At a time when viral hits and trending sounds appear to offer musicians a shortcut to success, the rising Volta Region artiste, Kenkubii, is taking a different route by returning to his roots.
The singer, songwriter and performer, born Komlaga Justice Komla, is giving Borborbor, one of the traditional music genre of the Ewe people, a contemporary twist by blending it with modern influences. He calls his sound Borborbor Fusion, a style he hopes will introduce his people’s musical heritage to a wider audience.
Having released three singles — Believe, Nhyira Me and Mɔzɔlawo (Travellers) — Kenkubii believes he has found a sound that reflects his identity and creative vision. Although he is open to exploring other genres, he says Borborbor Fusion remains the foundation of his musical journey.
“Yes, Borborbor Fusion is home for me. It is the sound that truly represents who I am because it connects me to my roots and gives me a sense of belonging. It allows me to express my culture in a way that feels natural and meaningful to me,” he told the Daily Graphic.
For Kenkubii, embracing his heritage does not mean restricting himself to one musical style. He believes versatility is important to an artiste’s growth, and as such he is willing to experiment with other sounds as his career develops.
“I am versatile, and I am open to exploring other styles of music as I grow. If tomorrow my spirit leads me to express myself differently, I will embrace it, provided it is something I genuinely believe in.
“For me, the most important thing is to remain true to myself and allow my music to grow with me without losing the identity and values that define who I am as an artiste,” he said.
Music with message
Beyond promoting his cultural roots, Kenkubii wants his music to tell relatable stories and give voice to people whose experiences and emotions are not always easy to express. He describes himself as a mouthpiece for the speechless.
“I am not chasing a hit song or making music just to follow trends. I want to create music that speaks to people and reflects the realities they experience but may struggle to put into words,” he said.
He explained that his focus had shifted from simply being heard to ensuring that his music carried meaning and left a lasting impression on listeners.
“I have moved from wanting to be heard to wanting to be understood. At this stage of my journey, my focus is no longer just about producing a hit song or making music that will trend for a short time,” he said.
He wants his songs to address everyday realities, provoke thought and help listeners make sense of their experiences.
“I see myself as a mouthpiece for the speechless, someone who can use music to communicate what others may be feeling but cannot say.
“For me, it is more than entertainment; it is about connecting with people, telling their stories and giving meaning to experiences we all share. If my music can make someone feel heard, understood or encourage them to see life differently, then I believe I am doing something worthwhile,” he added.
Kenkubii said developing his own identity was also important to his growth, as he wanted to tell his stories and create music that reflected his beliefs rather than constantly measure himself against other artistes.
Different sounds
On whether the Ghanaian music industry makes room for unconventional sounds, Kenkubii acknowledged the pressure on artistes to produce hits, follow trends and attract attention.
While recognising the desire to reach a broad audience, he warned that musicians risked losing their individuality if they allowed commercial expectations to dictate their creative choices.
“I make music for people who connect with my values, my message and my sound. I believe in being unique and staying true to who I am, so I do not necessarily make music with the intention of appealing to everybody,” he said.
He added that he wanted his music to reach people who understood his message and could relate to his stories.
The musician also expressed concern about young artistes who prioritised going viral over developing their craft. While online attention could introduce musicians to new audiences, he believes lasting success depends on building a strong brand and maintaining a clear artistic identity.
He urged established artistes to be mindful of their influence on emerging musicians, particularly in an industry where viral moments could be mistaken for long-term success.
Industry structures
Kenkubii called for better industry structures to support musicians and help them build sustainable careers.
He identified improved royalty payments, greater investment in live music and more platforms for promoting Ghanaian sounds internationally as key areas requiring attention.
According to him, Ghana had considerable musical talent, but inadequate support could make it difficult for artistes to earn a sustainable living.
“We need structure. We have so much talent, but without proper support, it is difficult for artistes to sustain their careers.
“With a proper royalty system, investment in live music and platforms to promote original Ghanaian sounds such as Borborbor Fusion to international audiences, the industry would be better for everyone,” he said.
Through Borborbor Fusion, Kenkubii hopes to build a career that allows him to explore his creativity while remaining connected to his cultural identity, demonstrating that traditional Ghanaian sounds can evolve, reach new audiences and remain relevant without losing their roots.
