Gonaboy, a rising star in the Ghanaian trap music scene, has been making waves with his unique sound and authenticity. Born Abdul Razak Mumin Gona, the artist’s stage name is derived from his real name. Following the viral success of his debut song ‘ABELE’ in October 2023, Gonaboy has proven that he is not a one-hit wonder. His latest single, Raggae, is currently making its rounds, and it is clear that the young artist is just getting started.
In an exclusive interview on Radio Univers’ At The Dj’s Mercy on 29th November, 2024, Gonaboy opened up about his journey into music, his creative process, and his vision for the future. “Loneliness is what made me start music,” he said. Recalling his childhood, he described how his mother would buy him small tapes and a disc player, which he would use to listen to music.
“You would be trying to catch up with the music around you. Yes, it was just loneliness that made me love music making.”
An ambivert by nature, Gonaboy finds a balance between his introverted and extroverted sides, a quality that allows him to pour his emotions into his music, which resonates with a wide audience.
When asked about the inspiration behind ABELE, he explained,
“Where I am from, Abele is like ice cream, but it’s not the normal ice cream that we see around now. It’s sometimes in a cup, sometimes too it’s tied in a rubber. So those days, after school, if you happen to not have coins for Abele, you would be very sad.”
The song, which became an anthem on the streets, is a nostalgic tribute to this childhood treat, symbolizing a deeper connection to his roots (Techiman) and the experiences of everyday life.
Gonaboy shared how it felt to see ABELE explode into a street anthem, saying it was a sign that more music was needed for the streets.
“It was a signal that there is more music for me to make so that the streets enjoy me more,” he reflected.
Speaking about his music-making process, Gonaboy emphasized that the moment must feel right before he records.
“Before I record, I need to feel it. The moment should be right. It should come out right. I should feel like this is the time to be singing these particular lyrics. Because if I am sad, I will make you people sad through my music. If I am happy, I will make you feel happy, and if I feel like fighting the beat too, same.”
His latest single, Raggae, delves into the struggles many face when trying to break free from toxic patterns.
“As a man, sometimes you feel like you are doing something which is not right, and you are stuck, and you want to stop this and go another way, but you still find your way around it. Fighting it.”
However, Gonaboy cautioned that some themes in his songs should not be emulated by listeners, as they may not always work out in their favor.
When asked about his musical influences, Gonaboy named some of the biggest names in Ghanaian music. His top five include Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, and, of course, himself.
Reflecting on the state of the Ghanaian music industry, he described it as one that is still developing. However, he believes there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to how new artists are received.
“We should always try to welcome the artists and their sounds. The genres in music are too broad, so if something different is coming from Ghana, we should give it a way to mature. Sometimes we don’t pay attention to it. We have a lot of great talents, but we don’t pay attention to it,” he explained.
Currently a student at the University of Ghana, pursuing a degree in Psychology, Gonaboy balances his academic life with his growing music career. His motivation comes from a strong determination to complete his education while continuing to pursue his passion. He encouraged other artists to stay committed to both their studies and their craft.
Gonaboy also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from established figures in the music industry, including Fameye, Black Sherif, Kwesi Arthur and Kojo Fans, who have shown him love both on social media and in person following the success of ABELE.
Looking ahead, Gonaboy is focused on his growth as an artist.
“I am still working, and in the next few years, I anticipate performing on all the big stages of the world,” he said confidently.
With his unique sound, raw talent, and determination, Gonaboy is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the coming years. The future looks bright for this trap Ghanaian artist, and we can expect more hit tracks to come.
Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | univers.ug.edu.gh
