Dancehall music has always been an integral part of Ghana’s music scene. The genre has catapulted some of the country’s finest artists over the past two decades; sparking a heated rivalry between some of the best at it too. A rivalry that has generated one of the fiercest competitors in the country’s history. These legends have paved the way and set the tone for the next generation of dancehall artists, pioneers set on modernising the sound further.
For the iMullar One-on-One sessions, we had a conversation with Ghanaian dancehall sensation, Talaat Yarky, who opened up about life as a dancehall artist, travelling and performing outside Ghana.
Who is Talaat Yarky?
Talaat Yarky is an Afro-Dancehall artist from Ghana. Growing up, I found the whole concept of dancehall very enticing to me, a raw genre that doesn’t need any filtering. Straight up telling it as it is on hard-hitting productions. That whole idea aligned with my personality as an outspoken person, and I just fell in love with the genre. I’ve been a fan since and tapped in, and it has been a smooth ride so far.
On how travelling has shaped his sound
It hasn’t been like that since childhood, but this music business has made it possible, things are getting bigger for me and that means more travelling. I love travelling. I think as an artist, you have a creative licence to travel more, not just for touring’s sake, but to learn and adapt to other cultures of the world, to me, that’s what being an artist or a creative is all about. Learning new things, making it some form of inspiration, and adding it to my craft. It’s a pretty experience, and being an artist is all about learning new things. So, hopefully, more trips and shows around the world.
How he’s modernising dancehall, inspired by legends
A little modernization never hurt. Dancehall has been on the lips of some of the greatest hip-hop artists and [influenced] other genres. I mean we’ve had Kanye West, one of the greatest artists of all time, reference Shabba on one of his songs on Yeezus, which says a lot about the crossover. So it’s needed; I don’t mind adding themes of hip-hop to my songs. Bounty Killer is my biggest influence, I like his music, and style. He is one of the most aggressive dancehall stars, a street-tough rude boy who wholeheartedly made me see the genre from a different perspective. I love Stonebwoy and R2bees as well, they are like Godfathers to me.
His relationship with Stonebwoy
Honestly, Stonebwoy is like a big brother to me. We have a great relationship and we even have songs together. He believes in me and I appreciate him a lot. He gave me a chance to introduce myself to his fans through my craft, and that was an inspiring experience. The urge to do more heightens anytime I am with him, and that’s the kind of energy I need to get me going. Watch out for more from us two.
On being recognised by the Ghana Music Awards
I mean [being nominated for Uncovered Artiste of the Year] felt really good, inspiring too. Award shows are a testament to your hard work. I didn’t win the award unfortunately but I believe it’s a step in the right direction. It gives me this sense that I am doing the right thing as an artiste and there are enough people who recognise my craft. I lost, but I will work harder than before and give it another go, so more music coming and big moves as well.
Working With UnkleBeatz on “Pop One”
Unklebeatz is my guy for real, we linked up and worked on a couple of songs, and it has been love since. Shout-out to the AMG crew. He is one hell of a genius producer and I’ve enjoyed working with him since. I think us running through songs together, the late-night studio sessions – you know, all that allows the chemistry between us to be a fluid one. We compliment each other, bounce off each other’s flaws, and always agree to our final work. He mixed Pop One too, a genius and a brother for real.
Shooting visuals in Lebanon and what’s next for Talaat
The “Pop One” video was shot in Lebanon by director Adel Kabbara. It was a short trip so we had less time to shoot and wrap it up. But I love the challenge that came with it, we were under a deadline and Adel delivered the whole crew. Right now, more music, I’ve got a remix coming. Stay glued. Also, shout-outs to iMullar, there is not much coverage on our dancehall scene and its prospects, so this is very great!
Stream “Pop One” HERE.
