Stories and facts
Ghanaian UK-based singer Fuse ODG has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Ghanaian to win a Grammy Award. This historic achievement took place at the 60th Grammy Awards held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, USA.
Born Nana Richard Abiona on December 2, 1988, Fuse ODG is renowned for his unique blend of musical styles, combining Afro-pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk, and rock. Raised in Ghana and later returning to London for his education, Fuse's stage name "Fuse" reflects his fusion of diverse genres, while "ODG" stands for 'Off Da Ground'.
Fuse's journey into music began as a means of connecting with peers and gaining acceptance after facing bullying due to his Ghanaian accent during his adolescence in London. He drew inspiration from American hip-hop, Ghanaian highlife, and Black British genres like grime and UK garage, citing influences such as So Solid Crew and Ghanaian rappers Obrafour, Reggie Rockstone, and Lord Kenya.
His breakthrough came with hit singles like "Antenna" and "Dangerous Love", followed by collaborations including Major Lazer's "Light It Up (Remix)". Notably, he won 'Best African Act' at the 18th MOBO Awards in 2013 and garnered multiple awards at the Urban Music Awards the same year.
Fuse ODG's success continued with the release of his debut album, 'T.I.N.A.' (This Is New Africa), in 2014, featuring chart-topping tracks like "Million Pound Girl (Badder Than Bad)" and "T.I.N.A." featuring Angel. Despite his rising fame, Fuse remained true to his roots and declined an offer to participate in Band Aid 30 due to concerns over the portrayal of Ebola epidemic victims in West Africa.
In recent years, Fuse ODG has continued to expand his musical horizons, collaborating with artists such as Tinchy Stryder, Angel, and Sean Paul, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the global music scene.
The Grammy win marked a significant moment not only for Fuse ODG but also for the Ghanaian music industry as a whole, highlighting the growing influence of African artists on the international stage. As he continues to break barriers and inspire new generations of musicians, Fuse ODG's legacy underscores the power of cultural diversity and artistic innovation in shaping the global music stage.
Explore the life of Fuse ODG below.
