Entertainment of Monday, 22 September 2008

Source: Sunday World

Quata is back with ‘Independence’

No conversation about rap music in Ghana is complete without mention of Jacob Kwame Etroo a.k.a. Quata.

In an interview with the Sunday World, Quata said his latest album titled "Independence" is complete. He expects the album to be getting radio airtime within the next two weeks.

Quata chose his title "Independence" to reflect his new status as an independent musician with his own recording label. In the past he would have consulted with others, but now he is his own man.

Quata has a recording studio Audio Farm, which caters to all kinds of music.

"I have gained international recognition so [I] did foreign tracks on my album because there is no way you can sing in your local dialect outside Ghana," said Quata. He believes that the artist must change with the music.

The album has fifteen tracks in all. Some single titles include "Baby," "Wombodam," and "One Round Knock Out." The album features guest artists such as Dogo, Atsukoloko, and others.

The public thought it might have been sometime before Quata came out with anything new, but he surprised his fans.

"I'm always ready. I can count on my manager to get the right signal before I come out," he said.

Speaking to the Sunday World, Quata said as a musician he is supposed to set a good example for the youth to follow. As a musician, Quata says, he commands the same if not more of the public's attention than Ghana's most senior politicians.

Quata also revealed to the Sunday World that he has a grudge with Kwaw Kese. According to Quata, Kese made unfavorable statements about him on a radio program. On his soon-to-be-released album, Independence, Quata has a response for Kese in the form of a song called "One Round Knock Out."

Quata said, he is thankful to God, his manager Mr. Baffour Atefua and Natures Clue Entertainment for making his album a success.