BUDDING Ghanaian artiste Bobi is calling on celebrated musicians Edem and Stonebwoy to support and mentor young talents from the Volta Region.
BUDDING Ghanaian artiste Bobi is calling on celebrated musicians Edem and Stonebwoy to support and mentor young talents from the Volta Region.
He believes their guidance could help emerging artistes gain recognition and thrive beyond Accra.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz on Saturday, November 8, the AfrobeatS and Afro-traditional artiste said mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping young musicians, especially those struggling to break into Ghana’s mainstream music scene.
“That is why I’m appealing to our godfathers, Edem and Stonebwoy. Both are Voltarians and respected figures in the music industry. They are our seniors and they need to help raise the next generation. There are so many talented artistes in the Volta Region who just need exposure and direction,” he said.
According to Bobi, building a music career in the Volta Regionis difficult. Many young artistes, he said, lack resources, face tribal bias, and often have to move to Accra to chase opportunities.
“Being from Volta comes with unique challenges. Tribalism is also there. As an up-and-coming artiste, you have to hustle by yourself to record, shoot videos and promote your work. We don’t have many opportunities in the region, which is why we moved to Accra, even though our music is not always well-received,” he explained.
Despite these obstacles, Bobi remains optimistic that hard work and authenticity eventually open doors.
“As the saying goes, ‘If you’re a good juju man, you don’t need adverts; people will come to you.’ It means when you’re talented and genuine, people will find you no matter what,” he said. (Read Kumawood: Govt rolls out film fund to boost local movie industry)
Without a management team, Bobi currently handles all aspects of his career from recording and video production to promotion, which he admits is tough but rewarding.
Beyond mentorship, Bobi urged the government to invest more in Ghana’s entertainment industry, which he believes has massive untapped potential.
“There is so much talent on the streets and many up-and-coming artistes who need support. The government should also look our way. It’s similar to football; if we have more competitions, we’ll discover more talent. That’s what should happen in music, too. We need more platforms and contests to help develop the industry,” he noted.
Born Edem Afanbalwe in Aflao, Volta Region, Bobi began his creative journey as a dancer and developed a love for Francophone music while in school.
After moving to Accra, he worked as a photographer for musicians Screwface (2018–2020) and Klala, experiences that deepened his passion for the entertainment industry.
His transition to music came naturally. He formed a duo, RICO-BOBI, with his brother Rico, releasing Papa Chapeau in 2022. When Rico later left the group, Bobi embarked on a solo journey, determined to carve his own path.
Last year, he released Yayra (Blessing), and in December, he plans to drop Agbetor Bada, a collaboration with musician IDI. He currently has eight songs lined up for his debut album, expected next year.
Bobi’s latest single, Homeless, reflects his deep connection to life on the streets and serves as motivation for those struggling to rise above their circumstances.
“Homeless is to inspire all the street boys because I come from there. When you listen, you hear stories not just from the streets but from our parents too — the struggles and consequences we all live with,” he shared.