AFRO-Dancehall/Reggae artiste Larruso hasn’t forgotten where he’s from, and it shows in his music.
According to him, Accra New Town made him who he is, the same way some artistes such as Kofi Kinaata carry Takoradi with him wherever he goes. It’s where he toughened up, where the daily hustle around him became the material for his songs.
“Accra New Town is where I learned resilience. It’s a place full of diverse cultures, energy and ambition, and growing up there shaped who I am today.”
“Living in that environment taught me the value of hard work, staying true to myself, and never giving up no matter the challenges. Many of the emotions, experiences and stories I share through my music are inspired by the people I met and the life I led in the community.”
“No matter how far music takes me, Accra New Town will always be part of my identity, because that’s where everything started and where I found my purpose”, Larruso told Graphic Showbiz on Sunday, July 19
Born Ridwan Abdul Rafiu, Larruso said Accra New Town is only half the story. The other half started in 2019, with his debut single Killy Killy, the song that changed everything.
“The song opened many doors for me, but it also came with a greater sense of responsibility.
“Prior to that, I was simply trying to get people to hear my music, but once the song took off, I realised listeners were no longer just paying attention; they expected consistency and growth.
“Killy Killy completely changed my mindset. It made me understand that success in music is about more than creating one hit song; it’s about building a lasting career. One hit can introduce you to the world, but it’s your discipline, hard work, and consistency that keep you relevant”, he added.
The Killy Killy remix featured Stonebwoy and Kwesi Arthur, and Larruso still calls that collaboration a blessing. It also brought him his first award, Best Reggae/Dancehall Video of the Year at the 2021 MTN 4Syte Music Video Awards.
Working alongside two established stars taught him a few things about the industry too. (Read Payola is appreciation, not bribery — Ras Kuuku)
“One thing I’ve noticed is that success isn’t just about talent. It’s discipline, patience and consistency. The biggest artistes never stop learning or improving.”
“Working around them has taught me to respect the process, stay humble, and understand that longevity comes from treating music like a business, not just a passion.”
As for what’s next, Larruso says he’s not chasing just another hit; he’s after something that lasts longer than that.
“My biggest goal is to build a legacy that goes beyond hit records. I want to represent Ghana on the biggest stages while staying true to who I am and where I come from.”
“I also want to inspire young artistes to believe that they don’t have to change their identity to reach a global audience.”
“If my journey can open doors for the next generation and help put Afro-dancehall in bigger conversations around the world, then I’ll feel like I’ve made a meaningful impact”, he added.
