La forty Talks Inspiration And New Music

Emerging artiste, La forty, is steadily carving a space for himself in Ghana’s music scene, blending resilience, culture and sound into a story that resonates far beyond the studio.

During a recent appearance on Culture Daily, the fast-rising act opened up about his unconventional journey into music. One shaped by migration, survival and an unrelenting belief in his purpose.

To survive, La forty turned to the thriving thrift business, sourcing and selling clothing from markets like Kantamanto. With as little as GHS 400, he explains, one can build a sustainable income stream, an insight that reflects both his entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability.

“Sometimes it’s good, sometimes not,” he said of the business. “But you learn how to survive.”

This hustle became the foundation that sustained him long enough to rediscover his passion for music.

La forty’s musical roots trace back to his childhood, influenced by his father, a former musician. Though he had long nurtured an interest in singing particularly in church, it wasn’t until his time in Ghana that music became a lifeline.

His breakthrough moment came unexpectedly during his first studio session, where a supporter, identified as “Brother Mike,” recognized his potential and began sponsoring his recordings.

“I’m a child of music,” La forty shared. “That’s what saved me.”

Despite his Nigerian background, La forty’s music leans heavily into Ghanaian highlife, infused with Afrofusion elements.

Drawing inspiration from African legends like Fela Kuti, La forty embraces a pan-African identity, describing himself not as a Nigerian or Ghanaian artiste, but as “an African artiste.”

La forty recently released his EP, Out of the Dust, a title that mirrors his personal journey from hardship to hope. The project is currently available across streaming platforms, with standout tracks like Waistline gaining attention.

With support from platforms like 3Music TV, La forty is now focused on expanding his reach and sharing his story with a global audience.

“I need exposure,” he said simply. “I want my message to reach the world.”

La forty’s journey is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. From navigating a failed migration plan to building a business and launching a music career in a foreign country, his story reflects the realities of many young Africans and the power of perseverance.