Ghana: Ko-Jo Cue drops new EP I’m Back

I’m Back, which marks the artist’s first project after a two-year hiatus, features Ghanaian rap stars like Joey B, Kwaku DMC, Tulenkey, Strongman, YPee, Kweku Smoke, and Ria Boss. Thematically, it tackles self-expression, celebration, hustle and seizing the day.

The collection’s opening number ‘Mac Tontoh’ honours individuals who’ve played a pivotal role in Ko-Jo Cue’s journey. ‘Someway’ cautions against phoney lifestyles, while ‘Free Throw’ highlights his triumph against all odds. On ‘32’, the rapper stresses the urgency of living life to the fullest.

The EP’s fifth track ‘Okay Okay’ discusses ambition, resilience, and hard work. He maintains this discourse on ‘Cedi Kasa’ while offering insightful social commentary on the nation’s challenges. Ko-Jo Cue wraps I’m Back with the Ria Boss-assisted ‘Happy Endings’, which delves into the unpredictability of life and death, personal tragedies, and the futility of chasing fairytales.

“I’ve been gone for a bit, and I started feeling a lot of the energy that made me fall in love with hip hop,” Ko-Jo Cue said.

Ko-Jo Cue, born Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, blends hip hop, hiplife, highlife and Afrobeats, sharing introspective and socially aware tales of African life. Joining Accra-based label BBnZ Live in 2014, he released The Shining mixtape. His collaboration with Shaker on the Pen & Paper album in 2017 earned them acclaim, catching the attention of Lauryn Hill and securing an opening slot on her tour. His 2019 solo debut, For My Brothers, garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards. Beyond music, he taught at the University of Ghana and is currently an independent artist and a senior consultant/country manager for ARTSPLIT Ghana.