By Ekow Barnes

The synonymy of music to Pappy Kojo’s life is inherent. Having discovered his inclination to mimic, replicate and create music early, young Pappy (born Jason Gaisie) wasted little time by delving into locally organized rap contests and making covers of popular songs on his YouTube channel.

These formative years coupled with the support of an ever-doting grandma and parents served as a springboard for his music career. His infectious jolly spirit highly evident in his lyrics and rhythm; a unique flow garnered from piecing together bits of his childhood in Takoradi, Ghana and Verona-Italy also facilitated his meteoric rise to fame.

Pappy Kojo came to the forefront of African music after releasing hits like Realer No, Ay3 Late, and Awo’a and then went on a year-long hiatus, because he had to battle depression, and also gave himself some time to rest, reset and realign.

He released M'akoma (My Heart), a smooth infectious love ballad that won an award for the best photography in a music video at the 2017 MTN 4syte Music Video Awards. He dropped the globally acclaimed hit Akwaaba with GuiltyBeatz, Patapaa, and Mr Eazi in 2018 and started this year right with the release of the first single off his highly anticipated debut Album Logos II; Balance featuring Joey B and Nshona Muzick.

Pappy Kojo finds himself exploring Afrobeats blended with his signature flow to create a unique global sound in his debut album. He brings on board a wide range of Africa’s finest musical talents including South-Africa’s Busiswa of The Lion King‘s “My Power” song for a musical ride in the remix of his song “Thomas Pompoy3yaw'' also listed on the 13 tracked album. Being a passion-driven person, Pappy Kojo more than anything wants to facilitate the growth of his fans by sharing his music. He has multiple awards to his name; AFRIMA best song of the year (2018), VGMA hip hop song of the year 2015, to name a few.

To say Pappy is a star will be an understatement as this Takoradi native is on his way to mega-stardom soon to be topping global music charts with his unique lyrically condensed sounds.

And to better understand the Logos II album and his style of music, we sat down with Pappy Kojo for a quick chat.

GQ. Your debut album; Logos II is finally here. Congratulations, so why the name Logos II?

Pappy: The name logos II to honour the city I was raised in, Takoradi. Logos 2 used to be a ship that occasionally came to Takoradi, and as kids would be excited to get on, back in primary schools our teachers would organize a trip for students, just for us to get on it. It was such a great experience.

GQ. Is there any theme cutting across Logos II?

Pappy: Logos II cuts across genres and my life. From my childhood to adulthood. Gives me nostalgia.

GQ. You were in Italy during lockdown whilst recording your album. How did the pandemic affect your recording process? And can you take us through the creative process that went into Logos II?

Pappy: The album was recorded before lockdown; it was meant to come out in 2020. And it couldn’t be released while stuck in Italy. The creative process took time because I had to make sure every work was complete, but it was such an interesting journey. I have to say a big thank you to Guiltybeatz for walking with me through that process, our minds made this possible.

GQ. We have heard your single “Thomas Pompoy3yaw '' featuring our very own Busiswa, from the album, and as a lyrically founded artiste, what inspires your lyrics and style of music?

Pappy: I grew up in the 90’s early 20’s rap music, both hip life, and hip hop so lyricism is vital to me haha! It’s just a rule for me, you can’t just say any nonsense haha!

GQ. Your style is one thing that has a lot of unique influence on your music especially among your fans. How will you describe your style and what inspires it?

Pappy: Every mistake is a new style, that’s the motto, there are no rules with regards to my style. It’s more of just being you, everything is art and style to me.

GQ. What one thing do you want your listeners to take away after listening to Logos II?

Pappy: Logos II is not just an album, it’s an experience. I hope listeners feel the same after listening to the album.

Stream Pappy Kojo’s “Logos II” here

CREDITS

Production company: Rain labs

Creative Producer: Ekow Barnes

Photographer: Fiifi Abban

Styling & Art Direction: Cornelius Owusu-Ansah

Creative Assitant: Eyram Rafael

Pappy is seen wearing: Studio 189, Chiip O Neal, Kwasi Paul, Kojo Kusi, Big Cymps .