Kweku Smoke
Paul Amankwah, known professionally as Kweku Smoke is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter.
Early life and education
He attended Victory International School for basic education, then Benkum Senior High School, and later studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. During part of his early career he released freestyle under the name YRS.Music career
In 2019, Kweku Smoke gained wider recognition after a studio introduction let him meet Sarkodie. The collaboration on the track "Yedin" helped bring him to more public attention.He released the album kweku Jesus on 8 March 2024; it achieved commercial success shortly after release, including reaching no. 1 on iTunes in Ghana.
Later in 2024, he released Born In Hell, a project consisting of 10 track, described as more introspective in detailing personal hardship and growth.
Kweku smoke held a headline concert called "The Revival" on 18 December 2024 at GHUD park near Accra Mall. It included other Ghanaian artist on stage, and some of his popular song were performed.
Awards and recognition
At the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, Kweku Smoke won:- Best Rap Performance
- Best Hip Hop Song
- Best Hip Hop/Hiplife Artist
- He has also been nominated in other categories at TGMA, including Artiste of the Year and ''Album of the Year.''
Themes and style
Kweku smoke's lyrics open address is personal experiences, including struggles growing up, poverty, resilience, and street life. His music blends Twi, English, and Pidgin.Personal life
He has spoken in lyrics and interviews about growing up in Berekum and naming a rice seller whose generosity during his early hardship featured in his song Holy Ghost.Apart from music he has been involved in other ventures for example operating a shuttle service for students at KNUST.
Discography
EPs
| EP | Year of Release |
| We Rage | 2022 |
| Big Shmoke | 2022 |
| Old Compound | 2023 |
| Eye Red | 2024 |
Selected Singles and Notable Songs
Holy GhostAgyekumNkwanehiaYedin — collaborated with SarkodieAkata featuring Bosom P-Yung. Airhu — ft. Bosom P-Yung. Dis Side— ft. Kofi Mole. You Dey Talk| Title | Year | Type | Featured Artist | Album / Project |
| "Yedin" | 2019 | Single | Sarkodie | — |
| "Airhu" | 2020 | Single | Bosom P-Yung | — |
| "Akata" | 2020 | Single | Bosom P-Yung | — |
| "Dis Side" | 2020 | Single | Kofi Mole | — |
| "You Dey Talk" | 2021 | Single | — | — |
| "Self Employed" | 2021 | Single | — | — |
| "King Dave" | 2021 | Single | — | — |
| "Lost Title" | 2022 | Single | — | — |
| "Take Me Somewhere Happy" | 2022 | Single | — | — |
| "Holy Ghost" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "No Complaining" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Dreams" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Regrets" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Nkwanehia" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Reserved Seat" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "My Youth" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Higher" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |
| "Cheddar" | 2024 | Track | — | Born In Hell |