Kweku Smoke
Ghanaian rapper and songwriter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Amankwah, known professionally as Kweku Smoke is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter.[1]
- Hip hop
- Hiplife
- Trap
- Rapper
- Singer
- Songwriter
Kweku Smoke | |
|---|---|
Performing in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Paul Amankwah Ghana |
| Origin | Accra, Ghana |
| Genres |
|
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Label | Africori |
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
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
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 | |