Steeped in realism and unfiltered storytelling, the most recent wave of street rap emerging from Ghana resembles its early Hiplife days, a genre that propelled the art of storytelling and gained traction in the early 2000s. Two decades on, the genre has inspired and birthed some of Ghana’s fitting imports. Fresh out of that portal is Gonaboy, an electric rapper whose breakout single, “Abom”, gained him a street cult of followers and listeners. His vocals are an ideal match for the meditative production, a theme that will run through his catalog. If “Abom” didn’t do the trick for you, “Abele” is the one. With a beat that feels like the soundtrack to a stardom montage, it backs the moments Gonaboy is rapping about, announcing his presence in the rap game. With co-signs from Black Sherif, and heated performances during Ghana’s Detty December, his blueprint is registered as vestigial but an overall welcome. His new single, “Hustlers Mantra”, is a testament to his talent and story, accompanied by an official music video, it’s his first statement of what he claims to be a very fruitful year. A young rapper ready to study the game.
For iMullar, we catch up with the rapper, as he opens up about his energy, new music, and his future plans for the year.
Who is Kamali? And who is Gonaboy? We know you as Gonaboy but in your records, you refer to yourself as Kamali which I assume could be an Alter Ego. Can you balance both personalities for us?
Kamali and Gonaboy are two sides of the same energy. Gonaboy is the performer, the voice, the stage presence—the force that commands attention. Kamali, on the other hand, is the essence, the spirit behind the music, the deep-rooted strength that fuels every lyric and every performance. Kamali isn’t just an alter ego; it’s the soul of my artistry. It represents the big spirit that lives within me and drives my creative process. When I’m on stage, you see Gonaboy in full power, but it’s Kamali who gives him life, vision, and purpose. So, there’s no real separation—they coexist, pushing each other to greater heights.
The first time I heard your sound was through a Black Sherif Instagram Live session, where he played “Abom” and called you the next biggest thing. What is your relationship with him? And how much of an inspiration is he to you? Knowing he is on the same soundscape as you who raps about everyday life in its purest form
Musically, Black Sherif is the biggest and closest inspiration I have and such is a big example for me to look up to and learn from any moment in all ways. Our relationship is like a brother who loves and respects my work and wants to see me get it right. Be it via Instagram Live, in the clubs, off and on camera, with or without me, it’s always been love. You all saw how it went. That shout out opened his fanbase to my sound, and some have stuck with me since that live session. I am forever grateful for that, that’s family and pure deeds from a brother. In real life it’s family. That’s my brother for life.
Years ago, I was at the Freedom Skatepark, and watched you perform in front of a mere 50-people crowd, fast forward, you’ve grazed Zamadisco twice and your last performance at AratheJay’s concert was an electrifying one, probably my favorite setlist all December, you had everyone on their feet, had the boys raging too, from my POV, That’s pure growth. What have you learned from this journey so far? And what’s that piece of musical advice that has stuck with you throughout?
There are always everyday lessons and mistakes and it comes differently for everyone. You just have to stay strong and put in that work and wait for what it yields. I don’t worry about the work, I just do the work. I believe in quality work, regardless of the space I find myself in. I try to give my best on stage, regardless of the turnout. In the end, you owe it to the consumers, they came all the way to watch you live, I prioritize my fans a lot, and it’s nice to hear people be in loop with my journey, keeps me going. Hopefully, the number will multiply in the future.
Your new single, “Hustler’s Mantra”, is one great record. Your ability to sonically sketch driving rhythms, hard-hitting lines, and a street-inspired frontier strewn with vulnerability and everyday life is unmatched here. Tell us about the recording process of the song and why it is the first single for the year, why did you feel the need to make “Hustler’s Mantra” your first statement?
Well, I will say it was an amazing one, people normally say musicians are emotional, and I think maybe we are and it’s good sometimes. In a nutshell, it was a thought of reflection, seeing where and how I got to this leverage. It wasn’t an easy one though and one thing about me is I like to see the work done for me. I don’t care what I face or how stressful it gets I just get the work done, putting that lyrically was just Kamali (the big spirit doings). I believe “HUSTLERS MANTRA” is the first statement for 2025, all who support Gonaboy know what hustle has been for me all my life, from one place to the other, few people to large numbers, moments of lessons, moments of grace, etc. This song represents who we are as hustlers.
I realized you pour your hearts into all your songs, which may sound easy but also very delicate. Did you encounter any hard time recording HM? And how did you get through it?
I enjoy my process and all that comes with it, I just go through it and get the end product done greatly. That’s where my focus is always at, you know when you are built for something, it comes naturally, I just get in my element and pen my emotions. Music is everyday life, and every day comes with a new chapter to talk about, a never-ending process. Story of my life.
What is 2025 looking like for Gonaboy?
2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Gonaboy. The energy is high, the vision is clear, and the moves are bigger than ever. Fans can expect groundbreaking music, unforgettable performances, and a deeper connection to the essence of Kamali—the big spirit that drives everything.
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