Addi Self Opens Up About Relationship with Former Boss Shatta Wale, Collaborations with Kweku Smoke, and Exciting Upcoming Projects in Exclusive Interview
Written by: Allen Kwasi Adjei Daniels
Reggae dancehall has always played a major role within the Ghanaian music landscape, with favorite music icons
leading the charge as the once domineering genre across the world took a nose dive in recent years.
Popular dancehall artist and once a Shatta movement militant with viral hits under his belt, Jafaro Mohammed
popularly known as Addi Self has become a blazing trail and a household name within the Ghanaian music and Reggae
dancehall fraternity despite experiencing heart aching setbacks in his artistic journey. From featuring in hit tracks such
as “Taking over”, “Forgetti” to owning a discography that continues to top charts with releases such as Camela under his
2022 mixtape “Slum to Hills” garnering positive feedback among music fans.
In an exclusive interview with the Unruly dancehall general, we delve into his struggles, artistic journey and upcoming
projects he has in stock for us.
Highvibes: Top of the day to you Addi self! Considering how busy your schedule is, it’s an honor to catch you
at this time for this tête-à-tête. How has the year 2024 so far been for you and the Reggae dancehall scene in
Ghana and across the world.
Addi self: It’s a pleasure to catch up by this time of the year especially in the middle of dropping my latest album
so far. 2024 has been a fruitful one and the dancehall scene is getting more recognition internationally which is
very important to artists like Addi self.
Highvibes: Judging from how many music releases we have had from you this year, is it safe to say this
year has been exceptional for you since you became independent?
Addi self: I would like to say I enjoy this independent journey until something makes me feel better off it but for now I
enjoy every bit of being independent, being able to release songs anytime I like is a major accomplishment for me.
Highvibes: Considering how things turned out with your previous label and where you currently are now, would you say you regret
any decisions you made in the past or would have been differently today?
Addi self: I wouldn’t call it regret but I appreciate all the lessons I learnt back then because no university can actually give you that
type of experience.
Highvibes: Are you still open to joining any music record label or you think being independent is much better?
Addi self: I am very open to work with other labels or business entities, it only depends on how the deal sounds, once I read and
understand the contract and know it favors my brand, why not !
Highvibes: Tell us about your project releases this year and how positive has the feedback from fans been?
Addi self: I have been locked in working on my 20 track album which is my main focus in 2024 , and so far so good with the amount
of singles I have dropped I am happy with the reception, my fan base is always growing digitally after every release.
Highvibes: a section of music fans say ever since the Militant split, it appears you have been the most talented and consistent artist
from your former camp. How do you feel about sentiments like these from music fans?
Addi self: I always believed in one thing from Militant days till date is that hard work pays and I believe it’s the work I put it that
makes people differentiate myself and others , It is evident.
Highvibes: Are you still open to any collabs with your former label mates or ex boss Shatta wale?
Addi self: Yes I will always be happy to make music with my Former label members or our ex boss remember shatta wale use
to be my teacher in the music industry and it has always been great when we are all in the studio together we create magical
music effortlessly, so making music together is always fun 🤩
Highvibes: Your recent interview with Joy prime highlights certain differences between you and your ex boss
about controversies related to Kweku Smoke. Does this mean you are on good terms with Kweku smoke and
is there a likely collaboration between you two?
IMAGE: ADDI SELF
Addi self: I have not met or seen Kweku Smoke ever since that moments , making music is possible with every artist that
I connect with naturally so it could happen because I am open to working with anybody at all that’s ready to work with me Vice versa.
Highvibes: You have had an amazing run with music releases this year, are we to look forward to more upcoming projects
before the year ends ?
Addi self: Yeah Zongoronto Album drops in November before this year ends I also have my own concerns zongo to the work
concert which is going to make the end of my year would be a great experience.
Highvibes: Reggae dancehall has always thrived on features across different genres, do you have any artists across different
genres you intend to collaborate with?
Addi self: I always wanted to feature burna boy because I feel like our sound will make sense and great impact to the world together.
Highvibes: what’s your opinion about the growth of Ghana music in recent years. Do you think we are on the right path?
Addi self; I think the Ghanaian music industry needs love , just like a plant needs watering. As time goes on we will get there ,
of course I feel like the Ghanaian music industry is on the right path.
Highvibes: Any events for the ghetto youth this December from your camp to look out for? And how is your impact helping
to shape up these youths who look up to you?
Addi self: Yes Zongo To The World Concert which helps the youth of my hood to have a platform to showcase their Talents
and also discover themselves because I realize we have a lot of talented artists but mostly lack the platforms to perform and
showcase what they got.
Highvibes: Finally, what advice would you give an upcoming dancehall artist based on your own experiences?
Addi self: Stay Vigilant , don’t be too naive and also take people’s actions more seriously than their words and make sure
you work harder. Write write, write and perfect your craft every other thing will follow
IMAGE: 2023 CONCERT/ADDI SELF
