Omanghana
Ghanaian Highlife legend Ofori Amponsah has reflected on his 27-year career, declaring that he has played his part and given his best to the country’s music industry.
The veteran singer-songwriter, affectionately known as “Mr. All 4 Real,” shared his thoughts during media interviews in August 2026, including conversations with YouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon and broadcaster Kafui Dey.
Discussing his position in Ghana’s music history, Ofori Amponsah confidently stated that he deserves to be mentioned among the country’s five greatest musicians. He acknowledged, however, that the final assessment of his legacy rests with music lovers and the wider Ghanaian public.
The celebrated musician also recalled the difficulties he encountered during the early stages of his career. According to him, several music producers in Accra rejected his demo recordings in the late 1990s, making his journey into the industry particularly challenging.
His fortunes changed after a CD seller introduced him to legendary Highlife musician Daddy Lumba. Impressed by his raw talent, Daddy Lumba reportedly encouraged the young singer and gave him 5,000 cedis, a gesture Ofori Amponsah said helped transform the direction of his career.
After nearly three decades in the demanding music business, Ofori Amponsah is now seeking to introduce his extensive catalogue to a younger audience. He explained that efforts are underway to modernize some of his classic recordings and help members of Generation Z discover the musician behind many timeless Highlife songs.
As part of his 27th-anniversary celebrations, the singer released a contemporary remake of his popular song “Odo Nwom.” The new version features Dancehall star Stonebwoy and Afrobeats singer KiDi, bringing together three generations of Ghanaian music.
The remix, however, sparked a copyright and ownership dispute within the industry. King Pee, the former manager of Highlife musician Kofi Nti, threatened legal action over the song’s release.
He argued that “Odo Nwom” originally appeared on the 2010 collaborative album Rakia, which involved Kofi Nti, and claimed Ofori Amponsah could not commercially exploit the track without the necessary authorization.
Nana Poku Ashis, Ofori Amponsah’s manager, dismissed the claim. He maintained that Ofori Amponsah composed the songs and personally financed the original studio sessions, giving him ownership of the master recordings and the legal right to use the catalogue.
Despite the controversy, the updated version of “Odo Nwom” was officially released across major international streaming platforms on July 31, 2026.
The collaboration with Stonebwoy and KiDi forms part of Ofori Amponsah’s broader effort to preserve his musical heritage while presenting his work in a style that appeals to contemporary listeners.
Source: Omanghana
