Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio Features KOJO BLAK

Ghanaian Afro‑fusion artist KOJO BLAK appears on Apple Music 1 with Nandi Madida over FaceTime to discuss his newest single, the Kelvyn Boy collaboration “Excellent.” He also talks about his EP ‘131”, the role of music in his family background, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

This Week’s Hottest New Tracks

Nandi Madida curates the freshest African releases of the moment. The current lineup features new songs from Nicole Elocin featuring Bontle Smith, Mr Pilato, Kabelo Sings, Vyno Keys & Debow, Tha Boy Myles & RAYBEKAH, Nviiri The Storyteller, Chella featuring Zee Nxumalo, and Da Capo, Soul Star & MaWhoo.

Listen to the complete episode on Friday, May 16, at 9 a.m. Lagos/London, 10 a.m. Johannesburg/Paris, 1 a.m. Los Angeles, and 4 a.m. New York on Apple Music 1 via apple.co/_AfricaNow. It will also air on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2 p.m., YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3 p.m., and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

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KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music How Growing up in Dansoman, Accra, Shaped His Sound

I come from the Ga people, a community where many of our ancestors were fishermen. They played a significant role in our culture. We have a distinct musical and dance tradition known as Palugo, which has influenced my music and life during my upbringing. I was constantly listening to Ga songs and high‑life legends like E.T. Mensah and Amakye Dede, and that exposure has helped shape my sound.

KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music How Music Forms a Part of His Family Legacy

A fact you might not know about me is that my grandfather was a musician. I only discovered this when I started making music myself. I was defiant while my dad paid my university fees, yet I would sneak away to the studio. When my dad finally allowed me to pursue music, he saw my progress and said, “Your grandfather was actually a musician!” I realized then that it was a sort of musical reincarnation.

KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music Why He Loves Afro‑fusion

What I truly appreciate about Afro‑fusion is the chance to create something fresh beyond the conventional Afrobeats formula. Afro‑fusion artists constantly experiment with different cultures, enabling them to forge new styles. On my EP, tracks like “Touch Ground” and “S.O.H” stand out as distinctly different sounds. I enjoy experimenting, especially when crafting a full body of work.

KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music Why He Named His EP ‘131’

I aimed to convey not only my personal journey but also realistic experiences. The EP contains love songs, tracks about perseverance, and pieces addressing mental health. I wanted to transcend spirituality, so I titled it “131”—because in God’s timing, everything falls into place.

KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music About the History of His “Rulling” Tracks

While recording “Intro (Rulling 3)”, I reflected on my current path and life. “Rulling 1 (Day Ones)” was written about loyalty to my friends and those I started with. When I recorded it, I had to walk across town to the studio, covering many kilometres. At that time I had no capital, but my passion was strong enough that I didn’t care. We lived in a single room that looked like a storage space, where my stylist, road manager, and I all shared the space.

KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music About His Track, “Over Do”

The chorus of “Over Do” is deeply rooted in Ga culture. There is a Ga tradition of singing this style during celebrations, calling upon the spirits of each twin. In this song, I’m not only incorporating that tradition but also telling a woman that if she gives me a chance to love her, I won’t overdo it. I’ll stay calm and be the cowboy she wants me to be.

KOJO BLAK Tells Apple Music About the Legacy He Wants To Create

I don’t just want to leave a legacy; I want to leave a mark. A mark that people will say, “Look, this boy came from the slums, he wasn’t raised with a silver platter or a golden spoon.” I grew up eating with bare hands in the slums. I want to show that you can become global, just like KOJO BLAK, or even surpass me. I’m not competing with anyone; I’m simply an Afrobeats artist from Ghana pursuing my journey and aiming to conquer the world.

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