Meet Ras Amankwatia, the next distinctive music export on the radar

Introduction:

Born Owusu Amankwatia, better known in showbiz circle as Ras Amankwatia was born in Bantama, Kumasi but now living in the UK for the past 10 years. He doubles as the C.E.O and the front line artist of R.T.M Music GH/UK while having vested interest in reggae, dancehall and afropop with a fusion of high life music.

Education:

Nature has it that, knowledge is power therefore, Ras had his basic education at Presbyterian Primary and Junior High School in Bantama. He continued at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School.

Childhood:

He was exposed to music at the early stages of his life, because growing up as a child in the street of Bantama, life was a hard nut to crack. His dad travelled to Europe leaving his mum with two kids, this made life so unbearable. His mum had relocate from Bantama to her hometown Asuafua-kumasi in Ashanti region, where they stayed for couple of years and then later returned to Bantama. Summing up all the struggles and experiences, he knew music was the only way he could freely express himself. Immediately it occurred to him it’s God’s gift for him to excel in life, he nurtured it.

Profession:

The initial stage of his music career started in Ghana before he traveled overseas, precisely UK to seek greener pasture due to hardship in Ghana those days. Secondly, there were no investors to pump money into his craft so he couldn’t gain solid grounds to boost his career professionally as an artist downtown. Aside music he works as a security officer in Wilson James on Facebook contract in London. He also participated in could reality shows like NestCafe Revelation and Apietus Idols but success refused to recognize his efforts.

In 2016, he released his debut album Seven Seals and followed up with Conquering Lion in 2019 with some notable singles. Fast forward in 2020, Ras Amankwatia readies to launch his 3rd significant music project ‘Unchained Lion’ before the end of July.

Upcoming Project:

On the 11/7/2020, his third studio project, ‘Unchained Lion EP’ will officially be released on all digital streaming platform.

Challenges:

His major challenges are getting airplays and interviews. Due to that, it’s hard to connect with the larger audience out there because the medium isn’t opened to him and other great talents out there.

Favorite Ghanaian Acts:

Iwan, Shatta Wale, Stonebowy and Ras Kuuku are his favorite Ghanaian artists due to their perseverance, endurance spirit, commitment & dedication to the craft, focus and most importantly selling their music to the world market. But his favorite entertainer is Shatta Wale.

Inspiration:

He is his own inspiration looking at his everyday life experiences and the life around us. Ghetto life and politics inspires the subject lines to his songs.

Projections About Ghana Music Industry Few Years To Come:

He strongly believes if industry players and gatekeepers are able to give more opportunities to the young and talented upcoming artists, push them more like the big artists the industry will do very well in this world of music. Simply because Ghana has lots of amazing talents most especially the younger ones. He also pleads with GHAMRO to organize themselves properly to shape and impact the future of Ghana music.

Advice To The Youth:

The youths in the country during this election period is to stay out of trouble and not to engage in things that will not bring peace in the country. Also, they should know that politicians are full of empty promises just for power. Hence, they must stay wise and vote wisely.

Message To Fans:

His fans should continuously maintain their confidence in him, support and help push his brand to the world.

Social Media handles:

Facebook: Owusu Amankwatia / Ras Amankwatia

Instagram: Ras_amankwatia

Twitter: Ras_amankwatia

YouTube: Ras Amankwatia Music.

Drafted by: John Claude Tamakloe.