Stories and facts

Kainya, popularly known as Lord Kenya, was born on 19 September 1978. He is a former Ghanaian hiplife artist who is now an evangelist.

During his music career, he became well known for hit songs such as Enyom No and Medo.

Lord Kenya was born to an Nzema father from Sanzule and an Asante mother from Fumesua in Kumasi. He spent his early years in Kumasi and later earned the name by which he became famous.

His education began at Central International School, after which he continued to Anglican Senior High School in Kumasi and Nkwatia Secondary School in the Eastern Region.

He then completed sixth form at Mpraeso Secondary School, also in the Eastern Region. While at Anglican Senior High School, he stood out as a talented athlete, excelling in the 400m and 110m hurdles.

His interest in music began at the age of 17, even though he had been exposed to music from childhood.

Initially, his parents hoped he would become a lawyer, but a performance at his father’s birthday party convinced them to support his talent. In 1998, he joined Slip Music and released his debut album Sika Card, which became an instant national hit.

Over the years, he released seven albums: Sika Card, Sika Baa, Yeesom Sika—which topped charts in Ghana—Sika Mpo Fane Ho, Akasieni, Born Again, and God Dey.

Lord Kenya’s success earned him several recognitions. He was nominated for Artist of the Year at the first Ghana Music Awards, while the title track of his second album Sika Baa was nominated for Rap Music of the Year.

He won Hiplife Album of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards in 2001, as well as Best Ghanaian Rap Music at the Anansekrom Festival in Canada in 2000, along with other nominations at home and abroad.

On 28 October 2010, he experienced what he describes as an encounter with the Holy Spirit, a moment that transformed his life. Since then, he has dedicated himself fully to ministry and has never looked back.

He is now the leader of the Face of Grace Covenant Temple at Ahodwo in Kumasi. In 2011, he launched his gospel album Christlife. As part of his new life, he renounced the rights to his hiplife albums and expressed no interest in receiving royalties from them.

Although the transition was not easy, particularly due to financial struggles, he has often said that he finds fulfillment and joy in his new path because it has brought him peace and salvation.

Explore the life of Lord Kenya below.