{"id":53483,"date":"2025-01-28T15:26:14","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T15:26:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/african-music\/cue-the-phoenix-amongst-the-flames\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T15:26:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T15:26:14","slug":"cue-the-phoenix-amongst-the-flames","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=53483","title":{"rendered":"CUE : THE PHOENIX AMONGST THE FLAMES\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":" \r\n
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\"Ko-Jo

\u201cIf he\u2019s getting cake, either I bake Or m3 order bi\u201d \u2013 Ko-Jo Cue<\/p><\/div>\n\n

You can\u2019t skip the process. For Ko-Jo Cue, Ghana\u2019s verse virtuoso<\/a>, the journey has been a winding, rugged path. To his Kinsmen, Ko-Jo is known as Linford Amankwaa. The rapper, who regales his listeners with stories in his mother-tongue, has been sculpting sonic landscapes since 2007. His story is a kaleidoscope, beginning in his hometown, where the melodies of his life first found resonance.<\/p>\n\n

\"Ko-Jo

Ko-Jo has never openly told his story with such depth. He is seen here with family.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Ko-Jo loves Kumasi. Over drinks in a hotel lobby on his home turf, he agreed to share his story with the world.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\n

<\/h2>\n

<\/h2>\n

BEFORE WE SHINE<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\"Linford,

[In TWI: Maame kaa m\u2019as\u025bm, \u0254se: Me ba ntoboase\u025b na \u025bhia] [In ENGLISH: Mom spoke for me, saying: My son, patience is needed]<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t start out with the intent to be a rapper, I wanted to be a footballer\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ko-Jo was born in Oduom, his home was close to the training grounds of the Asante Kotoko Sporting Club<\/a>. His daily interactions with the club\u2019s young footballers planted an idea in his mind. That idea was snuffed out by his mom. No son of hers would be a footballer. Not in 90s Ghana.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

On the\u00a0<\/span>Kwame Nkurmah University<\/a>\u00a0campus,\u00a0<\/span>where his mother shipped him to, his perspective broadened. Ko-Jo found solace in books. He spent hours in the library his aunt had built with her husband.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"A

\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

[In TWI: Everyday man dey hustle, y3 nfa nni agoro koraa Adwuma yi 3rekcso, y3 nfa nni agoro koraa] [In ENGLISH: Everyday, man grinds. We don\u2019t play. The work goes on. We don\u2019t play]<\/figure>\n\n

Ko-Jo Cue\u2019s rap career started out at the Kumasi Anglican Secondary School (KASS). Ghanaian legends, Okyeame <\/a>Kwame<\/a> and Lord Kenya<\/a> are alumni.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

\u201cOpoku Ware Senior High School was my preferred choice, KASS wasn\u2019t\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

His response when asked if he would have been rapping had he enrolled in Opoku Ware was, \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

\"Ko-Jo

Married in real life, rap is my mistress. Boys dey in my mentions Saying I should spit it.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

In KASS, Ko-Jo found and honed\u00a0 his gift for rhyming. He would memorize and spit out, on impulse, bars from Cassidy and other American rappers. Ko-Jo began to understand and acknowledge these wordsmiths as poets. His gifts impressed his school mates and kept the bullies at bay.<\/p>\n

In the months that followed,\u00a0<\/span>Ko-Jo spent hours practicing: the lyricist got a notebook and filled the pages with his own words \u2013 one page a day for 140 days.<\/span><\/p>\n

He would write, then rehearse his lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"

See I\u2019m a tell you like Reggie told, Me, keep your eyes on the road homie<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n

With his focus still on music, the rapper started to build up his musical contacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

He frequently visited \u201cPocalos\u201d, a recording studio that drew in hiplife and gospel musical talent within Kumasi and neighboring municipalities.<\/span><\/p>\n

After his parents split, the studio became a safe haven. A broken home meant his mother could not foot his university bill. Education no longer looked like an option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMusic became my way out,\u201d he expressed with a sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

