FOR musician Safo Newman, success is not about fame or applause. What matters more to him is what he leaves behind.
The artiste, whose songs Akokoa, Heart Into Brain and But If I Die have reached listeners beyond Ghana, wants to make music that still means something long after his active career is over.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, Safo said the response to his music abroad has strengthened his belief that a good song can cross language and borders.
"When people can relate to the emotions and message in a song, they can connect with it regardless of where they come from," he said.
The growing recognition has not changed what he sees as the bigger picture, which is building a lasting musical legacy.
"The end goal is not to feel celebrated but to look back someday and know that I left good works behind," he said.
That outlook is also why Safo is open to performing at more international corporate and private events, which he sees as a way to bring his music to wider audiences.
"I'm very open to that. A lot of my songs suit such settings and events, and I believe they can work well in different spaces.”
“So, if the opportunity comes, I would definitely be open to exploring it and letting my music reach more people through those platforms," he said.
One such opportunity came recently, when he performed for Latvian businessman Aldis Ozols in Accra.
The performance followed a call in September by Zefix Auto Parts, a company associated with Aldis, for artistes to submit songs for its brand. Safo was among those who entered, and his song was selected.
“It was a great opportunity for me because it showed that the work I was putting into my music could also fit into a commercial space and connect with a brand,” he said.
For Safo, being picked from several entries meant a lot to him.
"It gave me the feeling that the work I was putting into my music was being recognised," he said.
He described the performance as relaxed, largely because of Aldis' easy-going nature. He added that the businessman later went live on TikTok to thank him for the music.
Even with these opportunities, his focus on creating music that will have a life beyond his career has not shifted.
“For me, it is about creating music that has meaning, connects with people and will still be remembered even when I am no longer actively making music.”
“That is what would make me feel fulfilled as an artiste,” he added.
