“Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata Had No Idea They Were on the ASO Remake” — Kwabena Kwabena Reveals

Ghanaian highlife musician Kwabena Kwabena has offered an in-depth account of the creative journey behind the 20th-anniversary remake of his iconic song ASO. Speaking on Big Convo, the celebrated vocalist discussed the origins of the original track, the early studio culture that shaped his career and the careful selection of Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata for the new version.

Kwabena Kwabena reflected on the demanding nature of studio work in the early 2000s, long before digital home recording became common. Studios such as Hush Hush and Hammer of Da Last Two served as key hubs for emerging artistes, often operating at full capacity.

According to him, access to studio time was strictly rotational, creating an environment where persistence and readiness were essential. “Studios were always full. You waited for your turn. Someone had to finish before you could even enter,” he explained.

He credited producer Hammer of Da Last Two for giving him a strong early foundation, revealing that he provided vocals across several of Hammer’s production works and became a consistent presence on the SOUNDS OF OUT TIME project.

Kwabena Kwabena addressed a common misconception surrounding the timeline of his breakthrough.

He emphasised that his contribution to Ghana’s music scene predates 2005, noting that he began recording as early as 2002 through various collaborations and compilation projects.

“Listeners who followed Hammer’s compilations would know I started long before 2005,” he said.

With ASO marking two decades of cultural relevance, the artiste felt it was the right moment to revisit the piece without altering its essence.

The remake aims to honour the original composition while introducing new texture and capturing the growth of Ghanaian music over the years.

Kwabena Kwabena revealed that a lengthy consultation process preceded the final choice of collaborators. He described Stonebwoy as an artiste with exceptional craft and dynamic range across genres.

Kofi Kinaata, he added, was selected for his mastery of lyrical storytelling and his ability to complement the emotional tone of ASO.

He noted that they deliberately avoided including a rapper in the remake, despite the presence of rap in the original, to create a fresh but respectful reinterpretation.

One of the most notable revelations from the interview was Stonebwoy’s rapid turnaround time.

Kwabena Kwabena disclosed that both Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata had no idea they were both on the remake together.

“Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata didn’t know they were on the song” he recounted.

The musician admitted that revisiting a song that holds personal significance presented emotional challenges. Twenty years after its release, it remains one of the most enduring songs in contemporary Ghanaian music.

The anniversary remake, strengthened by the contributions of Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata, reflects Kwabena Kwabena’s commitment to preserving the song’s legacy for future generations.