Hip-life legend Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko, popularly known as Obrafour, has said “beef” in the music industry is not entirely bad provided the musicians involved keep it decent.
He said when it is well done, it could serve as a catalyst for the growth of the industry.
The veteran rap sensation recollected his heydays when he also had exchanges with Lord Kenya, noting that rap battles, what many call beef, is only acceptable if it is not reduced to insults but rather “punching holes” in what the opponent says.
His comments come on the back of beefs in the Ghanaian music industry with the latest being between former Sarkcess Music signee Strongman and VGMA Rapper of the Year, Medikal.
Though the two rappers are enjoying a lot of praise from their fans, there is a sense of worry from some pundits that it has become personal, something Strongman admits.
Having been in the game for two decades, Obrafour is of the opinion that beefs should not be personal.
“Beef or whatever you call it, it’s a part of the game [but] when people abuse, attack others, descend into the gutters, it is a no-no for me,” he told Johnnie Hughes on TV3’s New Day.
Talking about the secret behind his success in the music industry, he observed his ability to write songs that last a lifetime is a talent.
“Any time I sit behind a piece of paper to write it just flows, I think it is a gift from God.”
Obrafour also revealed that his Christian background influences the kind of lyrics he writes in his music.
According to him, he has always been mindful of the biblical saying: ‘We will account for what we say” and that he says informs his utterances on the music stage.
Obrafour will be holding a show in November to celebrate his achievements in the industry.
He took the opportunity to disclose the launch of his foundation, dedicated to rural education, observing that the gap between rural and urban education was wide.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana