Ghanaian hiplife musician Kwaw Kese has addressed students and faculty of the University of Richmond in the United States as part of the institution’s International Education Week celebration.
He was invited as a speaker to discuss hiphop and hiplife and their positive impact on Ghanaian society.
At the event which took place on 18th November 2025, Kwaw Kese also touched on how the creative arts continue to connect Ghana and its culture to audiences across the world.
International Education Week at the University of Richmond is set aside to promote global learning and cross cultural exchange. Throughout the week, students engage in conversations, exhibitions and lectures that highlight the experiences, histories and creative expressions of different countries. The organisers say the aim is to foster understanding and encourage collaborations that stretch beyond borders.
Speaking about how he uses his voice for social change, the rapper said “there was a time when a lot of Ghanaians were locked up in different countries. They were trying to come back to Ghana but the government was charging $150. At that time I said ‘no, this doesn’t make sense’ because the person was already locked up in a different country, trying to come back to his home. And you the parent who is supposed to organise your kids and bring them home, you charging them money.”
Kwaw said he was criticised by supporters of the government in power for questioning the decision, but noted that after concerns from people like him, the amount was reduced to $50.
He also highlighted the importance of streaming in today’s music business.
“In the days of the cassettes and CDs we were limited to our localities. Now you have people across the world listening to your music. It didn’t use to be like that. I will say it has advantages and disadvantages. A lot of people take our music for granted. Sometimes they steal our music or use them without paying,” he said.
Kwaw Kese, known for hits such as ‘Abodam’, ‘Let Me Do My Thing’ and ‘The World’, has been one of the key figures in hiplife for more than two decades. His work is often praised for its social commentary, energetic delivery and bold storytelling.
Beyond music, he has supported conversations about mental health, creative rights and the welfare of artistes, earning him recognition as one of the genre’s most outspoken voices.
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