Ghanaian rapper and lyricist Kwame Ametefe Tsikata, popularly known as M.anifest, has long been a champion of authenticity in his craft.
In an exclusive interview on Bullet TV with Selikem Acolatse-Apaloo, the artist shared his thoughts on how music can be both a celebration of African identity and a tool for inspiring change.
“When an Indian or Japanese artist embraces their identity, no one questions it. But as Africans, we often feel pressured to dilute who we are,” he stated, addressing the subtle and overt ways African artists are often nudged to conform to Western ideals.
M.anifest explained that this pressure stems from a history of colonialism and a global cultural hierarchy that still places Western art forms and aesthetics on a pedestal.
“It’s almost like being African isn’t enough unless it’s filtered through someone else’s lens,” he remarked.
The rapper, known for blending traditional African sounds with contemporary hip-hop, said his music intentionally challenges these narratives.
“My music asserts our identity and challenges stereotypes,” he explained. Songs like Someway Bi and Azumah Nelson Flow embody this philosophy, weaving in local languages, proverbs, and themes that resonate deeply with African audiences.
For M.anifest, staying authentic is not just a creative decision—it’s a responsibility. “Music is a tool to inspire change while staying authentic to our roots,” he told Selikem.
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