, particularly the way it addressed black identity, hardship and resilience.
“Reggae music was the kind of music that talked about the hardship that we go through as a nation, as black people everywhere… When Bob Marley speaks about Babylon, you know what he’s talking about,” he noted.
He said the authenticity of Rastafarian artists and their message influenced him, but he eventually felt compelled to embrace a broader pan-African mindset rooted in Nkrumah’s ideals.
“Then came these people, natural, with their clothes, natural jeans and t-shirts, and they were able to produce music… But I had to move up to the next level. You find the mind that embraces the ideas of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” he said.
The veteran musician also paid tribute to Marcus Garvey, describing him as another key figure in the wider black liberation and unity movement.
“Marcus Garvey never had looks, but whatever he motivated, he was able to bring people together… And he had a mission,” he added.
Kojo Antwi concluded by stressing that his creativity is drawn from multiple sources, including Rastafarian thought, African history and cultural identity.
“I’m a composer and I create from everything… Rastafarianism is part of what I do,” he said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Barbara Yeboah
