Volta Region Rapper Opens Up Ahead of Ice Cold EP Release
Keeny Ice, one of the leading voices from Ghana’s Volta Region, has spoken candidly about the challenges of language discrimination in the Ghanaian music industry. In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio and DJ Slim, the Steeze hitmaker revealed that he once had a song rejected by a radio station simply because it was performed in Ewe, his native language.
“I went to a radio station and somebody told me, ‘We can’t play an Ewe song. I don’t understand what you say in the song,’” Keeny Ice recounted.
The Language Dilemma: Is Ghanaian Music Truly Inclusive?
Ewe, Dagbani, and Other Languages Face Industry Hurdles
Keeny Ice highlighted a long-standing concern—that non-Akan languages like Ewe or Dagbani are often sidelined in mainstream Ghanaian music. According to him, the dominance of Twi, Fante, and other Akan dialects, which account for nearly 70% of popular airplay, makes it difficult for artists from other linguistic backgrounds to gain national traction.
Despite being Ewe himself, Keeny Ice shared that he adapts his language choices based on the type of song he’s creating. Some of his songs contain no Ewe lyrics at all, demonstrating his versatility.
The Shift From Rap to Singing: A Business Move
“Rap Doesn’t Always Pay the Bills”
Keeny Ice also addressed the industry’s shift from traditional rap to Afrobeats and danceable tunes, noting that the transition is often driven by financial motivations.
“When Kula was rapping, he only got compliments. But when money and deals come in, it’s the Afrobeat artistes who benefit.”
He referenced fellow artist King Paluta, pointing out that the rapper’s current success may not have materialized if he hadn’t diversified his sound.
“Imagine if Dr. Bawumia wanted to offer King Paluta a deal—he wouldn’t do it if Paluta was still only rapping,” Keeny added.
To survive in today’s climate, Keeny Ice says he strategically releases commercial hits while occasionally dropping hardcore rap tracks to stay true to his roots.
“I’ve even done electronic dance music before,” he said, underscoring his artistic flexibility.
Pay Disparity and Event Booking Bias
Singers Earn More Than Rappers
Keeny Ice also touched on pay inequality within the music industry. According to him, event organizers typically favor singers over rappers, both in terms of billing priority and payment.
“Even if they put you on a show, if they give the singers 100,000 cedis, maybe you’ll get 15,000 cedis.”
This systemic bias, he explains, is yet another reason why many Ghanaian rappers are pivoting toward commercial, danceable sounds to stay competitive.
Upcoming EP: Ice Cold Drops May 30, 2025
Fans of Keeny Ice can look forward to his new EP, Ice Cold, scheduled for release on May 30, 2025. Known for hits like Deja Vu, Sound Check, My Way, Hedze, Aya, and Steeze, Keeny continues to push boundaries with his storytelling, lyrical power, and ability to adapt in an evolving music scene.