This interview was done on February 5, 2008 at Shatta Rako's office in Kumasi.

Museke: Firstly, how did you get the nickname Shatta Rako?
Shatta Rako: People started calling me Shatta Rako after my debut. Rako is from my initials – Rexford Amoah Kojo. Shatta means shooter, as a gun man. The full name is Top Shatta Rako – highest shooter. My Jamaican friends also called me Shatta Rako.

Museke: Can you tell us about your background and family?
Shatta Rako: My mum is from Winneba and my dad is from Apam. I was born in 1979, attended CRIG primary in New Tafo, Adisadel college in Cape Coast and then went to UST as part of the graduating class of 2003.

Museke: How did you get into music?
Shatta Rako: I liked music but didn’t think I was gonna come out with an album. I went on stage in form 1 at Adisco and did some rap (Azigiza Junior’s Medo wo Abena). I started taking it serious when I was leaving Adisco. Other performers at the time were T-Blaze, Scooby Selah and Spookie (now Wanlov da Kuborlor).We did various demos.

Museke: And after Adisco (SantaClausian)?
Shatta Rako: I worked with a graphic design company, I did Visual Arts At Adisco. At KNUST, I did Industrial Art even I wanted to do Graphics. I recorded one song about Tina (a tribute song to his sister). I recorded many songs I want to redo.
I went to the UK after Tech (KNUST) and worked with some graphic design firms. Did some vocals/beats with Kwaisey Pee.

Museke: How different is it for a Ghanaian musician abroad compared to being at home?
Shatta Rako: I looked out for record deals and visited a few radio stations with my CDs. Managed to get some airplay at a radio station (Tina).

During my time in the UK, I was doing a lot of rap, and eventually developed my ragga skills (improving my patois). The influence of my Jamaiacan friends was high.

Museke: What kind of music do you like?
Shatta Rako: Mostly lovers’ rock and musicians like Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks, Elephant man, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Luciano. I love ragga more than hip-hop.

Museke: Which African musicians do you idolize or admire?
Shatta Rako: I enjoyed listening to Ghanaian highlife growing up; artistes like Ben Brako, Nana Ampadu. I also liked Reggie Rockstone.
I admire the work of artistes like Mensah, Yoggi Doggi, Samini, Bandana and ‘raglife’ in general. I also like Ofori Amponsah for his melodies.

Museke: What kind of music do you do?
Shatta Rako: I do dancehall music. I do a lot of songs in my local language. If you sing in foreign languages, people (here in Ghana) may not accept the music. For my new album, I’m doing a lot of songs in English with Twi or Fante versions. The industry is changing, people are realizing that Ghanaians can do English songs.
My new album uses local rhythms; and has dancehall, reggae, lovers’ rock songs.

Museke: Was Nfoni your debut release? How did it do?
Shatta Rako: I released it through Rudebuoy records in 2006 but didn’t have too much money to promote nationwide. Nfoni was a little different than what was happening on the music scene at the time but I was happy with the impact given the difference.
Some of the songs (Gud Bye) were done by Bruno (a friend) at Brundai recording studio in Kumasi. Okyeame Quophi recorded 4 of the songs, Tina was done at Hit Digital Studio.

Museke: Tell us a little about your new album (Redefined) and how are you promoting it?
Shatta Rako: I chose the title as ‘redefined’. I have decided to redefine myself, and get music fans to understand me better. I remixed some of my older songs.
I am partnering with Pat Thomas Music for distribution. I am also working on getting a record shop.

Museke: Have you featured on any other albums?
Shatta Rako: I used to workwith Okyeame Quophi so I featured on Frank Mensah Pozo’s album which the former produced. I have done a lot of work with underground artistes.

Museke: Who have you featured on your own songs?
Shatta Rako: I have featured Root-I, Ramzy of the Stars of the Future fame, and Okyeame Quophi on the Nfoni album. On the new one (Redefined), I have Jewel Ackah on the ‘I love you bad’ (highlife version mixed at Dambassey studios), Kwame Adinkra, Root-I, Scooby Selah, Wanlov might be on it, and Kapusta.
Okyeame Quophi may produce a few songs. Dela (of Mentor fame and produced by Okyeame Quophi’s Emklan Entertainment) might sing on some of the songs.

Museke: Who else is part of Rudebuoy Records?
Shatta Rako: We have Bredren B, and we are trying to get Kapusta (who originally is part of Okyeame Quophi’s crew)

Museke: Do you consider yourself as a hiplife artiste?
Shatta Rako: No, I consider himself a dancehall, ragga artiste.

Museke: What is your take on hiplife lyrics and content?
Shatta Rako: I feel people should be more original, because a lot of people are trying to be copycats. Most people sing about love, we need more songs about more social issues. Music carries a message, the things we say in our songs have influence on people. The music scene is improving, you can’t relax.

Museke: What is the inspiration for the songs you write?
Shatta Rako: I think I write good songs when I have experienced something. I also imagine things that happen most of the time and write about them.

Museke: What challenges do you face in the Ghanaian music industry?
Shatta Rako: If you are a new artiste with talent, you have to get people to believe in you, and it’s a problem. Producers look at the business side and how much profit they’ll make. The sales in Ghana are not too encouraging. If your song becomes a hit, then the piracy sets in. The DJs too have the payola issue. The payola is fading away, and most producers won’t pay so artistes are looking to TV. A lot of producers are even branching out, doing other things.

Museke: What is in the future of your (Ghanaian) music?
Shatta Rako: I want to see how this one does, I believe this CD would go far. I am a professional graphic designer, so the way things go would determine what next.

Museke: Do you have any present engagements and works?
Shatta Rako: I spend a lot of time designing and printing stuff, so can’t even go to the studio sometimes. I also do some jingles for presenters and radio stations. I even think my voice is too much on radio.

Museke: What are your hobbies and pastimes?
Shatta Rako: I like playing basketball and listening to music.

Museke: What is your take on the attitude of Kumasi fans to music shows, concerts?
Shatta Rako: People in Kumasi are different from those in Accra. They would rather buy Agya Koo movies instead of going to shows. They feel shows, concerts, etc should be free. There are also not a lot of good organizers in Kumasi.
I plan to do my official launch for free, and hopefully they would patronize the CDs.

Museke: How can Ghanaian music expand and sell outside?
Shatta Rako: Musicians should be more creative and original, and portray more of the local stuff.

Museke: Do you have a website?
Shatta Rako: Shattarako.com

Museke: Give us your Parthian shot.
Shatta Rako: Thank his fans for the support and they should watch out for the Redefined album.