To survive, he took up a number of different paid roles. From a studio manager to a printing press assistant, and finally, an internet caf\u00e9 manager. His driving force was now the paper<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI attempted teaching English at one point.\u201d he laughed, \u201c\u2026but the headteacher thought I was not the ideal candidate because he feared the high school girls would think me too handsome and be distracted.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A risk the headmaster was unwilling to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko-Jo Cue\u2019s complexion pales in comparison to your regular Ghanaian. Sitting in this lobby, with seven more people scattered across, excluding the very light skinned waiter, he is probably the the only other person a Ghanaian will refer to as \u201cObroni\u201d<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GROWING PAINS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

For Ko-jo, a change in environment was timely. It jolted him awake.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"Ko-Jo

\u201cNo contribution no chop chale Show my enemies no love chale Make you no listen no one chale This life de\u025b you den your God chale\u201d Lyrics off the soundtrack \u201cYou Alone\u201d. From the album, \u201cFor My Brothers\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n

\n

On a night out, the rapper got introduced to Tallal. Tallal had a knack for artist management. Talla would only go on the work with Cue after Ko-Jo had agreed to keep his delivery Original.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Ko-jo\u2019s love for music was heavily tethered to American influence. When words rolled off his tongue, he sounded almost American. He sounded inauthentic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

He returned to Kumasi, after weeks with family in Accra and immediately started churning out mixtapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

After his sixth mixtape, Tallal could not ignore the improvements. Ko-jo\u2019s\u00a0 stories were more riveting and he rapped more in TWI, his native tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tallal helped Ko-Jo get on \u201c<\/span> Hip Hop Avenue<\/span>\u201d. <\/span>A popular radio rap show which showcased emerging talent. For 20 minutes, Ko-jo dropped enough ammunition to fill up a kalashnikov. The performance was spectacular and it was also the catalyst which sped up his relocation to Accra.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n

\"Ko-Jo

Me ns\u025be da oh (I\u2019m the Young Daddy Lumba)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ko-Jo Cue in a Classroom at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (Circa 2011)<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

\u201cThe Cue was the name of the music collective I was a part of.\u201d Ko-Jo explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr Eazi, Lousika, Cabum and other creatives within Kumasi were members too. I suggested we add the suffix \u2018Cue\u2019 to our names to create brand awareness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObviously I\u2019m the only one who stuck with it\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\n
\"The

[In TWI only: Me ni h\u0254 a na rappers yi kasa basa basa Me yi me ti p\u025b na \u0254mo de me masa masa Fr\u025b wo favourite rapper BRA, m\u025b y\u025b no pasa pasa]<\/p><\/div>\n

Left to Right: K. Daanso, Ko-Jo Cue, Lousika (\u00a0Now the Queen mother of Manso Nkwanta in Ghana) and Mr. Eazi at the cue Photoshoot. (Circa 2011)<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n

E.L. first noticed Ko-Jo after he released \u201cCorolla Music\u201d. A few interaction later, the duo birthed\u00a0 \u201c<\/span>Lowkey<\/b><\/a>\u201c. The song raised Ko-Jo\u2019s music profile.\u00a0 Before he graduated, he was already signed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ko-Jo

[In Twi: \u0190ba no cash a me nni agor\u0254, chale I gets mine Me gye me de\u025b, neat money, Kwame Despite] [In English: When is comes to cash, i don\u2019t play. Chale, I get mine. I take what\u2019s mine, Kwame Despite]<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

BBnZ<\/a> was refreshing. Ko-Jo could finally just focus on making music and the label will handle all else, or so he thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

At BBNZ, Ko-Jo dropped \u201cThe Shining\u201d, followed by \u201cLavender\u201d featuring E.L. and bagged a live performance at the Late Kiki Gyan\u2019s memorial. His fame ballooned after his first sold-out concert: \u201cCue For President\u201d and a KFC Ghana partnership deal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE BUSINESS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\"Ko-Jo

\u201cClark Kent with my glasses, super rapper without them.\u201d \u2013 Ko-Jo Cue<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n

