Jamaican reggae singer Keznamdi recently found himself in an unexpected situation while filming in Ghana for his upcoming sophomore album. The artist was summoned by newly elected Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, sparking initial concerns. However, the meeting turned out to be a moment of admiration rather than alarm. President Mahama, fresh off his decisive election victory with 56.42% of the vote, had requested a local radio station to play Keznamdi’s 2017 hit Victory—unaware that the singer was in the country. Upon learning of his presence, the President seized the opportunity to meet him. “When I heard the President wanted to meet me, I was a bit worried initially,” Keznamdi admitted. “But thankfully, he just wanted to speak to me about my music.”
Mahama’s return to power comes at a crucial time for Ghana, as the country faces economic struggles, including high inflation and currency depreciation. His party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured a commanding majority in parliament, winning 183 out of 276 seats. The President’s acknowledgement of Keznamdi’s Victory as a fitting soundtrack for his win underscores the song’s enduring impact. With over 3.7 million YouTube views and growing streams across digital platforms, Victory, featuring Chronixx, remains a powerful anthem of resilience and success.
Beyond this unexpected presidential recognition, Keznamdi is making waves with his latest single Time, a soul-stirring track urging listeners to cherish life’s essential moments. The accompanying visuals, shot in Ghana, reflect his deep cultural ties to Africa and his commitment to global storytelling. “Humanity is constantly faced with this tension between intense focus and the need to live in the moment,” Keznamdi shared. The song’s fusion of reggae, dancehall, Afrobeats, and soul continues the sonic evolution that has earned him over 20 million streams to date.
As anticipation builds for his sophomore album, set for release in the first half of 2025, Keznamdi is proving that his artistry transcends borders. With a career rooted in activism and a legacy of reggae excellence—his parents were members of the iconic group Chakula—he is poised to leave an even greater mark on the global music scene. His recent encounter with President Mahama is not just a testament to his music’s reach but a reminder of reggae’s enduring power to inspire and unite.