I Took a Pause to Gather Strength - Kwesi Slay Opens Up on New EP
- Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Slay has made a strong appearance with the release of his new EP titled Aben
- The EP, his first ever release in two years, features fresh collaborations with Cabum, Ko-Jo Cue, and Kemenya
- In a chat with YEN.com.gh, the rapper shared insights into his absence from the music and what he expects of the EP
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Ghanaian music heavyweight Kwesi Slay has made a bold return to the music scene after a prolonged hiatus, reigniting the mic with renewed lyrical fire, creative clarity, and a deeper artistic resolve.
Emerging from the creative shadows, the Ashaiman-born rapper Bernard Kwesi Appiah, popularly known as Kwesi Slay, returned with renewed vigour, delivering the debut of his six-track EP, Aben, a bold statement that success is near (Aben means “it is near”).
Source: UGC
This marks his first major project since 2021’s standout single Eye Clear, featuring Kofi Mole, which garnered significant attention on streaming platforms. In between, he dropped fan favourites like Street Ways and Wedi Bet in 2017, plus a series of collaborations with heavyweights such as Medikal, Kwesi Arthur, and Kuami Eugene.
On Aben, Kwesi reconnects with his roots while pushing his sound forward. Standout tracks include the anthemic singles Street Ways and Wedi Bet, while fresh collaborations with artists like Ko-Jo Cue, Cabum, Kemenya, and Wanlov underscore his commitment to creative synergy. The EP is produced by a blend of talents, including Lyrical Beatz, Kemenya TV, and Kwesi Slay himself.
Source: UGC
He first cemented his place in Ghana’s rap elite with gritty, street-savvy anthems such as 3y3 Normal with Yaa Pono and the viral breakout “Seven” featuring Kwesi Arthur. His sound became the soundtrack of almost every youth, fusing raw energy with social commentary.
Slay went silent for over two year, a move that stirred both concern and speculation among fans and industry watchers. But now, with new music projects in the pipeline and a sharpened voice, Kwesi Slay has made it clear: his break was not an exit, but a reset.
“I needed to disconnect in order to realign. It was a period of recalibration and creative rebirth,” the rapper said “Sometimes silence is the loudest form of preparation. I’ve lived, I’ve grown, and now I’m ready to speak again, louder than ever.”
His upcoming releases are expected to be soul-baring and hard-hitting, blending poetic introspection with street realism, a sonic evolution fans are already calling “Slay Season.”
Source: UGC
Kwesi Slay’s return reaffirms his authenticity. Known for collaborations with Medikal (Frass), Quamina MP (P*ssy Cat), and Kuami Eugene (Follow Me), the rapper has consistently pushed boundaries while staying true to his roots.
“This is not about reclaiming fame,” he said. “It’s about representing a truth, mine and that of every dreamer who’s ever had to pause to gather strength,” he told YEN.com.gh.
According to his management, his re-entry will include collaborations with both local and international talents, alongside a potential headline tour. They also confirm that he’s working on a multi-track project set for release later this year.
Watch one of Kwesi Slay's songs below:
Ayisha Modi on Kwesi Slay and Arthur's Seven song
YEN.com.gh reported that, social commentator Ayisha Modi had alleged that she spent $20,000 on rappers Kwesi Arthur and Kwesi Slay's Seven song.
She made the claims during a TikTok Live session where she interacted with fans and shared details about the song.
Many people shared their views on the claims in the comment section of the viral TikTok video
Source: YEN.com.gh
