Tinny has weighed in on the long-running debate over Ghana’s finest rapper, and his pick is clear and unwavering.
During an appearance on Hot 93.9FM’s ‘Hot Weekend Jam’ with DJ Lord Dash, the veteran artiste, born Nii Addo Quaynor, singled out Lord Kenya as his all-time favourite. His admiration, he explained, goes beyond nostalgia and is rooted in the craft itself. “Lord Kenya is my greatest Ghanaian rapper of all time… I like the way he raps, style, lyrical content… everything. He is the GOAT.”
Before his transition into ministry, Lord Kenya, known in private life as Abraham Philip Akpor Kojo Kainya, carved out a dominant presence in hiplife. His journey into the spotlight began in 1998 when he signed with Slip Music and released Sika Card, a project that quickly gained nationwide traction.
He went on to build a catalogue of seven albums, including Sika Card, Sika Baa, Yeesom Sika, Sika Mpo Fane Ho, Akasieni, Born Again, and God Dey, with Yeesom Sika enjoying strong chart success across Ghana.
His influence was also recognised on major stages. In 2001, he secured the Hiplife Album of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, adding to an earlier international nod in 2000 when he won Best Ghanaian Rap Music at the Anansekrom Festival in Canada.
A major turning point came on October 28, 2010, when he says he had a spiritual encounter that reshaped his path entirely. Since then, he has stepped away from secular music and now leads the Face of Grace Covenant Temple in Ahodwo, Kumasi.
His post-hiplife chapter includes the 2011 gospel album Christlife. He has also distanced himself from his earlier catalogue, giving up rights to those works and indicating he has no desire to earn from them. Although he acknowledged the financial strain that followed the shift, he maintains that his decision brought him peace and a sense of spiritual fulfilment.
