Lord Kenya is the greatest Ghanaian rapper of all time — Tinny

Veteran Ghanaian rapper Tinny has declared Lord Kenya the greatest rapper to ever emerge from Ghana, describing him as the complete package in terms of style, delivery, and lyrical depth.

Speaking on Hot 93.9FM's Hot Weekend Jam, hosted by DJ Lord Dash, Tinny, born Nii Addo Quaynor, was unequivocal in his verdict. 

"Lord Kenya is my greatest Ghanaian rapper of all time. I like the way he raps, his style, lyrical content, everything. He is the GOAT," he said.

Born Abraham Philip Akpor Kojo Kainya, Lord Kenya rose to prominence as one of the defining voices of Ghana's Hiplife movement. He signed to Slip Music in 1998 and released his debut album, Sika Card, which became an immediate national hit, establishing him as a major talent.

Over the course of his music career, he released seven albums: Sika Card, Sika Baa, Yeesom Sika, Sika Mpo Fane Ho, Akasieni, Born Again, and God Dey, with Yeesom Sika topping the charts in Ghana. His excellence was recognised beyond the country's borders as well: he won the Best Ghanaian Rap Music Award at the Anansekrom Festival in Canada in 2000, and took home Hiplife Album of the Year at the 2001 Ghana Music Awards.

Then, on October 28, 2010, Lord Kenya experienced what he describes as an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and his life took a sharp turn. He embraced Christianity, launched his gospel album Christlife in 2011, and made the striking decision to give up the rights to his entire Hiplife catalogue, stating he had no interest in the royalties. 

He acknowledged the financial difficulty of that choice but expressed no regret, saying he believed it would save his soul.

He now leads the Face of Grace Covenant Temple in Ahodwo, Kumasi, a man who traded one kind of legacy for another, entirely on his own terms.