Ghanaian music icon Kojo Antwi has described himself as a “conscious African,” saying his identity and creative outlook have been shaped by pan-African ideals and the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the veteran highlife and Afrobeat musician said he feels privileged to have been born in a country influenced by Nkrumah’s vision of unity.
“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 worldview also aligns with messages found in reggae music and Rastafarianism, particularly themes of resilience, black identity and resistance, as expressed in Bob Marley’s work.
“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 he admired the authenticity of Rastafarian artists and how they created powerful music with a natural, simple style.
“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.
Kojo Antwi also praised Marcus Garvey for his global mission of uniting black people, describing him as a leader driven by purpose.
“Marcus Garvey never had looks, but whatever he motivated, he was able to bring people together… And he had a mission,” he added.
The musician said his songwriting draws from many influences, explaining that his work reflects deep cultural roots and broad African ideas.
“I’m a composer and I create from everything… Rastafarianism is part of what I do,” he said.
Kojo Antwi’s reflections reinforced a career built on cultural identity, pan-Africanism, and musical exploration.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Barbara Yeboah
