Nii Addo Quaynor, the Ghanaian rap icon better known as Tinny, has provided a candid look into his enduring creative partnership with the celebrated music producer Edward Nana Poku Osei, or Hammer. Despite acknowledging his own challenging artistic personality, Tinny credits Hammer’s patience and unwavering support as crucial to their long-standing collaboration. He humorously admitted his demanding nature, stating “I dey worry,” but emphasized Hammer’s continued willingness to work with him despite these complexities. This testament to their strong bond underscores the mutual respect and shared artistic vision that has fueled their successful collaboration.
Tinny, a prominent figure in the development of Ghana’s hiplife movement and a champion of Ga rap, also revealed a surprising detail about his early career: he initially rapped in Twi and English, motivated by the commercial appeal of Twi, a widely spoken language in Ghana. He believed rapping in Twi would offer a quicker path to mainstream success. However, this initial decision, driven by commercial considerations, ultimately felt inauthentic to his artistic identity. He yearned to express himself genuinely and represent his roots, leading him to switch to rapping in Ga, his native language. This pivotal decision laid the foundation for his unique style and solidified his position as a leading figure in Ga rap.
This linguistic shift proved transformative, resulting in some of Tinny’s most iconic tracks, including “Makola Kwakwe,” a song that cemented his status within the genre. Interestingly, Tinny clarified a long-standing misconception about his decision to rap in Ga. He emphasized that the switch predated his meeting with Hammer, debunking the rumour that the producer influenced this artistic choice. He made this decision independently, driven by a deep-seated desire for authentic self-expression. This clarification highlights Tinny’s independent artistic spirit and his commitment to representing his cultural heritage through his music.
Describing their initial encounter, Tinny explained that their paths crossed through a mutual friend, Doggo, who was recording an album with Hammer. At the time, Hammer was specifically searching for a Ga rapper, and Doggo recommended Tinny. This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of a fruitful creative partnership that would shape the trajectory of both their careers. Tinny vividly recounted their first studio session, praising Hammer’s innovative approach to music production. He described Hammer as a visionary who could distill a track to its essence, often using a compelling bassline as the foundation for inspiring creativity.
Tinny further elaborated on their collaborative process, highlighting Hammer’s unique ability to draw out the best in him. He described a synergy born from mutual respect and a shared passion for authentic Ghanaian music. This synergy allows them to navigate the creative process, even with Tinny’s self-professed stubbornness. He lauded Hammer as one of the best engineers he’s ever worked with, emphasizing the producer’s technical proficiency and artistic sensitivity. This deep admiration for Hammer’s skills reinforces the strong foundation of their working relationship.
The interview provided a rare and intimate glimpse into Tinny’s artistic evolution, from his initial commercial aspirations to his embrace of his cultural identity through Ga rap. He detailed his journey of self-discovery and the pivotal role his partnership with Hammer played in shaping his career. This candid conversation sheds light on the enduring strength of their collaboration, a testament to their shared artistic vision and mutual respect. It also underscores the importance of authentic self-expression in artistic creation and how embracing one’s roots can lead to the most impactful and resonant work. Tinny’s story serves as an inspiration for emerging artists to prioritize authenticity and seek out collaborative partnerships that nurture their individual creative voices.
