Ghanaian hip-hop luminary Dr. Pushkin, alongside his collaborators Ataman Nikita, Quata
Budukusu and CJ Biggerman, delivered an electrifying performance at the South by
Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 2025. Their dynamic showcase not
only captivated the audience but also spotlighted Ghana’s rich musical heritage on the
global stage. 

Dr. Pushkin, known offstage as Paul Azunre, has been a transformative figure in Afro Hip-
Hop, seamlessly blending traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary hip-hop rhythms.
His journey to SXSW 2025 was marked by a series of notable achievements, including the
release of his debut solo album, Outlandish, in 2023. The album received critical acclaim and
was featured in his official SXSW 2023 performance, earning him recognition as one of the
“Essential SXSW 2023 Acts” by the Austin Chronicle. 

 The momentum continued into 2024 with high-profile collaborations featuring Lyrical Joe,
Ko-Jo Cue, and CJ Biggerman, are captivating Ghanaian rap fans and trending widely.
Anticipation is now building for his upcoming album duology, No Heroes / No Miracles,
which boasts features from top-tier artists like Strongman, Eno Barony, Stevo Atambire, B-
Wayne, Obibini, and AlaptaWan and Ataman Nikita.

Dr. Pushkin’s brother and a rising star in his own right, have been making waves with his
soulful vocals and innovative fusion of Afro Pop and Kologo music. His debut single,
“Enigma,” showcased his versatility and set the stage for further collaborations. Notably, his
feature on Dr. Pushkin’s track “No Go Go,” alongside Ko-Jo Cue, was a testament to their
synergistic artistry. 

 CJ Biggerman, renowned for his lyrical prowess and dynamic stage presence, has been a
significant force in Ghana’s hip-hop scene. His collaboration with Dr. Pushkin on the track
“Just Watch,” which also featured Taitan, was a monstrous exhibition of talent that
resonated with fans and critics alike.

 Their collective performance at SXSW 2025 was a highlight of the festival, showcasing a
blend of acoustic and traditional hip-hop vibes that celebrated global diversity while proudly
representing Ghana. The setlist featured a mix of their collaborative hits and individual
tracks, delivering a rich tapestry of sounds that left an indelible mark on the audience.

 Also gracing the stage was Quata Budukusu, a pioneering force in Ghanaian rap, recognized
for his role in creating the tongue-twisting rap style that Sarkodie later popularized. His
performance added a unique flavour to the showcase, highlighting the evolution of rapid-fire
lyricism in Ghanaian hip-hop. 
Dr. Pushkin’s latest single, “Peace,” released ahead of his SXSW appearance, introduces a
fresh sound called Kologo Soul. This track blends the traditional Kologo guitar from Ghana
with modern hip-hop influences. The lyrics delve into the complex and fragile
nature of peace, with Ataman Nikita offering hopeful melodies while Dr. Pushkin’s verses
confront the harsh realities of achieving it. Amidst global unrest, “Peace” seeks to inspire
hope, spark reflection, and ground listeners in the ongoing pursuit of a better future. 

 Instrumentalist Dr. AZA and DJ Selecta Rah supported the electrifying performance,
who infused the set with rich live elements and seamless transitions. Adding an
international touch, American rapper Wyldthang also made an appearance, delivering a
powerful feature that bridged Ghanaian and U.S. hip-hop influences. 
 Their participation in SXSW 2025 not only elevated their profiles but also served
as a beacon for Ghanaian music on the international stage. By infusing traditional Ghanaian
elements with contemporary sounds, Dr. Pushkin, Ataman Nikita, and CJ Biggerman are
redefining Afro Hip-Hop and paving the way for future artists from the region to gain global
recognition.