It’s not often that an Italian trained chef winds up on stage to perform a hit song. But rapper PappyKojo (Jason Gaisie) has a knack for pulling surprises, and his 2015 nomination at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards stirred the music industry. Who was this guy? This newcomer was born and raised in Takoradi where he lived with his grandmother till his departure to Italy in 2014. As with most Aquarians, he fell in love with music quite early, taking to YouTube with cover versions of popular songs.
Although occupied with culinary duties while in Italy, he begun recording his own material with some Italian and Ghanaian-based music producers. Things really kicked off for the young rapper in the latter part of 2014 when he collaborated on a smash hit record with Joey B. That was to be the start of a long term partnership.
Something about his fluency with Fante and ingenuity with wordplay that reverberated with his fans. Pappykojo’s style of music, which he admits is inspired by Obrafour has been his distinctive quality – raw and edgy. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Eminem and 50 cent, Pappy Kojo has been able to find his sound whilst remaining true to himself.
Pappy’s first official single “Realer No” featuring Joey B was well received, earning nominations in the Best New Artiste of the Year, Hip-hop Song of the Year and Hip-life/Hip-hop Artiste of the Year categories of the Ghana Music Awards. He was awarded Hip-Hop song of the year and also nominated for the Best Newcomer in Africa for the AFRIMA Awards.
He has released three singles since then; “Ay3 Late”, “2 Raw” (with Edem) and “Deja Vu” (with Jiggy), ending 2018 with a collaboration with Mr Eazi & Patapaa for ‘Akwaaba’, earning Best African Collaboration Award at the recently ended AFRIMA Awards.
Just when you thought things were cooling off for the young rapper, he turns up the heat, releasing his first music video of 2019, ‘Balance’ in line with his tradition of dropping videos hot on the heels of every new year. The vibrant, eccentric video bounces off a mid-tempo tune featuring Joey B and Spacely produced by Altra Nova. Download the AUDIO HERE
