Reggae-dancehall artist Ras Kuuku has shed light on a recurring problem in the Ghanaian music industry: the underappreciation of those who lift others behind the scenes.

Speaking on Hitz FM, he pointed to rapper Yaa Pono as an example of a talented artist whose impact has quietly shaped the careers of emerging stars, despite receiving little recognition for his contributions.

“Yaa Pono has done a lot for others, but has he received the appreciation he deserves?” Kuuku asked, sparking a broader conversation about respect, acknowledgement, and gratitude.

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For years, Yaa Pono has supported young talents, sharing his experience and resources without fanfare. Yet, his efforts—much like those of other artists who take on mentorship roles—are often sidelined as rising stars bask in the industry spotlight.

Kuuku, known for his soulful performances and dedication to reggae-dancehall, has also faced this harsh reality firsthand. In his career, he’s frequently extended a hand to support younger artists, only to be overlooked once they’ve found success.

“There are a lot of artists in the country I helped groom, but once they made it, they didn’t recognize me,” he shared, with a mixture of disappointment and resilience in his voice.

Reflecting on these experiences, Kuuku recalled a moment when Bullet, the late Ebony Reigns’ manager, reached out to him early in Ebony’s career.

“Even before Ebony became popular, Bullet called me once to feature on a song with his new artist,” Kuuku reminisced, illustrating his commitment to helping newcomers find their place in the industry.

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