British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG rocks into town on a mission to spread Afrobeat flavas. Scoring two Top 10 hits in the UK – Antenna and Million Pound Girl (Badder Than Bad) – Fuse made history by being the first UK act to be nominated for a Ghana Music Award. Here’s what he has to say…

“My music is more than just music – it gives out a message about African culture. People need to know that Africa isn’t just about the negative – it has some positive stuff as well.”

“There will be times where you just get frustrated, but don’t let the frustrations hold you down. Just focus on your future because whatever you’re going through now will pass. Be consistent and focus on your future, you’ll get there.”

“I’ve been recording songs since I was 14 but I became more serious at 16 after I’d performed with a group and the crowd were going crazy. When I came off, I was just buzzing off the performance, and from that day I got addicted to being on stage and making music.”

“I want my music to be heard in every single household, similar to how a fuse is in a plug. That’s what my name is about.”

“I really just try to focus on the music because everything else can be overwhelming. There’s a lot more work to be done and that’s what keeps me grounded.”

“There’s music coming through that’s connecting with the world, and I feel as though the vibe is right for world music to shine and connect with people. From a UK perspective, I’m really happy to be able to be connecting with people at home and aboard.”

“To me, the music is a vehicle to speak to people. Once you put me on that stage, I make sure the message comes. I’ll give advice to people on how to better their life. I’m like, ‘Yo, be proud of who you are.’ I’m blessed to be able to get into so many different venues and try to connect with people.”

“The Afrobeat scene is part of people feeling proud to be African. Back in the day it wasn’t this cool to be African. It’s kinda changed now and the Afrobeats scene has played a part in that.”

“I’ve had to do a lot of DIY – learning to do things myself – as a lot of people have let me down. You might be working with someone but if they don’t share that same passion or vision then they can slow you down. Anyone can be creative, just as long as they’re willing to take control and drive themselves.”

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