“Joey B and I are grown men now, what’s there to fight about?” — Pappy Kojo

Ghanaian rapper, Pappy Kojo, is entering a new phase of his artistry. One rooted in authenticity, cultural depth and personal evolution.

In a conversation with the Culture Squad, the Fante Van Damme opened up about his influences, relationships and the direction behind his latest body of work.

For Pappy Kojo, the foundation of his music journey is deeply tied to Ghanaian greats.

“I’m really doing this music thing because of Hammer and Obrafour.”

His admiration for Hammer and Obrafour is reflected in his commitment to lyricism and originality.

Addressing past tensions with Joey B, Pappy Kojo made it clear that growth has taken priority. 

“Joey B and I are grown men now, what’s there to fight about?” It’s a sign of maturity, choosing peace over prolonged industry drama.

With his latest album, CANTATA, the rapper is tapping into nostalgia and cultural richness.“With this album, I wanted to make music that you’ll hear on CANTATA… I wanted to have that rich Ghana sound.”

Referencing Cantata, he signals a deliberate move toward timeless, locally rooted music.

At the core of his process is a strong sense of self. “I want everyone to understand that I do music for myself.”

This mindset frees him from trends and expectations, allowing for more genuine expression.

One of the standout inspirations behind his work came from a personal experience. “I fell in love with a Muslim girl, that’s how the MASALLACI song happened.”

It’s a reminder of how real-life emotions often shape some of the most compelling records.

Pappy Kojo also hinted at a treasure trove of unreleased music with Medikal. 

“Medikal and I made 10 songs together, I have them in the vault.”

A potential goldmine that fans will definitely be watching out for.

The rapper didn’t hold back when it came to giving flowers to the artistes he admired.

“I’ve always wanted to work with Titi Owusu.”I’m a big fan of Keche.”

With Titi Owusu and Keche in his sights, future collaborations could bring exciting new sounds.

From honouring legends to embracing growth and leaning into an authentic Ghanaian identity, Pappy Kojo is clearly moving with intention.