Ghana: Kofi Bruce shares Tappers Joint EP

The project, released on The Record Store, comprises three songs namely ‘Slide’, ‘Girlfriend’ and ‘Accra’. It is Kofi Bruce’s debut collection since hitting mainstream notice two years ago.

Thematically, Tappers Joint, blending contemporary highlife with pop, explores various aspects of life, including the joy of having a great time in a club with little to no budget, the turmoil of a deteriorating relationship, and the role of appearance and strategy in this image projection.

According to a press statement, the project “demonstrates Kofi Bruce’s growth as an artist by venturing into uncharted acoustic realms and pushing artistic boundaries that will appeal to and connect with his listeners and highlights the artist’s distinctive fusion of stirring melodies and extremely personal lyrics.”

The musician told Music In Africa that the reason behind the EP, the result of an intensive two-month creative process, is to build up his catalogue while giving his audiences a deeper experience of the Kofi Bruce sound, which combines traditional and urban elements, drawing from soul and jazz.

On his decision to pursue traditional highlife music, the artist, whose production credits include collaborations with fellow local artists like Dope Nation and Fameye, said: “I come from Takoradi, a city in the western region of Ghana that boasts a rich musical heritage deeply rooted in the foundations of highlife music. My mission is to be a torchbearer for this cultural legacy and bridge the gap between traditional folk sounds and the contemporary musical landscape. This endeavour, I believe, is a testament to the enduring relevance and timelessness of our musical heritage, which continues to shape and inspire the modern culture of our vibrant community.”

The singer also noted that understanding one’s roots is essential for moving forward in life. While the goal is to reach a global audience, the emphasis lies on authenticity and attracting organic listeners from diverse backgrounds. “We need to share one’s unique stories originally and compellingly to connect with a broader, global audience,” he said.