Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur Junior (born 18 December, 1994), better known as Kwesi Arthur, is one of the best rappers and musician from Tema,Ghana. He was nominated for Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards. He is currently considered one of the best young artists in Ghana and Africa.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Kwesi Arthur was born in Tema to Ghanaian parents Samuel Danso Arthur and Vivian Ofosu Danso Arthur . Kwesi is the first of 4 kids, he later was followed by a sister and twin brothers, which were later born in Lagos, Nigeria. Kwesi’s parents were originally from Kogi state in the northern part of Nigeria but Kwesi has been heard during interviews feigning being from Tema. He attended Tema Senior High School. He did not further his education because of his love for music and also due to financial constraints.
MUSIC CAREER
Kwesi Arthur began to pursue a career in music after listening to Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later.
In 2015, he released the lead single “Grind Day” from his debut EP, Live from Nkrumah Krom (2017). The record was released under his independent outfit and supported by a social movement called GroundUp Chale. He later released the remix for “Grind Day”, featuring Sarkodie and Medikal.
Kwesi Arthur has collaborated with numerous Ghanaian musician, including Sarkodie, Medikal, KiDi, Jason E LA, Nasty C, R2Bees, B4bonah, M.anifest, EL, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale. He was nominated for Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards.
DISCOGRAPHY
EPs
- Live from Nkrumah Krom (2017)
- Live from Nkrumah Krom Vol II Home Run (2019)
Singles
| Year | Title | Production credit | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Grind Day | Kayso | |
| Grind Day Remix feat Medikal and Sarkodie (rapper) | |||
| 2018 | Anthem | Barking by Ramz | |
| 2018 | Woara | Shotto Blinkz | |
| 2018 | Don’t Keep Me Waiting feat Kidi | NytWulf | |
| 2019 | Zombie | TwoBars |
AWARDS AND NOMINATION
Ghana Music Awards
| Year | Recipient/Nominated work | Award | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Himself | Hip Hop Song of the Year | Won | |
| Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year | Nominated | |||
| New Artiste of the Year | Nominated |
BET Awards
| Year | Recipient/Nominated work | Award | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Himself | Viewers Choice Best International Act | Nominated |
3 Music Awards
| Year | Recipient/Nominated work | Award | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Himself | Hip Hop Song of the Year | Nominated | |
| Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Hiplife/Hip Hop Act of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Song of The Year | Nominated | |||
| Music Man of The Year | Nominated | |||
| Breakthrough Act | Nominated | |||
| Digital Act of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Hiplife Song of the year | Nominated | |||
| Best Collaboration | Won |
VIDEOGRAPHY
| Year | Title | Director | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Grind Day | Mickey Johnson | |
| 2017 | Grind Day Remix | Lex Maccarthy | |
| 2018 | Anthem | Akwaada Nyame | |
| 2018 | Woara | Yaw Skyface | |
| 2018 | Don’t Keep Me Waiting feat Kidi | Andy Madjitey | |
| 2018 | Fever feat Rayf | RocxNoir | |
| 2019 | Nobody feat Mr Eazi | Yaw Skyface |