Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in a rural setting, Ayisoba was introduced to the kologo at a young age, often playing while tending to his family’s livestock. He honed his skills by performing at local markets, bars, and funerals. Seeking broader audiences, he moved to urban centers like Kumasi and Accra, where he collaborated with the late hiplife artist Terry Bonchaka. This partnership, though cut short by Bonchaka’s untimely death, was pivotal in Ayisoba’s musical journey.
Breakthrough and Discography
Ayisoba’s breakthrough came with the release of his debut album Modern Ghanaians in 2006, produced in collaboration with Panji Anoff. The album featured the hit single “I Want to See You My Father,” which earned him the Song of the Year and Traditional Song of the Year awards at the 2007 Ghana Music Awards .
His subsequent albums include:
Africa (2008)
Don’t Do The Bad Thing (2012)
Wicked Leaders (2014)
1000 Can Die (2017)
Work Hard (2023)
These works continue to showcase his fusion of traditional kologo music with modern genres, addressing themes ranging from cultural preservation to social issues.
International Tours and Performances
King Ayisoba has an extensive history of international performances, bringing Ghanaian traditional music to global stages:
2005: Participated in a project in Chicago, USA.
2009 onwards: Regular performances in Europe, including festivals in Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland .
2012: Toured the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Germany with Dutch artist Zea.
2013: Performed in Russia at the International Musical Forum in St. Petersburg .
2014: Featured at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark and the Fusion Festival in Germany.
2016: Embarked on a 35-show European tour across Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Holland, and France .
2023: Undertook a 45-day tour across Europe and Asia, performing in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Thailand. The tour concluded with performances at the National Theater of the Republic of Korea .
Cultural Impact and Recognition
King Ayisoba is not only a musician but also a cultural ambassador, advocating for the preservation of Ghanaian languages and traditions. His efforts have earned him accolades, including being the only traditional musician to win the overall top award at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards . Through his music and international presence, he continues to promote Ghanaian culture on the world stage.