Hakeem says ‘We Are One’
His initial love was the piano but some circumstances made Prince ‘Hakeem’ Matthews gravitate toward the guitar about seven years ago and he is now widely regarded as one of the most versatile players on the scene.
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Having supported many top artistes in the studio and live on stage over the years, Hakeem is out with his debut recording, a single titled We Are One.
Towing a lilting, soft rock line, the song reminds Ghanaians that we are one people and we can move ahead with success when we stand in unity and understanding.
Hakeem took on the lead vocal role and played all the instruments on the recording except the drums. Though a guitarist’s product, the instrument does not dominate and Hakeem says it is a reflection of his general attitude to music.
“I don’t perceive music simply from the angle of my instrument. For me, music is a great platform for addressing issues and We Are One. is a good example,” Hakeem said.
Starting off on the piano at a young age, it was his time at Adisadel College in Cape Coast that made him start paying serious attention to music. He had the chance to play piano in the school band and was the leader at a point.
It just happened that the individual musicians and bands who came his way later needed guitar players and they encouraged him to pick up the instrument.He worked hard and has since played with Sarkodie, Nii Okai, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Cwesi Oteng, Edem, Pat Thomas, Irene Logan, Helen Yawson, Joe Mettle, Donnie McClurkin and others.
‘We Are One.’ has so far been fairly well-received due to its sound message. Hakeem is planning to record another single early next year and an album by mid-2017.
To him, music is the best vehicle to express emotion and positivity and he would stay in that lane for the foreseeable future.