On February 7th, rising Ghanaian artist Lesdo sat down for an exclusive interview on At The DJ’s Mercy on Radio Univers, where he opened up about his musical journey, inspirations, challenges, and future plans. Known for his unique fusion of hip-hop, afrobeats, dancehall, and highlife, Lesdo is carving out a distinct space for himself in the industry.
“I make afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall. Mostly, it’s more like a fusion—I like to mix everything in my music. So when you listen, you’ll hear bits of all these elements,” he explained.
The Journey into Music
Lesdo’s musical journey dates back to his junior high school (JHS) days when he and his friends would freestyle over beats played on school tables. However, he took a professional leap in 2017, recording his first song. While he acknowledges his early work, he admits that his growth as an artist makes his initial tracks feel like a stepping stone to his current artistry.
Now, he is gearing up for the release of his upcoming EP, a project he believes will showcase his evolution in the industry.
The Inspiration Behind the Music
Lesdo credits Ghanaian artist Gidochi as one of his early inspirations. Reminiscing about their time together, he shared how their playful rap sessions sparked his passion for music.
“Those times, Gidochi used to come to my house to play FIFA. Whenever he scored, he would pause the game and spit some raps. I used to steal his raps and perform them at school as if they were mine,” he said with a laugh. “He is one of my inspirations for doing music.”
The Art of Holding Back Music
Like many artists, Lesdo has experienced moments of hesitation when it comes to releasing certain songs. He believes that some songs require the right timing and the right level of growth before they can be put out into the world.
“Sometimes, you feel like certain songs are bigger than you. You look at yourself and think, ‘No, I need to reach a certain level before I drop this.’ There are songs I’ve released that I now wish I had waited on,” he revealed.
Breaking Down His Latest Single, Mood
Lesdo’s latest release, Mood, is a celebration of life and a reminder to enjoy every moment.
“If you listen to Mood, you’ll understand. It’s all about enjoying life because you never know what tomorrow holds. Have fun and don’t take things too seriously,” he shared.
Interestingly, Mood was initially a freestyle recorded at 2 a.m. in his room. After receiving positive feedback from friends, he decided to refine it into a full track, recognizing its potential.
The Loverboy Side of Lesdo
While Lesdo enjoys creating party anthems, he also taps into his romantic side, infusing elements of love into his music.
“I’m sometimes a loverboy, and it reflects in my songs,” he admitted.
Challenges in the Industry
Like many independent artists, Lesdo faces financial hurdles that make it difficult to promote his music effectively.
“There are a lot of challenges, especially financial ones. If you don’t have money, you can’t push your music the way you want. And getting people to support you isn’t easy either,” he noted.
Despite these obstacles, he remains optimistic, confident in his growth and songwriting abilities.
What’s Next for Lesdo?
This year, Lesdo is determined to stay consistent, promising more releases and collaborations. One of his upcoming tracks features VonDee, a song he strongly believes has the potential to go viral. Additionally, he has his eyes set on working with Arathejay in the near future.
With his talent, passion, and determination, Lesdo is poised to make a lasting impact in the music industry. Fans can expect more exciting projects as he continues to push boundaries and refine his artistry.
Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | univers.ug.edu.gh
