Kwaw Kese Speaks on Respect, Recognition, and the Realities of the Music Industry

Veteran Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese recently appeared on Hitz FM, delivering a candid reflection on the current state of the music industry, the importance of professionalism, and the lessons younger artists need to take seriously if they want to build lasting careers.

Having spent over two decades in the game, Kwaw wasn’t on air to stir drama—he was there to speak truth. Drawing from real-life situations and personal experience, his message was simple: the industry needs more discipline, less noise.


Respect is the Currency of Longevity

Kwaw Kese didn’t hold back in expressing concern over the lack of respect in today’s entertainment space. For him, the disregard isn’t just aimed at individuals—it’s towards the culture, the process, and the foundational values that built Ghanaian music into what it is today.

“We’re growing,” he said. “And the more we grow, the more we should be teaching the next generation what this game is really about.”

Kwaw emphasized that respect doesn’t mean silence—it means understanding the game, playing by its rules, and knowing when to speak and when to listen. “If you insult people in public, don’t fix it behind closed doors. Growth requires accountability.”


Not Every Move Deserves a Spotlight

One key point Kwaw highlighted was the trend of artists rushing to celebrate moments that, in his view, don’t yet warrant the hype—like publicizing Grammy submissions before nominations are announced.

According to him, “We all submit songs. That’s normal. But what matters is the nomination.” He admitted that he, too, submitted a track—Twist, featuring Chase Bell—for Grammy consideration, but chose not to announce it because the real celebration should come if the nomination actually happens.

This wasn’t about gatekeeping; it was about grounding. Kwaw’s point was clear: the industry should encourage patience, humility, and real achievement—not just noise for trending's sake.


Showbiz Is Still a Business

Kwaw acknowledged that entertainment naturally involves drama, attention, and competition. But he also stressed that behind the lights and likes is a business—and every artist needs to carry themselves like a professional.

He called out the double standards often seen online: “When others are trolled, it’s showbiz. But when they get trolled back, it becomes personal.” For Kwaw, it’s not about who starts it—it's about whether we’re all prepared to deal with the same energy we give out.


Wisdom from Experience

In a moment of reflection, Kwaw questioned how, after 22 years in the game, he can still spark widespread reaction with a single comment. “Maybe because I’m the only artist who can still face off with the new squad and hold my own,” he said. “When I speak, it shakes the room—not because of controversy, but because there’s weight behind my words.”

And those words weren’t just for artists. They were for fans, managers, and the media too. If the industry is going to grow, it needs more than just hits. It needs structure. It needs truth. And above all, it needs mutual respect.


Final Thoughts

Kwaw Kese’s interview wasn’t a rant. It was a veteran’s reminder: the music business is bigger than trends, and real success comes from mastering the long game. His words weren’t just directed at individuals—they were a call for a cultural reset.

What’s your take? Should artists hold off on celebrating until actual wins are confirmed? Is the line between showbiz and disrespect getting too blurry?

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