Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Mark Okraku Mantey recently stirred controversy when he questioned Kelvyn Boy’s musical distinctiveness, suggesting that the artist lacks a clear musical identity in the industry.
The debate originated from a discussion on Hitz FM in 2018, where Mark Okraku Mantey expressed his doubts about Kelvyn Boy‘s ability to stand out musically. He stated, “Does he have an identity when it comes to rhythms that he performs? He doesn’t. I have heard him on different rhythms, different songs and he sounds different on almost every beat.”
Kelvyn Boy, in response to these criticisms, defended his musical style in a recent interview on Accra FM with Nana Romeo. He pointed to songs like ‘Yawa No Dey,’ ‘Mea,’ and ‘Down Flat’ as examples of his unique musical identity.
The artist also took a swipe at Okraku Mantey, suggesting that the critic “talks too much” and questioning his contributions to the development of the industry.
This back-and-forth between the two figures highlights ongoing discussions within Ghana’s music scene about the importance of artistic originality and diversity.