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I stay true to myself and I try to let my music represent where I come from. Oh and because I go hard on the beats!!!
HM: You’ve collab’d with a lot of different artists including Cabo Snoop and Donaeo but who would you cut off your signature dreadlocks to work with?
(Laughs) I can’t wait to do a collab with a hip hop artist. It’s all about fusion for me, collaborating with people from different genres to really get Afrobeats known worldwide.
performing – I did the Ghana Independence event earlier this year. Most important though I’m here to see my family.
HM: Last time you were here you performed at one of last summer’s biggest London festivals; Somerset House Summer Series. Will you be doing any London festivals this summer? Yeah it’s all part of the plan, I can’t reveal which ones as yet, but you can expect to see me at all the big festivals this year.
HM: Back in Ghana you’re also an English teacher, how do you balance two very different lives? It’s pretty difficult, but I always try to plan my time and make sure that right after school I hit the studio. Yeah so basically it’s all down to time management and with God on my side I’m able to cope. But yeah it’s not easy.
HM: What do your students think of Atumpan?
They love me for two things; 1) being a good teacher 2) the fact that they love my songs. It makes teaching them a little easier as when students love your personality they tend to find your lessons more interesting. It’s definitely an added advantage.
HM: Your music has a heavy dancehall edge to it what’s behind that influence? I grew up listening to different genres of music, but was more inclined to reggae and dancehall. The likes of Buju Banton and Marley influenced me a lot so it’s only natural that what I listen to is reflected in my music. I make reggae and dancehall music but in an African way so it’s still Afrobeats.
HM: You’ve been making music for over 12 years, what three words would you use to describe your journey so far? Challenging, involving, inspiring.
HM: So what’s up next for Atumpan? To see me in the forefront holding the African flag so high and making sure that Ghana and to a wider extent Africa are placed in their rightful place on the world musical map.
HM: We might have to bring the Hotminute hotness to Accra, so what are the hotspots we need to be seen at? Simple; The Tavern in Osu, Mövenpick Hotel and Rock Stones Office!
www.facebook.com/pages/ atumpan
• Interview: Enam G Images: Ben Achana Photography
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