Yaa Pono and I are always sidelined – Ras Kuuku laments

Ras Kuuku, the 2020 TGMA Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year, has openly expressed his frustration over the lack of recognition he and fellow musician Yaa Pono have received within the Ghana music industry.

In a candid interview on November 11, 2024, Ras Kuuku shared his grievances about being sidelined despite his immense contribution to the development of the local music scene.

He pointed out that both he and Yaa Pono have played significant roles in mentoring and supporting younger artists, but their efforts often go unacknowledged once these artists achieve success.

Ras Kuuku reflected on his personal experiences, revealing how many up-and-coming musicians whom he had helped at the start of their careers did not return the favour once they became successful.

“There are many artists I’ve helped groom, but once they made it, they didn’t recognize me,” he said.

He also recounted his early connection with Ebony, where her manager, Bullet, approached him for a feature before she gained mainstream popularity.

He lamented that even after contributing to the growth of the industry, he and Yaa Pono still don’t receive the level of appreciation they deserve, pointing out how the music community often forgets their efforts.

Further solidifying his claim, Ras Kuuku confidently declared that when it comes to live performances, he is among the best in the country.

“When it comes to performing with a live band or on a beat, no one comes close to me in Ghana,” he declared in an interview  on Hitz FM.

He admitted that he hasn’t always had the chance to showcase his full potential on the stage, but he remains convinced of his unparalleled skills as a performer.

Ras Kuuku’s assertion adds weight to his belief that the industry tends to overlook veteran talents, especially those with deep roots in reggae and dancehall.

His comments highlight a growing issue in the Ghanaian music industry: the struggles faced by veteran artists in securing recognition, despite their immense contributions to shaping the sound and culture.

Watch the video below:

Yaa Pono and I are not appreciated for what we do for young musicians”- Ras Kuuku. #DaybreakHitz pic.twitter.com/7IiP7QZX1C

— Hitz 103.9 FM (@Hitz1039FM) November 11, 2024