Ghanaian artist Chief One, whose real name is Michael Ivan Nyagamagu, has shared how he has transformed the narrative of language in the music industry. According to an interview with Amansan Krakye, the artist has successfully been able to create music that people can vibe to, even if they don’t understand his Ewe language.
“Even if you can’t hear my language you’ll still vibe with my songs,” he told the interviewer. The Toyota singer’s music has been enjoyed in countries such as the USA, Canada, Costa Rica, and even in Cape Coast, where Ewe is not commonly spoken.
Despite his Ewe language, which is not as widely spoken as Akan, Twi, or Ga, Chief One claims that he has been able to use it effectively. “I used the Ewe how we’re supposed to use it and I normally say that Ewe will be the ish at the right time so for me it’s a process. Music itself is a language so that’s all I believe in that”, he explained.
Chief One’s contribution to the music industry has not gone unnoticed, with his unique style earning him a nomination for “Best New Artiste” at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA). Although he ultimately lost out to Lasmid, the singer of “Friday Night”, Chief One’s music continues to be enjoyed by many.
As an artist, Chief One has been able to carve out his own niche by using Ewe language to create music that resonates with people from all backgrounds. His success shows that language doesn’t have to be a barrier in the music industry, and that with the right approach, any language can be used effectively to create great music.
