I Wasn’t Originally Rapping in Twi” – Tinny Opens Up on Embracing His Ga Roots

I Wasn’t Originally Rapping in Twi” – Tinny Opens Up on Embracing His Ga Roots

Veteran Ghanaian rapper Tinny, born Nii Addo Quaynor, has revealed that his journey into music did not begin with Ga—the language that would later define his unique identity in the rap scene—but with Twi and English. Speaking in a recent interview, the "Makola Kwakwe" hitmaker candidly shared his evolution as an artist and the cultural awakening that reshaped his career.

“I actually started as a Twi rapper. I was doing more Twi and English than a bit of Ga. I wasn’t a Ga rapper from the beginning,” Tinny stated.

He explained that his decision to rap in Twi was largely influenced by its dominance as Ghana’s most widely spoken local language. For him, it was a practical choice aimed at reaching more listeners. However, over time, Tinny felt a growing disconnect between his music and his roots.

“Later on, I realised I wasn’t being original. I needed to be myself and represent where I come from.”

Breaking the Mold Through Language

Contrary to popular belief, Tinny’s switch to Ga wasn’t the result of industry pressure or a producer’s push. It was a personal decision rooted in the need for authenticity. Although his longtime collaborator, Hammer of The Last Two, later supported and encouraged this transition, Tinny made it clear the move came from within.

“No one made me switch. I decided myself. I was already a Ga rapper before I met Hammer.”

While Hammer is often credited with shaping Tinny’s sound and helping polish his style, the rapper’s Ga identity had already taken root by the time they began working together. Still, Hammer played a critical role in reinforcing Tinny’s confidence in embracing his mother tongue.

In a separate comment, Hammer recounted his own reservations about Tinny’s early Twi performances, calling them unconvincing.

“Every time I heard him rap in Twi, I was appalled. He sounded like someone trying too hard.”

Hammer urged Tinny to embrace his Ga roots, emphasizing that the richness of indigenous languages carries unmatched artistic depth and originality.

Cultural Pride Meets Commercial Success

Tinny’s decision to rap in Ga turned out to be a game-changer, not just for his career but for Ghana’s entire hip-hop landscape. His breakout hit “Makola Kwakwe” and subsequent projects celebrated the Ga language and culture, paving the way for more vernacular expressions in mainstream music.

The rapper’s authenticity resonated deeply with fans and inspired a new generation of artists to rap in their native dialects—including Edem (Ewe), Kwaw Kese (Fante), and others.

A Legacy Beyond Music

Reflecting on his collaboration with Hammer, Tinny expressed gratitude and nostalgia:

“The feeling in the studio was just great… it brings the creativity out. Maybe it’s the understanding. I dey worry, but Hammer still works with me.”

Their relationship highlights the importance of creative synergy built on trust, shared vision, and mutual respect for cultural roots.

Conclusion

Tinny’s journey from rapping in Twi to embracing his Ga heritage is a powerful reminder of the value of cultural authenticity in creative expression. While commercial success may tempt artists to conform, true influence often lies in the courage to be yourself. In finding his voice through Ga, Tinny not only redefined his career—he helped redefine Ghanaian rap.