Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese has sparked fresh debate in the music industry after claiming that some artistes who started out as rappers were never naturally suited to the genre.
Speaking during an interview on Hitz FM on February 16, 2026, the outspoken musician argued that several performers only discovered their true artistic identity after experimenting with rap.
According to him, peer pressure and influence from those around them pushed some musicians into rap, even though their natural gift lay in singing.
“They are not original. If they turn into singers, it allows the rappers to cash out. To me, I do not think Kofi Kinaata and King Paluta were born to rap; they were born to sing. Rap was forced on them because of peer pressure and the people around them,” Kwaw Kese stated.
He maintained that once such artistes recognise their strengths and embrace their natural talents, their careers often experience significant growth. In his view, transitioning to singing allowed some musicians to unlock their full potential and connect better with audiences.
“When they realised their true talent is singing, they never went back to rapping, and they are thriving. Now, if Kofi is rapping, people will not enjoy it the way they enjoy him singing. That is his true calling, and sometimes it takes time to discover what you are truly meant to do,” he explained.
Citing King Paluta as a prime example, Kwaw Kese suggested that the artiste’s recent surge in popularity is closely tied to fully embracing his singing abilities.
“Take King Paluta, he was rapping for years. But when he discovered his true calling, which is singing, he blew up. It is not about originality. He was born with that gift but did not realise it at first. He was simply navigating rap until he understood that he was not on the right path,” he added.
His comments have since generated mixed reactions within Ghana’s music community. While some fans agree that artistic evolution is a natural part of growth, others argue that versatility across genres should not be interpreted as a lack of originality.
The discussion has also reignited conversations about the pressures young artistes face when choosing a genre, particularly in an industry where trends, peer influence, and commercial viability often shape career decisions.
As the debate continues, Kwaw Kese’s remarks highlight a broader issue in the creative space — the journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes for artistes to embrace their authentic musical identity.
Kwaw Kese Says Some Rappers Were Meant to Sing