Entertainment
M.anifest Shifts Focus, Says Rap Beef No Longer a Priority
Veteran Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has offered a reflective perspective on rap rivalry, saying he is no longer driven by “rap beef” as a central element of his music career, pointing instead to growth, maturity, and increased responsibility.
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey on his show posted on X, the award-winning lyricist explained that his approach to rap competition has evolved significantly over the years.
He referenced his widely discussed lyrical exchange with fellow rapper Sarkodie on the 2016 record GodMC, describing it as a major moment that influenced how he now views competitive rap interactions. According to him, experiences like that shaped a shift in priorities as he progressed in his career.
M.anifest noted that although hip-hop culture continues to thrive on lyrical sparring and sharp wordplay, his current phase in music comes with a more measured outlook. He emphasized that he still values lyrical excellence but is less inclined toward full-scale confrontational exchanges.
“We are older now, so one is still fierce with the pen, but you take on a different role. It would take a lot for somebody to pull me into that realm of things, outside of just regular braggadocio or one or two shots,” he said.
He further explained that any serious lyrical confrontation today would require deeper reflection, especially considering the influence artists now have beyond music, particularly among younger audiences and emerging creatives.
“I’ve never been a battle rapper. I was just someone who could engage that way on records. It’s still possible, but that time has largely passed. Never say never,” he added.
The rapper also highlighted that any future participation in rap exchanges would be shaped more by principle and context rather than ego-driven rivalry, noting that his current outlook is influenced by his roles as a father and an industry figure.
“The way I am, and because I’m for the culture, I haven’t ruled it out completely. It’s still a possibility, but it might look different now because times have changed. We are becoming more responsible human beings,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions in Ghana’s hip-hop space about how established artists navigate competition, legacy, and evolving expectations within the genre, where lyrical exchanges still surface occasionally across records and social media spaces.
Fashion entrepreneur Richard Brown, popularly known as Osebo the Zaraman, has thrown his full support behind Kwadwo Safo Akofena following the reading of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s will and the Accra High Court proceedings regarding the leadership succession of the church.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing at the Accra High Court on July 6, 2026, Osebo stated that the late Apostle had made his intentions unmistakably clear in his will by appointing his son, Kwadwo Safo Jnr., also known as Akofena, to succeed him as the leader of the church. According to him, the contents of the will leave no room for disputes or differing interpretations.
Osebo said he fully accepts the late founder’s decision, emphasizing that no one has the authority to challenge or alter the wishes of a man who clearly documented his intentions before his passing.
“When the will was read, he was the one who was chosen to lead the church. As Papa has spoken, as I said, my answer is yes, and my answer is no. No one can destroy my mind. If Papa has spoken for all of us to hear, who am I to disagree with that?”
He further noted that if the late Apostle decided to bequeath all his properties and assets to Kwadwo Safo Akofena, he sees no reason to object and will fully support that decision.
“If our father has willed all his properties to Akofena, I have no objection. We will all support him fully.”
Osebo stressed that every member of the church should unite behind the decision made by the late founder rather than create unnecessary divisions. He explained that his role is simply that of a church member and that he is prepared to support Kwadwo Safo in whatever capacity is required.
“I’m just a member of the church. We will all support Kwadwo and do whatever is expected of us.”
He also revealed that his current position is consistent with statements he made before the contents of the will became public. According to him, he had previously stated in interviews that if the will named Kwadwo Safo Akofena as the sole beneficiary and successor, he would wholeheartedly support the decision without hesitation.
“In one of my previous interviews, I said that when they reveal Papa’s will, and it states that he has given everything to Kwadwo, we will support him.”
Osebo concluded by emphasizing that maintaining peace and unity within the church should be everyone’s foremost priority. He insisted that no one has the right to overturn or question the late founder’s final wishes, urging all members and followers to respect the decisions documented in the will.
“All we want is peace. He’s our father, and no one can make decisions for him. As he has said, he gave everything to Kwadwo Safo Akofena; we have nothing to say,” he added.
It has been 12 years since Ghanaian hiplife artist Theophilus Tagoe, popularly known as Castro, went missing, leaving behind one of the most haunting mysteries in the country’s music history.
Castro, born in 1982 in Takoradi, rose to fame in the early 2000s with hit songs such as “Sradinam” and later became a dominant force in Ghana’s hiplife and Azonto era. Known for his powerful vocals and energetic performances, he collaborated frequently with top acts, including football star Asamoah Gyan, producing popular songs like “African Girls”.
The Day He Disappeared
On 6 July 2014, Castro was on a holiday trip at Ada Estuary with friends, including Asamoah Gyan and others. During the outing, Castro and a female companion, Janet Bandu, went jet skiing on the Volta River estuary.
What was meant to be a recreational ride turned tragic when the two failed to return to shore. Panic quickly set in, and a search and rescue operation was launched involving marine police and local authorities.
Despite intensive efforts, the jet ski was recovered, but no bodies were ever found.
In the days and weeks that followed, hopes remained high that Castro might still be found alive. However, repeated searches yielded no breakthrough. Authorities later classified the case as a presumed drowning, though no final closure was ever publicly confirmed.
Over the years, the incident sparked widespread debate, theories, and emotional tributes from fans across Ghana and beyond. His father and close associates maintained hope for some time, while the music industry struggled to accept the uncertainty.
12 Years Later: Legacy of a Lost Star
Today, 12 years on, Castro remains a symbol of both musical greatness and unresolved tragedy. His songs continue to receive airplay, and his influence is still felt in Ghana’s contemporary music scene.
For many fans, he is not just remembered for his disappearance, but for the vibrant energy he brought to hiplife music and the unforgettable collaborations that defined an era.
The disappearance of Castro at Ada Foah remains one of Ghana’s most tragic and unresolved entertainment stories.
Twelve years later, the mystery endures — but so does his legacy. Through his music, performances, and impact on hiplife, Castro continues to live on in the memories of fans across Ghana and beyond.
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has earned widespread praise from fans after proudly waving a giant Ghana flag during his electrifying performance at the Afro Nation Festival in Portugal.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the award-winning singer performing on stage while holding the oversized Ghanaian flag high above his head. Throughout his set, Burna Boy kept the flag with him, drawing loud cheers from the crowd as he entertained thousands of festivalgoers.
The gesture quickly sparked admiration online, with many fans applauding the artiste for showing love and respect to Ghana. Others described the moment as a powerful symbol of the enduring cultural connection between Ghana and Nigeria.
Several social media users also praised Burna Boy for recognizing and embracing his strong Ghanaian fan base on an international platform.
The video has since generated widespread reactions across social media, with many hailing the performance as one of the standout moments of the festival and celebrating the singer’s display of unity and appreciation for Ghana.
video credit@xghana
“We Will All Support Him” – Osebo Endorses Kwadwo Safo Akofena After Will Reading
12 Years On: The Mysterious Disappearance of Ghanaian Music Star Castro
Burna Boy Applauded for Waving Giant Ghana Flag at Afro Nation Portugal
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