Kaywa is ‘highly spiritual’
His signature tune, ‘I no know what I go talk oo…Ka sɛ Kaywa’ have been heard on many songs that the Tema-based artiste has worked on as a sound producer and engineer.
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It was probably these “magic” words that had luck smile on artistes who sought his services when their songs became popular.
But just like any brand that has its peak and low times, the Kaywa brand lost its steam and strong presence on the Ghanaian music scene for some time.
And when Ghanaians awoke to a new signature tune, “Highly spiritual”, it was the rebirth of a brand that has fed music lovers with good songs in a decade and a half.
“The reason for the silence was to rebrand and study the pattern to bring out something that is relevant and trending in Ghanaian music circles. I had to learn new things to become relevant to the society”, the deep voiced sound engineer told Showbiz in an interview on Monday.
True to his words, he bounced back with a bang when he worked on Bisa Kdei’s hit song, Mansa, last year. The attention and popularity of the song earned him the Sound Engineer of the year at this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
In what he confidently describes as a sheer passion for music ordained by God, Kaywa , born David Kojo Kyei believes, “ We must define music in spiritual terms and do things that bring out spiritual meanings.
“It is not just about the sounds we create that people dance to but if what we are doing brings praise to God. That inspired me to settle for my ‘highly spiritual” mantra because I have become spiritual with my works”.
His skilful handiworks produced popular pieces such as Olofofo by Castro, Bibini Ba by Kwabena Kwabena, Niger Bebe by Ruff n Smooth, Kolom and Ma Girl both by Buk Bak, Onyame Nhyira by Sarkodie, Samini’s Where My Baby Dey and Asem’s Bye Bye.
And what of tracks such as Do Da Dance by Castro and Asamoah Gyan and R2Bees’s Makoma?
They were dope tunes that got people thumping their feet and it’s not surprising the gem in Ghana music production and engineering has walked home with the bragging rights of Sound Engineer four times.
“I want to concentrate more on producing highlife and afro tunes. This is not to say that I won’t be doing other genres, I will because Kaywa is versatile but I think it’s time for us to focus on music that project our roots and heritage. That is why I want to dedicate more of my works to that,” he noted.
Choosing not to specialise in a genre of music, Kaywa described himself as a chameleon in music creation.
His journey as he puts it, has been “very challenging” in a country where little relevance is attached to the music industry but his perseverance and the will to impart his talent to the growth of the industry has been worthwhile.
To thank him for his services to the country and the arts and entertainment industry, Kaywa in collaboration with House of Maasela (HOM), event organisers, are putting together an event dubbed, “Kaywa Live Playlist” at the Tema Sports Stadium on Friday, July 1.
The event is expected to celebrate the works of the young man who has produced hit songs for some of Ghana’s finest musicians.
“Many times, sound engineers and producers are not credited because they work behind the scenes. It is a delight to know that my works have been recognised by Maasela and they want to honour and celebrate me for what I love to do best,” he stated.
The event is expected to be launched at the foreyard of the Accra the Mall tomorrow. according to the old student of the then Presbyterian Secondary School (PRESEC), the launch will also see him launch his new record label, Highly Spiritual label with the aim of unearthing and grooming young talents competitive for the global music stage.
“I will also use the platform to unveil the artistes I have on my newly established record label. The mission of my team and I is to give meaning to live studio recordings in this generation,” he stated.
The sixth born of seven children (four boys and three girls), Kaywa started his schooling at St. Paul’s Junior Secondary School and went to Presbyterian Boys Secondary School in Legon for his secondary education.
He later moved to Bell Recording studio in Tema to hone his sound engineering skills professionally.
For Kaywa who won the VGMA Sound Engineer of the year in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016, one’s passion must lead in pursuing music as a profession.
“Let’s not do music because of the financial benefits we will reap from it. Looking at the bigger picture and the passion to contribute our quota to the industry should be our motivation. This has been my story and inspiration these 15 years,” he stated.