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Ghanaian Hip-Hop Takes Center Stage: Dr. Pushkin, Ataman Nikita, Quata Budukusu & CJ Biggerman Thrill at SXSW 2025

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Ghanaian hip-hop luminary Dr. Pushkin, alongside his collaborators Ataman Nikita, Quata Budukusu and CJ Biggerman, delivered an electrifying performance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 2025. Their dynamic showcase not only captivated the audience but also spotlighted Ghana’s rich musical heritage on the global stage.

 

Dr. Pushkin, known offstage as Paul Azunre, has been a transformative figure in Afro Hip-Hop, seamlessly blending traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary hip-hop rhythms. His journey to SXSW 2025 was marked by a series of notable achievements, including the release of his debut solo album, Outlandish, in 2023. The album received critical acclaim and was featured in his official SXSW 2023 performance, earning him recognition as one of the “Essential SXSW 2023 Acts” by the Austin Chronicle.

 

The momentum continued into 2024 with high-profile collaborations featuring Lyrical Joe, Ko-Jo Cue, and CJ Biggerman, captivating Ghanaian rap fans and trending widely. Anticipation is now building for his upcoming album duology, No Heroes / No Miracles, which boasts features from top-tier artists like Strongman, Eno Barony, Stevo Atambire, B-Wayne, Obibini, and AlaptaWan and Ataman Nikita.

Dr. Pushkin’s brother and a rising star in his own right, have been making waves with his soulful vocals and innovative fusion of Afro Pop and Kologo music. His debut single, “Enigma,” showcased his versatility and set the stage for further collaborations. Notably, his feature on Dr. Pushkin’s track “No Go Go,” alongside Ko-Jo Cue, was a testament to their synergistic artistry.

 

CJ Biggerman, renowned for his lyrical prowess and dynamic stage presence, has been a significant force in Ghana’s hip-hop scene. His collaboration with Dr. Pushkin on the track “Just Watch,” which also featured Taitan, was a monstrous exhibition of talent that resonated with fans and critics alike.

Their collective performance at SXSW 2025 was a highlight of the festival, showcasing a blend of acoustic and traditional hip-hop vibes that celebrated global diversity while proudly representing Ghana. The setlist featured a mix of their collaborative hits and individual tracks, delivering a rich tapestry of sounds that left an indelible mark on the audience.

 

Also gracing the stage was Quata Budukusu, a pioneering force in Ghanaian rap, recognized for his role in creating the tongue-twisting rap style that Sarkodie later popularized. His performance added a unique flavour to the showcase, highlighting the evolution of rapid-fire lyricism in Ghanaian hip-hop.

Dr. Pushkin’s latest single, “Peace,” released ahead of his SXSW appearance, introduces a fresh sound called Kologo Soul. This track blends the traditional Kologo guitar from Ghana with modern hip-hop and R&B influences. The lyrics delve into the complex and fragile nature of peace, with Ataman Nikita offering hopeful melodies while Dr. Pushkin’s verses confront the harsh realities of achieving it. Amidst global unrest, “Peace” seeks to inspire hope, spark reflection, and ground listeners in the ongoing pursuit of a better future.

Instrumentalist Dr. AZA and DJ Selecta Rah supported the electrifying performance, who infused the set with rich live elements and seamless transitions. Adding an international touch, American rapper Wyldthang also made an appearance, delivering a powerful feature that bridged Ghanaian and U.S. hip-hop influences.

Their participation in SXSW 2025 not only elevated their profiles but also served as a beacon for Ghanaian music on the international stage. By infusing traditional Ghanaian elements with contemporary sounds, Dr. Pushkin, Ataman Nikita, and CJ Biggerman are redefining Afro Hip-Hop and paving the way for future artists from the region to gain global recognition.

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Shatta Wale hints at contesting Ablekuma South seat as independent candidate in 2028

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Musician Shatta Wale

Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.

 

He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.

 

According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.

 

“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.

 

Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.

He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.

“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.

The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.

“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.

He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.

“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.

 

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Legendary musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi Accuses Kuami Eugene of Song Theft

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Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.

According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.

Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.

“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.

He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.

When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.

However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.

“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.

Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.

He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.

“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.

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Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba

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Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.

The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.

In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.

“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.

Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.

Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.

Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).

The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.

Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.

Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.

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