Written By Edwin Quartey
For Bryan Papa Kojo Abban, professionally known as Bryan Riches, it didn’t just start with his first single “Answers” in 2021. His path to making music has always been clear and stems all the way from childhood. Throughout his life, sending a message and talking about his personal experience through music is his way of communicating, tackling matters of the heart, self care and everyday love. Born and based in Accra, Ghana, he harnessed the ability to equally croon in his native Ga language and English, making him a prospect for household favorites and beyond. Bryan is also an experience-to-pen artiste, everything you hear in his music are real life scenarios from his life, a feat that adds originality to his sound, as it’s coming from the horse’s own mouth.
Since his 2021 debut, the Ghanaian songwriter has bridged modernized lo-fi dream pop and Afrobeats by adding strings of acoustic guitar and smooth vocal timbre to looped dancy beats. In his previous releases, Bryan offers a bouncy club and Afro electroclash steeped in assurance, heartfelt lyricism and sexual autonomy. His first single of the year, “I Dey”, is omnivorous by nature, drawing elements of pop, R&B, and regional styles like azonto and its musical forebear, Afrobeats.
As the Ghanaian singer plots his debut EP and new musical chapter, we catch up with him, discussing life as an artiste and the build up to his current status. He’s ready to show another side of himself, tapping into a more playful and braggadocios persona, best represented by “I Dey”, the sticky and sultry jam from his upcoming EP “Strings & Stories”.
Before your first single, what was your first interaction with music like? How did it all start for you? And what was the defining moment for you? That made you accept that making music was the way forward for you?
Music has always been part of my life. I grew up listening to different genres, and I found myself writing lyrics and melodies even before I understood that it could become a career. At first, it was just a way to express my thoughts and emotions. The defining moment came when people started connecting with my songs and telling me they could relate to my stories. That made me realize music wasn’t just a passion, it was my purpose.
What was your first recording session like? And tell us an embarrassing story during your first recording session and how you overcame it.
My first recording session was exciting but also nerve-racking. I was trying so hard to be perfect that I kept forgetting my own lyrics and laughing at myself. At one point, I was so tense that I couldn’t deliver the emotions the song needed. I took a short break, relaxed, and reminded myself why I wrote the song in the first place. After that, everything flowed naturally. It taught me that authenticity is more important than perfection.
When I listen to your music, it’s like you’re a real balladeer. And as I kept listening, I noticed one thing; Vulnerability. Those reflective processes show in your music. How did you learn to be so open and honest about yourself and your experiences?
I believe the best music comes from honesty. I’ve experienced moments of love, heartbreak, hope, and self-discovery, and instead of hiding those emotions, I choose to write about them. Being vulnerable wasn’t something I learned overnight; it came from accepting my own journey. If my story can help someone feel understood, then I’ve done my job as an artist.
“I Dey” is omnivorous by nature, drawing elements of pop, R&B, and regional styles like azonto and its musical forebear, Afrobeats. From your POV and your producer’s, how did the song come about?
“I Dey” came from a genuine feeling of admiration and affection. I wanted to create a song that felt relatable, catchy, and emotionally honest at the same time. My producer and I experimented with different sounds until we found a blend that felt uniquely us, combining Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and Ghanaian influences. We wanted listeners to enjoy the groove while also connecting with the story behind the lyrics.
It is also the first single off your debut upcoming EP, “Strings & Stories”, How is that shaping up for you? And what next for Bryan Riches, another single or the EP?
“Strings & Stories” is coming together beautifully. Every song tells a different story and reflects a different side of who I am as an artist. “I Dey” is just the introduction. Right now, the focus is on giving the song the attention it deserves while preparing the next chapter. Fans can definitely expect more music before the full EP drops, and I’m excited for everyone to experience the complete project.
In a nut shell: I’m grateful to everyone supporting the journey so far. This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to share more stories through my music.
Follow @theimullar on Instagram and X(Twitter) for more.
