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07.09.2012 Interviews

AFROMUSION INTERVIEW: ONE ON ONE WITH: 2RAS

By Afromusion
AFROMUSION INTERVIEW: ONE ON ONE WITH: 2RAS
07.09.2012 LISTEN

Tell us a little bit about your background- where did you grow up and go to school?

I was born in Nkawkaw (pronounced N-kor-kor), in the eastern part of Ghana. I did my basic and secondary school in that area. I attended St. Peter's Secondary School and later proceeded to Institute of Professional Studies (IPS Legon).

When did you get into music- what sparked your interest in music?

I have always loved music and music will always be a part of me. I started listening to hip hop music when I was in junior secondary school. During this same era, hip life had started. I appreciated what people like Reggie Rockstone, Obrafour, Akyeame, etc. were doing. It was great to hear hip hop done in our own language.

How did you get the name “2ras”?
I had that name back in secondary school. I chose my own nickname. I wanted something that was funky and meaningful. It simply means journey. Life is a journey.

What was the first song you ever wrote?

Surprisingly, the first song I wrote did not have a title. It never got released and I don't think it will. Listening to that tune, it tells me how far I have come as a musician.


What was the first song you ever did which received national attention?

It was “Medebebom” with Obrafour.
How did you feel when the song you recorded with Obrafour was featured on the show AFIA SCHWARZENEGGER? Did you ever think you'd be featured in a TV soundtrack?

I was happy because I had a large platform that was providing my tune an audience. It gave me the opportunity to show Ghanaians what I was made of. The greatest feeling about that song was having Obrafour on it. He appreciated what I was doing at my age and opted for collaboration on a song.


What is the importance of music in society, as a whole?

Music plays a lot of roles in our society. It helps to educate, entertain, comfort, etc. People express their feelings through music and people identify with it. I also believe music is one of the greatest communication vehicles we ever had. Especially when it sounds nice. 


How do you define your music?

I do Hip Hop/Hip Life.
What makes your music/sound different than other musicians?

Apart from beats/instrumentation, my style in terms of word play and rhythm, among other things, differentiate my music.

Who were your favorite musicians when you were growing up?

Bob Marley, Reggie Rockstone, Obrafour, Eminem, and Jay Z

Who are your favorite musicians now?
I listen to a lot of Marley Music and Kaakie now. I also love Sarkodie, Ayigbe Edem, Samini, Wiz Khalifa, T.I, and J. Cole.


Which Ghanaian musician would you like to work with and why?

Kojo Antwi - that man has so many classics and I love his word play in music.


How does technology impact your music?

Technology has helped create a wider distribution and promotion platform for music across the world. It has helped introduce our kind of music to the rest of the world faster and easier. The only problem we face here in our part of the world is how to monetize it.


If you were not making music, what do you think you would be doing in your life?

I would have been a chef. I love cooking and I like trying new cuisines.

What are the latest songs you have been working on and how can fans

purchase them?
Songs for my album are ready but the team at my record label is still deciding on which songs will make it to the album. Apart from that, I am also working on other interesting music projects.


Let's review two of your songs: First, “My First Luv”. Tell us the story behind that song.

It's a subject I realized a lot of guys, including myself, identify with. Most guys or people never end up with their first love. I wanted to sing about that and I thought a story line would be cool.


Tell us the story behind “Lighters Up”:

"Lighters Up" is the first song I wrote when I signed my first record deal. I talk about myself, my style, my hustle, and my dreams.

How do you write your songs- what process do you go through?

I don't do a paper and pen. I “form” the lyrics on my mind and do my verses once the beat is on. I write them down after recording.

What inspires your music writing?
A number of things inspire my music. Beats/instrumentation can get me to write a song. The society and things around me also inspire what I write. I also try to identify with any subject I write on.

What role does Ghanaian music have in the world?

It projects our way of life, culture, and identity, as a people.

Name one thing that has changed in your life since becoming a musician?

Nothing really, I think I have grown to appreciate the way different people think.

If you could look back and give one piece of advice to yourself, like

5 years ago, what would you say?
I would advise myself not to be timid and shy. It kills creativity.

What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians?

Music is just like any profession. You have to work hard and pay your dues. Success is time bound.

Fun Fact about 2ras:
Favorite TV show: Any interesting lifestyle show
Favorite song: “My First Luv” by 2ras
Favorite place to hang out: My Room
Countries you have visited: Japan, Netherlands, South Africa

When was the last time you:

Cried: During the late President's burial

Cooked: Today

Laughed uncontrollably: I do that a lot of times.

Were scared: I don't remember

Attended a good concert: I don't remember

Travelled outside of Accra: Sat 1st September

For more information on 2ras, he can be found on twitter :@2rasmusic

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