Music of Friday, 21 April 2006

Source: ghanamusic.com

C-zar Launches ?Araba Lawson?

C-zar, one of Ghana?s young musicians last Thursday described his kind of musical style as ?Hip Cont? at the launch of his third album, ?Araba Lawson? at the Amazon Night Club in Accra.

He said ?Hip Cont? is the infusing of hiplife into contemporary highlife thus reducing the length of rap. ?This is my concept of music now. This is a result of a four year study of the Ghanaian music scene and market. I needed to come out with something different and ?hip cont? is the answer?.

The well attended launch was graced by George Weah, former African Footballer of the Year as well as colleague artistes such as Wutah, Lucky Mensah, Ex-Doe, among others.

The album, ?Araba Lawson? has 8 tracks on cassette and 15 on CD. Songs on the album include the hit song like ?Araba Lawson? in which he features Ofori Amponsah, ?Befi M?ano?, ?Sokosuo? and ?Hip Anago?.

C-zar, a native of Nnaso in the Ashanti Region was born in Kumasi in 1972 to Mr. Paul Owusu and Philomena Serwah.

He disclosed to Graphic Showbiz that he had his primary education at the St. Paul?s Preparatory School in Kumasi. ?I later entered TI Alhamadiyah Secondary School for my ?O? Level in 1993. I gained admission to Accra Academy Secondary school for my ?A? level in 1995. I travelled to the USA after school and returned in 1998?.

According to him, before he left Ghana, he participated in rap competitions with the likes of Lord Kenya, Okyeame Kwame and Okyeame Quophi. ?Upon my return from the US, I found them making it in the music industry and this inspired me to join the band wagon. And I have been in it for the past seven years?.

As a child growing up, C-zar had always wanted to study medicine and become a doctor but music seems to dominate that desire for now. ?That dream is still pending. I may study medicine while doing music. I also hope to be an international artiste in the next five years?.

C-zar said he become sad when talented artistes with good music have to hassle for producers. ?My vision is to work so that I can establish a very credible and vibrant record label where I can recruit talented and creative artistes and produce them?, he added.

The young musician has many fond memories but recalls one concert as his most memorable experience. ?That was when I performed with Magic System. It was a good show and it was just cool?.

C-zar is married to Anita Mantey, a graphic designer and they have a daughter. In his spare time, he loves to watch movies and to swim.