Stories and facts
Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus was born on the 6th of March, 1977, in Saltpond, Ghana. He is the second of eight children born to Mr. Daniel Kwasi Obeng and Madam Elizabeth Obeng, with deep roots in the Central Region of Ghana. A Plus's journey through life has been marked by a deep-seated passion for using his artistic talents to address political and social issues, a theme that has defined much of his career.
A Plus began his educational journey at Gomoaman Preparatory School, which was formerly known as Gomoa Aseibu International School, situated in Winneba. His quest for knowledge led him to three different secondary schools, including Swedru Secondary School, Breman Asikuma Secondary School, and Nkwatia Secondary School. These early years of education not only laid the foundation for his academic development but also nurtured his innate talent and passion for music.
In his pursuit of higher education, A Plus enrolled at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where he graduated with distinction, earning a second-class upper degree. This academic achievement demonstrated his commitment to personal growth and the acquisition of knowledge.
A Plus's journey into the world of music was influenced by his experiences during his secondary school years. His interest in music began to take shape, and in 1998, he recorded his first demo track at Sim Buster's music studio in Accra. Subsequently, he continued to produce demo tracks at various music studios, honing his craft and developing his unique style.
In 1999, a pivotal moment occurred in his musical career when he, alongside another artist, became the first two fortunate acts to be signed by Hush Hush Studios/Records. At that time, the studio was represented and managed in Ghana by Mr. Daniel Adjei. This marked the official start of A Plus's music career.
A Plus quickly gained recognition in the music industry for his distinctive style, characterized by a fervent commitment to addressing political and social issues through his music. Some of his notable songs include:
Freedom of Speech (2000): This album and its hit track, "Mesuro Mpo Na Merekeka Yi O," candidly critiqued politicians, highlighting his fearlessness in expressing his views in a democratic society.
Agye Gon (2004): A Plus continued to delve into politics, analyzing campaign promises and political events in this song, released after the 2004 elections.
Letter to Parliament (2007): In a more poignant tone, A Plus addressed Ghana's Parliament, earning a nomination for Best Hip-life Song at the 2008 Ghana Music Awards.
A Letter to the West (2008): Collaborating with Praye, this song tackled the issue of poor leadership in Africa, addressing the consequences of political incompetence and its impact on the continent.
While A Plus has established himself as a politically astute artist known for his irreverent style, he also explored stand-up comedy with relative success. However, his later work, such as "A Letter to the West," revealed a more socially conscious and politically correct side, where he addressed broader issues plaguing Africa, including wars and poverty resulting from inadequate political leadership.
His songs continue to resonate with audiences, serving as a reminder of the importance of using one's voice and talents for positive change. As of 2020, he is not only pursuing his music career but also expanding his knowledge through academic pursuits at GIMPA, further cementing his commitment to personal and societal growth.
