Opanka Reflects On Life Abroad And The Message Behind NO MERCY

Ghanaian rapper, Opanka, has opened up about the evolution of his fan base, the realities of pursuing music while living abroad, and the inspiration behind his latest single, NO MERCY, during an in-depth conversation on Culture Daily.

From reflections on fandom culture to candid insights about value, visibility and survival in the music industry, the artiste offered a rare, unfiltered look into the challenges facing Ghanaian musicians navigating global spaces.

Opanka revealed that he was among the early artistes to intentionally build a named fan base, popularly known as the Opanka Army. While the idea was originally rooted in appreciation and community, he acknowledged that fandom culture has since evolved.

“We created it for a good purpose, because without the fans, we don’t exist,” he explained. “But now, people have taken it too far.”

Despite the challenges, Opanka maintains that fan engagement remains central to an artiste’s survival, even as boundaries continue to blur in today’s digital music culture.

Now splitting his time between Ghana and the United States, Opanka acknowledged that relocating has both expanded his audience and distanced him from his core fan base at home.

“It’s taken me away from the army, but it’s also brought me closer to a different market.”

While recording and releasing music remains unaffected by geography, he noted that physical presence still matters for interviews, performances and industry conversations. Areas where absence can easily translate into invisibility.

“If I’m not here, I won’t be part of conversations like this. Zoom is never the same.”

Opanka was particularly candid about the financial and structural challenges Ghanaian artistes face within diaspora communities. According to him, many promoters undervalue artistes who live abroad, often using proximity as a reason to reduce performance fees.

“When they know you live there, they don’t want to pay you properly. They feel like they’re doing you a favour.”

To counter this, Opanka admitted to deliberately keeping his residence discreet in certain markets to preserve perceived value, an approach inspired by observing how legendary artistes like Daddy Lumba maintained mystique even while living outside Ghana.

Opanka’s latest single, NO MERCY, marks the beginning of a new musical chapter. Describing the song as a reflection of lived experience, he explained that it addresses betrayal, power shifts and emotional accountability.

“Some people had the chance to help me and didn’t. When the tables turned, they wanted sympathy.” The message, he said, is simple: “If you don’t show me love when you have the chance, don’t expect mercy when things change.”

As Opanka steps into this new era, his message is clear: value your craft, protect your worth and move with intention.