Kumi Guitar
Kumi Guitar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nana Yaw Kumi 16 May 1985[1] |
| Genres | Afro pop, Highlife |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Label | Zylofon Media |
Nana Yaw Kumi (born May 16, 1985), known by the stage name Kumi Guitar, is a Ghanaian Highlife and Afro-fusion singer-songwriter.[2] He is recognized for his lyrical content and usage of guitar, which earned him his stage name. He was the first artist signed to Zylofon Media in 2017; his songs include "Break Into Two", "Dream", and "Betweener".[3][4][5]
Early life
Kumi Guitar was born Nana Yaw Kumi in Accra, Ghana. He discovered his passion for music at a young age and was a member of a musical group during his secondary education at Adisadel College in Cape Coast (2001–2003).[6][7]
Following his secondary education, Kumi faced financial challenges that delayed his further studies. During this period, he worked as a taxi driver to support himself while continuing to pursue music, often attending studio sessions at Big F Studios and Sugar Tome Studios before or after his driving shifts.[8][9] He eventually received formal training from the producer, Zap Mallet, who also gave him the nickname "Kumi Guitar."
Music career
Kumi Guitar's professional breakthrough occurred after he collaborated on a compilation by producer Sugar Tome.[10][11] His single "Break Into Two", featuring Guru, brought him into the national spotlight and earned him a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).[12][13]
In January 2017, he signed a five-year management deal with Zylofon Media, which was valued at approximately $100,000, and included a house and a vehicle.[14][15][16] Under this label, he released "Dream," a song that chronicled his struggles and rise in the industry.[17][18][19]
Recognition
- 2014 VGMA: Nominated for New Artist of the Year.[12]
- 2017 Ghana Music Awards UK: Adjudged Best Performer.[20][21]
- 2018 VGMA: Received nominations for Highlife Artist of the Year and Highlife Song of the Year.[22]
Discography
Singles
- Break Into Two (feat. Guru)
- Dream
- Obra
- Betweener
- Konkonsa
- Temperature (feat. Jupitar)
- Kro Kro Me (feat. Shatta Wale)
- Sex
- Stages
References
- ^ "Kumi Guitar, Biography". www.ethnocloud.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
- ^ "Verifying…". aftownmusic.com. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Kumi Guitar: I was first artiste signed Zylofon Music". ghana601.rssing.com. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ yghanadmin (2017-01-23). "ZYLOFON MEDIA signs its first artiste – KUMI GUITAR". YFM Ghana. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Zylofon Media Communications Director clarifies rumored deal with Akoo Nana – Glitz Africa Magazine". Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ ProfileAbility (2018-03-11). "Kumi Guitar Biography, Videos, Booking". ProfileAbility. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "About KUMI GUITAR - SEX". EthnoCloud. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ GRAPHIC ONLINE (2014-03-13). "Need a taxi, call Kumi Guitar".
- ^ "NAM1 has a beautiful soul; he doesn't take from the poor to enrich himself – Kumi Guitar". www.classfmonline.com. 2020-11-03. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Highlife hero". Issuu. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ Times, Ghanaian (2019-04-06). "Meet highlife icon, Kumi Guitar". Ghanaian Times. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ a b "Full list of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2014 nominations". GhanaWeb. 2014-03-02. Archived from the original on 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Full list of 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards nominations - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Kumi Guitar signs 5 year management deal with Zylofon Media". GhanaWeb. 2017-01-23. Archived from the original on 2024-12-27. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Kumi Guitar bags $100K, house and car in new deal". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "I'm under no pressure from Zylofon Media – Kumi Guitar | GhHeadlines Total News Total Information". news.ghheadlines.com. 2017-03-16. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Kumi Guitar - Dream". Pulse Ghana. 2017-07-23. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Singer signs $100k record label with Zylofon Media". Pulse Ghana. 2017-01-23. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "See photos of the GH¢ 2 billion car Kumi Guitar uses just for media interviews". GhanaWeb. 2017-04-04. Archived from the original on 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Zylofon Media Wins Award at GMA UK 2017 In London". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Kumi Guitar adjudged best performer at Ghana Music Awards UK 2017". GhanaWeb. 2017-09-20. Archived from the original on 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards: Full list of nominees". GhanaWeb. 2018-03-04. Archived from the original on 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2026-02-26.