King Bala
King Bala
Tchassama Kamssim Razakou (known professionally as King Bala) is a Ghanaian-born recording artist and performer. Though born to Ghanaian parents from Agona Odoben in the Central Region of Ghana, he is widely recognized in Togo due to his use of the Kotokoli (Tem) language in his music.
Early life and education
King Bala was born to Ghanaian parents in Agona Odoben, Central Region, Ghana.[1] He began his schooling at Odoben Islamic School, but was later transferred by his father to Agona Nyakrom Holy Quran School to gain more Islamic knowledge and education.[2] He excelled in both Islamic and English studies.
King Bala was also passionate about football and played for the Holy Quran School soccer team from primary to junior high school. Due to his dribbling skills, he earned the nickname "Ortega" and won several trophies with Nyakrom Holy Quran Primary and JHS.[3]
As a child, he showed interest in music by gathering rubber materials and using sticks to play drums on the street while singing.[4] During his youth, he worked as a trotro driver in Agona Odoben while pursuing music. His lyrics often reflect his roots; in his song Journey to the Moon, he raps: "From Agona Odoben Zongo, we hit the street we digging for Gold."
Career
King Bala began releasing songs in Ghana, with his first track titled Wasilla. He later released other singles including Ghetto Life, This is My Life, and Felila.[5]
Relocation to Togo
King Bala moved to Togo to reach wider audiences who speak Kotokoli (Tem). This relocation helped him gain recognition as a Togolese artist, a title he has embraced.[6]
Interviews and media coverage
He has discussed his upbringing and career journey in interviews with Awesome Africa TV,[7] TVT Togo,[8] and Akanoyo TV.[9]
Musical style and influences
King Bala’s music is rooted in Kotokoli (Tem) language and culture, blended with Afrobeat, hiplife, and Afro-pop rhythms.[10] His upbringing in Agona Odoben Zongo exposed him to traditional drumming and urban Ghanaian street music, influencing his unique style. His lyrics often address resilience, street struggles, and aspirations.
Discography
Albums
- Foutila (2022)[11]
- The Angel Amir / Tha Angel (2023)[12]
- Journey to the Moon (2023)[13]
- Issorvààllé (date unknown)[14]
Selected singles
- Wasilla[15]
- Ghetto Life[16]
- My Life[17]
- Felila[18]
- Mabaaye[19]
- Manzim[20]
- Dowéh (feat. Mc Key, Hassan Mila) (2022)[21]
- Fine Fine (Hidjé) (2022)[22]
- Awourey (2022)[23]
- Isofa Acoustique (2024)[24]
- Dengbem (Djingari) (2024)[25]
- Other singles include: Mapouka (Tchelema All Stars), Stop Galamsey Now, Isovale Intro, Africa, Kyireido, Girma, Odo Bi, God’s Time, Mama, Sheege Part II, Defedefe, Banakede, Promise, Alkawali, Diana, Azimu, Muntaru & Aisha, My Baby, Malaika.[26]
Recognition and performances
King Bala’s influence extends beyond Ghana and Togo, reaching audiences in Kotokoli-speaking communities across West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger.[27] His use of Kotokoli and French lyrics has expanded his reach in Francophone countries. He has performed at community events, festivals, and concerts.
Legacy
King Bala is considered one of the emerging voices blending Ghanaian and Togolese influences, particularly by popularizing Kotokoli (Tem) language songs in West Africa.
External links
- [Official Audiomack page](https://audiomack.com/kingbala)
- [SoundCloud](https://soundcloud.com/king-bala-495927312)
- [Gaana](https://gaana.com/artist/king-bala)
- [Deezer](https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/12104478)
- [Amazon Music](https://music.amazon.com.au/artists/B06XJJ12V4/king-bala)
- [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kmS5uBcJtz9XbTUo9zQpW)
- [TIDAL](https://tidal.com/browse/artist/10043679)
- [Shazam](https://www.shazam.com/artist/king-bala/1214549636)
- [King Bala interview on Awesome Africa TV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPC8i36Y-B4)
- [King Bala interview on TVT Togo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pur5B75a4s8)
- [King Bala interview on Akanoyo TV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG4iRUqsyRA)
Categories
References
- ↑ "King Bala interview on Akanoyo TV". YouTube. 22 December 2024. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on Awesome Africa TV". YouTube. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on TVT Togo". YouTube. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Journey to the Moon". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala on SoundCloud". SoundCloud. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on TVT Togo". YouTube. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on Awesome Africa TV". YouTube. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on TVT Togo". YouTube. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on Akanoyo TV". YouTube. 22 December 2024. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on Akanoyo TV". YouTube. 22 December 2024. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Foutila". Audiomack. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Tha Angel". Audiomack. 10 February 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "To the Moon". Audiomack. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Issorvààllé". Audiomack. 14 March 2021. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Wasilla". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Ghetto Life". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "My Life". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Felila". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Mabaaye". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Manzim". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Dowéh". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Fine Fine (Hidjé)". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Awourey". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Isofa Acoustique". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Dengbem (Djingari)". Audiomack. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala on SoundCloud". SoundCloud. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "King Bala interview on TVT Togo". YouTube. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
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