ATA KAK

Ata Kak, the Ghanaian visionary behind the cult classic Obaa Sima, fused highlife, hiphop, and funk in the early '90s, creating a raw, futuristic sound that went unnoticed at the time but exploded decades later. Born Yaw Atta-Owusu in Kumasi, he crafted Obaa Sima—a DIY cassette of Twi-rap over lo-fi beats infused with afro-futurism—using basic home tech in Germany and Canada. Rediscovered in 2002 by musicologist Brian Shimkovitz and reissued via Awesome Tapes From Africa, it set the internet ablaze.

Humble yet unstoppable, Ata Kak says, “I’m no legend; I just do what I love.” In his 50s, he embarked on his first world tour, electrifying European festivals with his joy and energy. From obscurity to a pioneer of Twi-rap and afro-futurism, he likens music to water: “Once it flows, it can go anywhere.”

On November 7, Ata Kak releases his first album in 30 years, Batakari, with the single Yasi Townalready out!