Guyana’s Music Industry was recently rocked when recording artiste Lill Million released a “dis” track  targeting some of the biggest music acts in the country. The  tumultuous piece took aim at popular artistes such as Jumo Primo and Kwasi Ace. Many artistes have already released counters to the controversial track but not many packed the proverbial punch of Kwasi Ace’s response. Kwasi Ace wrote and recorded an epic lyrical dissemination that called out Lill Million on everything from his intellectual capacity to his issues with colourism and skin bleaching and his alleged copying of Jamaican Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel. Caribbean Entertainment Hub Caught up with the super star and spoke about his life and career in the arts and of course the recent controversy.

Kwasi Ace whose real name is Kwasi Edmonson told Caribbean Entertainment Hub that he discovered his love for the arts during his early years performing at state event while attending St. Margrets Primary School. It was, however, his older brother’s gift of a Bounty Killer Cassette in his teenage years that would unlock his penchant for composition. Kwasi Ace would continue to perform throughout his time at Richard Ishmael Secondary School and would subsequently be signed with UPP Management from where his career in the arts blossomed. He became a household name and would perform at shows all over the country and open for many major acts such as: Beenie Man, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and American recording Artiste Akon. He also won the Coveted Carib Soca Monarch Crown with his Hit song “Still in the Game”. The Entertainer remarked the win as one of the proudest moments of his illustrious career.

Kwasi Ace recalled his first recording was done with a radio station under the management of Radio announcer Stan Gouvia. The song was recoded with an RNB group that he had formed while in High School. He would later record one of his most recognizable hits to-date entitled “Stupid Questions” under the advice of Comedian Chow Pow. The song was written and recorded at Brutal Tracks Studios for the comedy show “Mori j’von Comedy Jam. “ many recordings followed at Brutal Tracks studio included an unfinished recording called “same thing” with which he had entered the Soca Monarch Competition that year. He met Joel Browne Later in his career and under his advice would record on many popular tracks.

You can’t mention Guyanese music without saying Kwasi Ace. One of Guyana’s popular artiste, he was dubbed by many the lyricist because of his penchant for brilliant compositions. He fuses poetic rhyming schemes, with story telling quality to create a unique sound. Another stroke of genius that separates this artiste from his peers is comedy. Kwasi Ace doubles as a stand-up comic and would induce a lot of that comedic styling into his music.  He opined that his music caters to all audiences since he creates content that speak to pressing societal issues such as culture, race, hate, prejudice and politics in a manner that is absolutely entertaining.

The Married father of three told Caribbean Entertainment Hub that his life outside of Music does not exist, since, music is his life. He explained that he however loves to spend his down time with his family remarking on the closeness of his relationship with his sister and the integral role he plays in her life and that of her children. He further stated that his friends are the same as before he became famous and so the regular meet up for drinks and lighthearted bantering is of course a vital part of his routine.

Kwasi said that one of the biggest challenges of his career was dealing with his stage Fright. He explained that though performing from a tender age his constant stage freight would limit him and keep him from many major performance opportunities.  Kwasi told us that he learned to rely on comedy for this issue since he realized that a cleverly crafted comedic ice breaker could do wonders to lighten a mood and therefore aid with his stage freight.  When asked why he chose to respond to the “ the controversial piece by fellow artiste lill million, Kwasi had this to say “didn’t want to respond to him but after he got on radio and said what he sang about was facts I decided to record a song but held from releasing it. But then he was saying I did a song but was scared to release it because I knew his was better. Also being known for your lyrical abilities and not answering wasn’t a good look.”

Kwasi Ace closed by saying that he would advise anyone endeavoring to become a musician to be disciplined, focus and practice every day. “Only you can keep you from achieving your goals and don’t do it if you don’t love it and perform like it’s your last always.”  Caribbean Entertainment Hub Hopes to continue following the progress of this artiste as he continues to grow and mainstream Guyanese music.

A Taste Of Kwasi Ace Music

1. White Out (Lil Million Diss) Kwasi Ace 0:45

2. No Race Only Waist Kwasi Ace 0:45

3. Stupid Questions Kwasi Ace 0:45

4. Still In The Game Kwasi Ace 0:45

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