Obrafour means Executioner in Akan. Michael Kwabena Okyere Darko is dubbed Ghana’s rap sofour (priest) and owns the Execution records label. He was one of the first hiplife artistes to release a compilation album of other musicians (Execution Diary) and has had hits like Who born you by mistake, Adefoode, Oye Ohene, etc. Obrafour has been praised for his lyrical prowess and has stated that he wants to be the most decent lyricist ever out of Ghana.
Obrafour grew up with music. He was influenced by his mother, who sang in the local church choir. He then got the chance to sing at church at his mother’s invitation and as fate would have it, he formed a quartet during his secondary school which performed Gospel songs. His mum’s death caused him to stop singing.
Through some encouragement by some friends, he decided to take up music more seriously. At that time, Reggie Rockstone, the Godfather of hiplife, had released his successful “Maka a maka” album and Obrafour was inspired. He had also realized the emergence of artistes like Ex Doe, Chicago, Akyeame, and Lord Kenya, etc. He decided to be different from these pioneers and create his own style.
As he began attending various auditions and performances, he met a few bumps and setbacks until he met Edward Nana Poku Osei aka Hammer. Hammer was an amateur beat maker and did not take the music business seriously until he met Obrafour. From Hammer’s own words, they ‘clicked’. For Obrafour and Hammer (the Last 2) fans, the rest is history.
Source: www.newsghana.com.gh
Biography / Profile of Ghanaian Music Artiste Obrafour