From mockery to mastery: OgeeTheMC’s hype story
THE lyrics of Jamie N Commons’ ‘Where There’s a Will There’s a Way’ may well have been the inspiration Bright Fosu Danquah, better known as OgeeTheMC, needed when he ventured into a career path largely alien to Ghana’s entertainment industry more than a decade ago.
At the time, the role of a hype man, a staple in global Hip-Hop culture and already thriving in Nigeria, was virtually unknown in Ghana. It wasn’t until an encounter with Dancehall star Stonebwoy in 2012, followed by deeper collaborations, that Ogee officially embraced the role in 2014 as Stonebwoy’s full-time hype man.
His mission was clear: channel energy, charisma, and crowd-reading skills to ignite audiences, while motivating Stonebwoy to deliver seamless performances. But this vision was far from understood in the early days.
OgeeTheMC was mocked by critics who didn't understand the concept of a dedicated hypeman. But he didn't let that discourage him, and today, he's reaping the fruits of his craft.
It has been over a decade, and Ogee stands tall, having performed on local stages to international arenas such as London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, Reggae Geel, Afro Nation, and Electric Brixton, Ogee adding a refreshing touch to Stonebwoy's performances.
In a sit-down with Daily Graphic recently, the graduate of Takoradi Technical University recounted his journey, giving thanks to his spirit of resilience to pursue his ambitions.
“OgeeTheMC is popular because of my craft as a hype man. Today, many of our musicians get to perform with hype men, but that wasn’t the case a few years ago.
“I was really mocked when I started as Stonebwoy’s hype man. People told me to my face that I was wasting my time on one artiste. But I looked at the future, and with Stonebwoy’s support, the story of the hype man in Ghana has completely changed.
“With Stonebwoy’s support for my vision, the story of hype man business has changed in Ghana’s entertainment industry, and the evidence showed at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards(TGMA).
“Almost all the artistes performed with a hype man, proof that the craft has grown in space,” he said.
The Stonebwoy Collaboration
OgeeTheMC and Stonebwoy have formed a strong duo, electrifying audiences with their synergy. Performing at venues such as London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, Reggae Geel, Afro Nation, and Electric Brixton, OgeeTheMC brings a refreshing touch to Stonebwoy's shows, proving that the right voice can indeed amplify greatness.
Ogee said their partnership has been a game-changer, showcasing Stonebwoy's signature sound and his hyping skills.
He mentioned this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) and Stonebwoy’s Torcher EP as notable performances and collaborations he would forever cherish.
Before Stonebwoy's performance at the TGMA, he(Ogee) took the centre stage alone, dressed in black and delivered a poetic recital that left the audience in awe.
His words traced Stonebwoy's music journey, from the streets of Ashaiman to the world stage. When Stonebwoy emerged on the stage, the transition from his spoken word to the live music performance was seamless. An art that seemed well appreciated from the thunderous cheers that echoed through the auditorium at that moment.
“At the TGMA, I delivered a poetic recital before Stonebwoy's performance, setting the tone for a seamless transition to his performance. The feedback has been positive, and I can say it is my most memorable.
“It all started when I had the idea, so I discussed it with Stone, and he took a look at it. He was impressed with it and agreed to do that on stage, and the outcome was massive. The feedback has been encouraging,” he said.
But then again, this year, Ogee and Stonebwoy’s working relationship moved beyond the stage. The former’s voice was added to Stonebwoy’s new ‘Torcher’ EP, released this month.
Hear him on the experience. “I laid my fingerprints on the intro, adding depth and soul to Stonebwoy's signature sound. I’m very grateful to him for this opportunity,” he said. But before Stonebwoy, was Ogee/Ebony partnership.
Discovering Ebony Reigns
One of the most defining chapters in Ogee’s journey was his early encounter with the late Ebony Reigns. Their first meeting was at a club event where legendary music group VIP was hosting a show. Ogee noticed a young woman with undeniable charisma.
He told Daily Graphic he spotted her talent before the world could spot the gem she was.
“It felt like someone I already knew. We built a good relationship and from there, she started sending her songs to me. I was stunned by the raw power of her voice and not surprised she became that big within the short time," he said.
Advocating for Change
Interestingly, OgeeTheMC isn’t just about hyping stages; he's advocating for structural change, calling for major events in Ghana to expand beyond Accra.
He believes decentralising events will unlock talents in places across the regions, giving artistes the visibility they deserve.
“Accra isn’t Ghana. There are both talented artistes and audience across the country who want to enjoy good entertainment, and I want to encourage event organisers not to be limited to Accra,” he said.
Having worked with Stonebwoy for over a decade, he told Daily Graphic they have built a strong bond that could not be broken.
“I won’t say we haven’t had issues. We do, but I have come to understand that there are always conflicts in human relationships, but I have vowed to myself to ensure that nothing will break my union with him. This is the positive mind I have and I’m living by it”, he noted.
In view of creating a legacy, Ogee plans to empower the youth with his upcoming workshop dubbed 'The MCs Workshop' next month.
The workshop, he said, aims at positioning young talents well enough with the requisite knowledge to take up viable MC or hypeman jobs in the industry.
