Blakk Rasta
Blakk Rasta | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Abubakar Ahmed |
| Also known as | Blakk Rasta |
| Born | 2 September 1974 Tamale, Ghana |
| Genres | Reggae, Kuchoko |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, radio presenter |
| Years active | 1999–present |
Blakk Rasta (born Abubakar Ahmed, 2 September 1974) is a Ghanaian reggae and Kuchoko musician, dub poet, and radio presenter. He is known for blending reggae with indigenous African instruments in a style he calls Kuchoko.[1] He currently hosts programs on Accra-based 3FM under Media General.[2]
He gained national attention with the 2008 single "Barack Obama", released during Barack Obama’s U.S. presidential campaign.[3]
Musical style
Blakk Rasta’s musical style, Kuchoko, is a fusion of reggae rhythms with indigenous African sounds, incorporating instruments such as the xylophone, talking drum, kologo, kora, flutes, and various percussive elements.[4] His work often explores themes of African identity, justice, spirituality, and social commentary.
Career
Abubakar Ahmed was born in Tamale, Ghana, and began his professional music career in the early 2000s. He worked as a reggae DJ and hosted several radio shows, including the mid-morning program Taxi Driver on Hitz 103.9 FM.[5]
He later joined Zylofon FM in 2017, where he hosted the same program until 2021.[6] After leaving Zylofon FM, he continued broadcasting on Class FM and on his YouTube platform, Blakk Media Empire.[7]
In 2025, Blakk Rasta revived his community initiative Kuchoko in the Ghetto, organizing street activations in Nima and Fadama to promote social responsibility through music and live performances.[8]
Blakk Rasta continues to appear in national media discourse, including commentary on cultural and political issues.[9]
Inspiration
He has cited Jamaican dub poets Mutabaruka, DYCR, and Linton Kwesi Johnson as key influences on his writing and performance.[10]
Honors and awards
- 2011 – Voted Radio Reggae Show Host of the Year at the Ghana Radio and TV Awards (RTP Awards).[11]
- 2013 – Nominated for seven BASS Awards, including works featuring Jah Amber.[12]
Selected Discography
Singles
- "Barack Obama"[13]
- "Mallam Tonga"[14]
- "Bloody Museveni" (featuring Bobi Wine)[15]
- "Piano Logoligi"[16]
Albums
References
- ↑ "Album Review: Kuchoko Revolution". GhanaWeb. 2017.
- ↑ "3FM 92.7 – Media General". 3News.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta's Obama Theme Song in Ghana". HuffPost. 2009.
- ↑ "Music Review: Blakk Rasta's Kuchoko Revolution". ModernGhana.
- ↑ "BLAKK RASTA – Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2022-05-28.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta leaving Zylofon after 4 years". GhanaWeekend. 29 December 2021.
- ↑ "Blakk Media Empire – YouTube".
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta revives 'Kuchoko in the Ghetto' with vibrant street activations in Nima, Fadama". ModernGhana. November 2025.
- ↑ "You are a huge disgrace to journalism – Blakk Rasta slams Oheneba Boamah". GhanaWeb. 2025.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta (Ghana) – Music Time in Africa". Voice of America. 13 October 2019.
- ↑ "Sefa Kayi Rules The Airwaves at RTP Awards". GhanaWeb. 27 June 2011.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta grateful for his 7 BASS Awards nominations". Ghanamotion. 13 June 2013.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta's Obama Theme Song". HuffPost. 12 August 2009.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta Drops Monster Banger 'Mallam Tonga'". ModernGhana.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta features Bobi Wine". GhanaWeb. 2 February 2021.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta drops Piano Logoligi". MyJoyOnline. 18 October 2021.
- ↑ "Music Review: Blakk Rasta's Kuchoko Revolution". ModernGhana.
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta launches Timbuktu by Road". GhanaWeb. 6 November 2019.[dead link]
- ↑ "Blakk Rasta – Salaga Soljah".
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