Papi Adabraka Opens Up On Leaving The Stage To Focus On Fresh Material

WRITTEN BY JOSHUA NARH

Rapper, Papi Adabraka says he deliberately stepped away from major performances because he no longer wanted to rely on performing his old hit song Muje Baya (Move Back).

Speaking on Culture Daily on 3Music TV, the former 5Five member said he wanted to focus on creating new music before returning fully to the stage.
“I’ve performed Muje Baya too many times,” he said. “I’m tired. I need new material.”

According to him, repeatedly performing the same song over many years can make an artiste appear stagnant.

“I don’t want it to look like you’re a lazy artiste when you’re on stage performing the same song for 16 years now,” he explained.

Papi revealed that his decision partly explains why he has not recently appeared on some stages alongside dancehall musician Shatta Wale, despite maintaining a close relationship with him.

The rapper said he instead chose to spend time working on his new EP titled Amusudai, a project heavily inspired by his upbringing in Adabraka.

He described the project as a mix of genres including old-school hip hop, dancehall, R&B and Afrobeats.

One of the standout tracks, Back in 95, reflects on his childhood struggles, including growing up without a father figure and surviving difficult economic conditions.

“We used to be five in a single room. “No father figure, so I got to be the breadwinner,” he said while explaining the song’s inspiration.

The rapper also used the interview to encourage younger musicians from Adabraka to continue representing the area in music.

Papi further credited social media, especially TikTok, for helping him reconnect with younger audiences and rebuild momentum around his music career.