Music groups can’t survive in today’s Ghana – Kenkubii

THE Ghanaian music industry has seen its fair share of dynamic groups rise and fall — from Praye, Dobble, Ruff N Smooth, Wutah to D3 just to mention a few.

Some enjoyed blazing moments of fame before drifting apart, while others quietly faded into solo acts, with some of them now thriving on their own.

For singer and songwriter Kenkubii, real name, Komlaga Justice Komla, this cycle is no accident.

The former member of the award-winning group Brada Yawda believes the current music environment simply doesn’t favour the survival of music groups.

According to him, the Ghanaian music economy is structured in a way that gives solo acts more visibility and opportunities to grow compared to groups.

“It’s already difficult to manage one artiste, let alone a group”, he told the Graphic Showbiz in an exclusive interview on Monday, October 20, 2025.

“Without a proper industry setup and strong management, sustaining a group becomes nearly impossible.

 “We’re also in a different era, which obviously isn’t favouring groups. There are some things we can’t do anything about. Be ready to accept the change because that’s also part of growth’, he added.

Kenkubii explained that while teamwork, discipline and loyalty are key to keeping groups together, they are not enough without solid systems behind the scenes.

 “Discipline and loyalty weren’t issues for us, but I think if we had a proper industry setup with good people to help manage artistes, things would have been better and easier,” he said.

He added that audience preferences have shifted, with fans and record labels now gravitating toward solo performers.

“Back in the day, groups did way better because the support was there and it was a trend. Today, the interest in groups has declined drastically. Even record labels hardly invest in them anymore. It discourages younger acts because there’s no motivation,” he lamented.

Reflecting on Brada Yawda’s split, Kenkubii said the decision to go solo was mutual and rooted in growth rather than conflict or fame.

 “We decided to go our separate ways based on mutual respect and understanding. Some journeys come to an end to make way for new ones. For us, this was the right time,” he explained.

Despite the breakup, there’s no bad blood. Kenkubii insists that the bond with his former groupmate remains strong, it goes beyond music.

 “Neither of us walked away in anger. Our separation was based on mutual respect and understanding. I can call my brother anytime, any day. Our unity goes beyond performing together, it’s deeper than music,” he shared.

Now charting his own path, Kenkubii is building a distinct sound he describes as “Afrobeat-Highlife-Borborbor fusion” — a blend that reflects his heritage while appealing to global audiences.

His upcoming single, Hyira Me, is set for release later this year and promises to showcase his signature mix of rhythm, soul and storytelling.

“Going solo is a big step for me, but it’s also the best way to fully express the sound I believe in. I want to carve a unique identity, stay true to my roots and still connect with the wider world,” he said.

While optimistic about his new journey, Kenkubii hopes the Ghanaian industry will evolve to better support both solo artistes and groups.

“It’s not a one-man thing. We all have a role to play. With proper structures, both solo acts and groups can thrive,” he concluded.