\"Lil

Bantama Blues 1, 2 & 3<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n

After E.L. left the record label in 2017, Ko-Jo and his label mate, Lil Shaker, released the 13-track album: \u201c\u201dPen and Paper<\/a>\u201c.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They shot visual masterpieces for\u00a0 \u201c<\/span>Up and Awake<\/span><\/a>\u201c, \u201c<\/span>Untitled<\/span><\/a>\u201d and the title track<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their efforts paid off. Ko-Jo was finally a first time Ghana Music Award nominee. BBnZ management leverages on their business relationships and got Ko-Jo on as an opener for the 20th Anniversary tour of the acclaimed \u201c<\/span>Miseducation of Lauryn Hill<\/span><\/a>\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Against his will and rap customs, Ko-Jo was featured on the song \u201c<\/span>Mama Yie<\/span><\/a>\u201d. The song is was a commercial success and thrusted him further into the spotlight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI felt like I had betrayed my fans\u201d. To make up for that, he released a remix to \u201c<\/span>Wole<\/span><\/a>\u201d and shortly followed that with one of his best albums, \u201c<\/span>For my Brothers<\/span><\/a>\u201c.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko-Jo believes that album put him in the top-five-Ghanaian-rappers conversation. The album would probably not have seen the light of day without Amaarae\u2019s help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko-Jo Cue and Amaarae are cousins. In exchanging correspondence with her, he noticed she shared the same last name with his uncle. A few connected dotted later, it all made sense. Amaarae shared resources, information and good advice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\"Left

\u201cUp and awake, glory to God. Meedi me lane, never dey worry.\u201d \u2013 Ko-Jo Cue<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n

Mid-way through plans for Ko-Jo\u2019s tour, everything stops \u2013 COVID 19. During lockdown, Linford started \u201crain. Labs\u201d with long-time friends and partners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To create awareness, the boutique music marketing agency worked, pro bono, for <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Joey B<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> Kidi<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> Gyakie<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the success of \u201cFor My Brothers\u201d, the musician thrilled fans with\u00a0 \u201c<\/span>21 Memory Lane<\/span><\/a>\u201d, an Extended Playlist (E.P.). The E.P. was released exclusively on\u00a0 Boomplay, a music streaming platform,\u00a0 for a few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Ko-Jo\u2019s words, \u201cIt felt like mercenary work. My heart was not in that project, I did it for the bag\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Isolating for a long period had it down sides. Cue\u2019s mental health took a hit. To recuperate, he facilitated a writing camp for Ludacris in Ghana. When he was in better spirit, he took up the country manager position for a music startup: Music Split.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

NEW FLAME<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\"Ko-Jo

\u201cS\u025b \u025by\u025b wo ya a nom panadol. Wo y\u025b 2 slow, Tramol. Me y\u025b 2 dope, Tagor. Always up to something, Back in the trap it\u2019s jumping, parkour.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n

In Paris on vacation with his wife, the mind got clearer. The flame is still flickering and his love for music still burns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never made music for the money, I always made music to tell my story. It\u2019s why I was never too keen to drop a verse for \u201cMama Yie\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s never been about my commercial successful. To me, music is for motivation, education and a literal guide though life.\u201d he continued to explain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\"Ko-Jo

\u201cBismillah hir-rahman nir-raheem Wallahi shake back, I\u2019m HIM!\u201d \u2013 Big Homie Flee<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

He bought a few pieces of equipment. Got back home and set up a studio. The phoenix has risen, again. This time going bar for bar with younger rappers and still packing a punch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like Jordan.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cstill holding his own with youngins till he retired.\u201d This thought help frame the rollout for his latest album, \u201cI\u2019m back\u201d. It was 2023. He couldn\u2019t have chosen a better year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko-Jo looked out the lobby window and noticed the skies had bruised black. His cup was empty. The parking lot was lit and the night, quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

To think in another life, the decorated rapper may have been an exceptional pro footballer. He already has the traits: enough discipline, grit and an imagination that knows no bounds.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Listen to Ko-Jo Cue Latest Album, \u201cI\u2019m Back\u201d, Now!<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>