Best known for his many years in the radio industry and a prominent feature in the lives of many Ghanaians on weekdays for his show Midweek Madnezz with Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong, where he entertains and informs the listeners by sharing records, news and updates and profiling established and emerging artists.
Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong has built a successful radio career over the years.
He marked World Radio Day by sharing his journey so far.
“Is it world radio day? Fell in love my sixth form (Adisco) days back in ’94, after listening to cassette recordings from mates who had left town for the States and UK after O’s, of the radio they were vibing to and it changed my life for good. I was all about it, i could listen to those tapes without food and be very very alright anyway most of my money was spent on batteries for the walkman but i didnt care. I was hooked.
Growing up i got a lot of compliments for my voice and people suggested all types of things to use my voice for but radio never came up cos the radio in Ghana then was very straight jacket and boring. No private radio so you can imagine GBC all the way. I must admit KKD was working it but cos of school there was only as much i could listen to.
I took my chance the moment i entered KNUST in ’97 and heard my hall of residence KATANGA had a radio station CONTATTO RADIO (the first private radio station in Ghana, although it was not legitimate) i think i was on even before i finished my proper school registration. Shouts to Oraka who told me about the station showed my the station up at KATANGA annex pointing from his balcony, i remember and Kwaku Guy Guy whom i understudied on a mid morning show till i cut my teeth and started doing my thing.
22 years down the line, i have curated the only urban music programming that has made business sense 10years down the lane, it has stayed number one in our niche from day one and currently taking on the general urban programming giants like Joy and Citi fm which is unheard of in the history of this Nation.
YFM’s success in bringing back urban music radio the Ghanaian way is what woke up the spirit of entertainment at the levels its operating at right now. From the music to the events to the award shows even fashion, movies and all. We have affected the entire entertainment scene. This was radio dedicated to the urban culture 24/7.
Music that the other serious stations were too serious to play we played them out till they become hits. Artiste that non of these serious stations will allow past their gates got interviews and airplay and so it became household names.
In effect we broke big PAYOLA that was preventing real talent to get audience. The real talents in Ghana. started coming out and the music started seeing real growth and the youth became more confident cos they had a mouth piece.
We have taken them thru a lot of elections by providing them info on how to keep their peace and concentrate on what they could do to help themselves and blocking them from all the insults and banter on the other stations which is a recipe for disaster esp. mixed with adrenaline.
We have brought the spirit of urban music radio back for good (which by the way is very very relevant for Urban settings that we can talk about another day) and not just in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi which a critical chunk of where the youth of this nation are concentrated.
Many stations have followed our foot steps sometimes with huge funding and failed cos its quite a slippery slope even those who came before us failed ( I have a secret formula, see me in chambers all who have lost money trying urban music radio in Ghana) I could go on and on but all i will say is, We give thanks to the Creator for life and big thank you to all who have been involved on this journey in any way.
Truly appreciated my team mates # TWT the winning team and my Bosses for watching me experiment with thier investment lol. Lets all find grace and knowledge to continue winning in all our endeavors. Its been 22 years of Radio in Ghana with no awards but no regrets at all. We’ve been part of making a lot of dreams come true and thats more rewarding. Those who know, do.
Yours truly
Nana Kwame “Soulman” Osei Sarpong