Ghana: Paapa Versa shares Call You Mine single

The introspective track tackles the subject of insecurity while celebrating those who provide support during low moments.

“I wrote ‘Call You Mine’ from a place of crisis, musing on the many twists and turns my life has taken,” Paapa Versa said. “What came out of that crisis was clarity on the most foundational part of my adult life: the centring relationship my wife and I are cultivating.”

‘Call You Mine’ arrives ahead of the musician’s third album Versa Villa, which is due for release later this year. The artist is also behind the Technical Difficulties EP series.

Born Edwin Paapa Mensa, he started music professionally at the age of 17 as a member of the hip hop group Skillions New Generation, formed by veteran producer Jayso. Since then, he has gone on to work with leading Ghanaian musicians such as M.anifest, Efya and King Promise, among others.

Paapa Versa, who cites Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Agya Koo Nimo, Osibisa, Aṣa, Kirk Franklin, PJ Morton, Jon Bellion, and Lecrae among his musical influences, says he turned to music as therapy for his stammer.

“Growing up with a stutter, I thought I was inadequate for words. I found refuge in music when I was four, and I’ve lived there since. My stutter never left, and music didn’t either. Now a little older, I’ve realised words on their own are inadequate for me. I pour my heart out in songs,” he said.

The release of ‘Call You Mine’ follows Paapa Versa’s moderation of Culture Forward’s Creative Hustle Dialogue in Accra in March. The musician also hosts the monthly A Sound Conversation podcast, where he discusses the music business and life in general with fellow artists, talent managers, video directors and entertainment lawyers.