Okyeame Kwame has become the first Hip Life artiste to earn a degree. As surprising as this may sound, the accomplished musician has made history and needs to be acknowledged. The 2009 Ghana music awards (GMA) artiste of the year wrote his last paper on Monday signaling the end of his years on the campus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
As a Student of Akan and Sociology, the best rapper alive had before him five broad subjects which he wrote as part of requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree. These subjects included dialectal differences, translation, modern poetry, female African writing and current affairs.
Before the commencement of his final exams, Okyeame noted that “the exams come with great joy and fulfillment as I regard it as a huge achievement in my life. Even though sitting at the exam hall for these papers is no mean thing to do, I am very excited to be going through this at this time of my life” he noted.
It has not been all easy especially when he had to combine both performances which started on Fridays and studies which commenced on Mondays. Switching between academic and the entertainment worlds was like juggling between two fired up daggers. His ability to cop with his profession as a musician and a student is remarkable.
Having the opportunity to be taught by legends like Agya Koo Nimo (Dr. Amponsah), Dr Charles Marfo, Professor Agyemang, Dr Tuffuor, Mr Nsiah, Miss Solace Yankson and Mrs Abeka to mention a few. Okyeame Kwame through his four year study at KNUST studied music appreciation, classical guitar, photography, linguistics, Akan drama, African poetry, translation, communication skills, sociology and so many other life inspiring subjects.
The Kumasi based artiste experienced the best moments of his career over the past four years after making his maiden appearance on the scene more that a decade ago. Now with a University degree to his name, it is obvious he is poised for something elite.
He told Ghanamusic.com on the eve of the 2010 GMA that “I have been slow with the release of my new album because of school and now that I’m almost done, I can only be grateful to God for seeing me through”.
Indeed, okyeame Kwame’s achievement as a graduate musician is worthy of emulation and should urge other musicians to seek knowledge in music in addition to their God given talent in order to promote the profession.
His words of encouragement to all especially up and coming artistes are “seek knowledge, and when you find it let it contribute to positive social change”.
By: Selase Attah
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