Kweku Smoke
Kweku Smoke | |
|---|---|
Performing in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Paul Amankwah Ghana |
| Origin | Accra, Ghana |
| Genres |
|
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Labels | Africori |
Paul Amankwah, known professionally as Kweku Smoke is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter.[1]
Early life and education
He attended Victory International School for basic education, then Benkum Senior High School, and later studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).[1] During part of his early career he released freestyle under the name YRS.[2]
Music career
In 2019, Kweku Smoke gained wider recognition after a studio introduction let him meet Sarkodie. The collaboration on the track "Yedin" helped bring him to more public attention.[3]
He released the album kweku Jesus on 8 March 2024; it achieved commercial success shortly after release, including reaching no. 1 on iTunes in Ghana.[4]
Later in 2024, he released Born In Hell, a project consisting of 10 track, described as more introspective in detailing personal hardship and growth.[5]
Kweku smoke held a headline concert called "The Revival" on 18 December 2024 at GHUD park near Accra Mall. It included other Ghanaian artist on stage, and some of his popular song were performed.[6][7][8]
Awards and recognition
At the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, Kweku Smoke won:
- Best Rap Performance (for Holy Ghost)[9]
- Best Hip Hop Song (for Holy Ghost)[9]
- Best Hip Hop/Hiplife Artist[9]
- He has also been nominated in other categories at TGMA, including Artiste of the Year and Album of the Year.[10][11]
Themes and style
Kweku smoke's lyrics open address is personal experiences, including struggles growing up, poverty, resilience, and street life. His music blends Twi, English, and Pidgin.[1]
Personal life
He has spoken in lyrics and interviews about growing up in Berekum and naming a rice seller ("Yaayaa") whose generosity during his early hardship featured in his song Holy Ghost.[12]
Apart from music he has been involved in other ventures for example operating a shuttle service for students at KNUST.[13]
Discography
Albums
| Tape | Year of Release |
|---|---|
| Playman | 2023[14] |
| He's Just Different | 2023[14] |
| Kweku Jesus | 2024[4] |
| Born in Hell | 2024[5] |
| Walk With Me | 2025[15] |
EPs
| EP | Year of Release |
|---|---|
| We Rage | 2022 |
| Big Shmoke | 2022 |
| Old Compound | 2023 |
| Eye Red | 2024 |
Selected Singles and Notable Songs
- Holy Ghost
- Agyekum
- Nkwanehia
- Yedin — collaborated with Sarkodie
- Akata featuring Bosom P-Yung.
- Airhu — ft. Bosom P-Yung.
- Dis Side— ft. Kofi Mole.
- You Dey Talk
| Title | Year | Type | Featured Artist(s) | Album / Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Yedin" | 2019 | Single | Sarkodie | — |
| "Airhu" | 2020 | Single | Bosom P-Yung | — |
| "Akata" | 2020 | Single | Bosom P-Yung | — |
| "Dis Side" | 2020 | Single | Kofi Mole | — |
| "You Dey Talk" | 2021 | Single | — | — |
| "Self Employed" | 2021 | Single | — | — |
| "King Dave" | 2021 | Single | — | — |
| "Lost Title" | 2022 | Single | — | — |
| "Take Me Somewhere Happy" | 2022 | Single | — | — |
| "Holy Ghost" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "No Complaining" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Dreams" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Regrets" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Nkwanehia" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Reserved Seat" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "My Youth" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Higher" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Cheddar" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Organization | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Vodafone Ghana Music Award | Artist Of The Year | Holy Ghost | Nominated | [16] |
| 2025 | Vodafone Ghana Music Award | Best Hiplife/HipHop Artiste | Holy Ghost | Nominated | |
| 2025 | Vodafone Ghana Music Award | Best Rap Performance | Holy Ghost | Nominated | |
| 2025 | Vodafone Ghana Music Award | Best HipHop Song | Holy Ghost | Nominated |
References
- ^ a b c Ghansah, Emmanuel (2021-04-27). "Kweku Smoke: the resilient rapper crossing borders with the Ghanaian sound | Ghana Music". Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ Music, Ghana (2025-05-07). "Watch: Davido co-signs Ghanaian rapper Kweku Smoke | Ghana Music". Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ "Kweku Smoke's journey from aspiring lawyer to streetwise rap star". GhanaRemembers. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ a b Ansah, Peter (2024-03-11). "Kweku Smoke Grabs No.1 Spot 24 Hours After His New 6-Track Album's Release, Fans React - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ a b AMPOMAH, JOSEPH OFORI (2024-09-05). "Ghanaian Rapper Kweku Smoke Drops 10-Track EP 'Born In Hell' - Ghanamusicblog.net 🇬🇭". Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ "Kweku Smoke shines at 'The Revival'". GhanaWebbers. 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ "Kweku Smoke shines at 'The Revival' concert, setting a new bar for Ghanaian hip-hop". 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ ""Revival" - Kweku Smoke's First Headline Concert In Accra — iMullar". 2024-12-16. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ a b c Music, Ghana (2025-05-14). "Africori celebrates Kweku Smoke's triple win at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Ghana Music". Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ Music, Ghana (2025-03-18). ""Kweku Smoke is too hard…" Blaqbonez | Ghana Music". Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ "Kweku Smoke announces first details for Revival 2025 concert". GhanaWebbers. 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ Ansah, Peter (2025-02-20). "Kweku Smoke Reconnects With Berekum Rice Seller Whose Food Saved Him - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ "Kweku Smoke starts shuttle business on KNUST campus". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ a b "KWEKU SMOKE OWNS SEPTEMBER DIFFERENTLY WITH PLAYMAN - 3Music.tv". 3MusicTV. 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ^ Music, Ghana (2025-10-31). "'Walk With Me': Kweku Smoke redefines sound with new album | Ghana Music". Retrieved 2025-10-31.
- ^ Ghartey, Raphael (2025-03-16). "26th TGMA: Stonebwoy, Team Eternity, Kweku Smoke and others nominated for Artiste of the Year". 3News. Retrieved 2025-10-31.