The first time I stumbled upon RCEE’s video on social media, it was impossible to ignore, he was owning a moment. With his “pimpinis” pants pulled high, a clear nod to old-school style while he danced to a Highlife track. The sound felt like something familiar but with a vibe and soul.
The way he moved to the rhythm of the tune, effortlessly dancing to his own beat, was magnetic. I soon discovered the track playing in the background was “Knees and Bends,” one of RCEE’s own creations. What followed was a buzz from netizens, with many comparing him to the legendary Daddy Lumba. But while the comparisons were flattering, RCEE’s is not about imitation, but rather creating a sound that’s his own.
Known for his unique take on the genre, RCEE is one of the rising stars in Ghana’s music scene, blending the timeless sounds of Highlife with the energy of modern Afrobeats.
From a quiet high school student to one of Ghana’s most promising new voices, his debut EP, “How Did We Get Here,” tells that story. The EP reflects the highs and lows of life—struggles, love, and celebration. It seamlessly blends traditional Highlife with fresh, contemporary sounds.
RCEE is showing that Highlife has a place in today’s music world, and he’s ready to take it to the next level. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the music and his thoughts on where he’s headed next.
GM: Congratulations on having a good music run this year and releasing your debut project. What was that moment that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
RCEE: Thank you! I used to be very quiet and shy in high school, but deep down, I could sing and rap very well to people’s songs. My classmates were fascinated and one time I did a freestyle with table drums in the classroom. During our usual entertainment hours, they pushed me on stage one Saturday in front of the whole school. I surprisingly nailed it and made a name for myself on campus. That’s when everything started.
GM: How has the reception been for you as a promising artist steadily drawing attention?
RCEE: It’s been very inspiring and has boosted my confidence to do more. Honestly, I was expecting a good reception because I strongly believed in what I have and what I have prayed for.
GM: There’s been a lot of talk about your style mimicking Daddy Lumba. What’s your response to these comparisons, and how do you maintain your own identity while carrying such a powerful influence?
RCEE: Daddy Lumba is a legend and cannot be compared. I just wanted to create a nostalgic feel around my identity and people tend to positively relate with it. But my name is RCEE a.k.a Ghetto Sexy a.k.a Young Daddy.
GM: The title of your EP “How Did We Get Here” feels like both a question and a statement. Take us through the story behind choosing this name for your debut EP.
RCEE: So basically, the title “HOW DID WE GET HERE” represents growth and direction. It embodies my journey and lifestyle as an artiste. I used to think that doing what people appreciate is what will make people love you. But I realized people don’t know what they love till you show them. So I intended to share my journey and explore my versatility in a body of work, which has confirmed my thoughts so far.
GM: You’ve mentioned “readiness” in terms of your artistic growth. What convinced you this was the right time to release this body of work?
RCEE: I was born ready so there’s never a wrong time in my books. The only thing that could ever stall me would be resources. But when it comes to me I am always ready.
GM: Let’s break down your EP’s sound architecture. How do you balance traditional highlife elements with modern sounds in your production process?
RCEE: I am a strong fan of music and I listen to music from every part of the world without discrimination same as I do music. That is why I am always particular about blending and fusing sounds. So anytime I am creating I make sure I represent my true identity as a Ghanaian and also consider the mood in which these sounds can maneuver through.
GM: Which song from the EP would you choose to introduce someone to both your music and the essence of modern highlife?
RCEE: I Believe that would be “BLESSING”
GM: In crafting these songs, you’ve mentioned themes of “blessings, love and celebration of life.” Which song on the EP do you feel best encapsulates all these elements, and why?
RCEE: The songs transcend through my journey of Struggles, Love and Celebration of life. BLESSING represents my struggles and how I handled them, with my sense of appreciation AMAZING, SHE also shares a story of how my Love life looks like, and then KNEES AND BEND is how I celebrate life.
GM: The EP seems to navigate between joy and struggle. Was this contrast intentional, and how did you ensure both sides of the story were equally represented?
RCEE: It was very intentional. I love people to have a sense of appreciation even through their struggles, I believe it makes the struggle beautiful and more inspiring when they get to know what you have been through. I think I was fortunate to realize that earlier in my life, and that is the representation of the EP. An epitome of “I don’t look like my hustle”
GM: Highlife music has historically been a storytelling medium in Ghana. How are you using the genre to tell contemporary stories?
RCEE: Yes, I am doing this by fusing the old sound with the new sound and telling stories that my generation can relate to.
GM: In the process of blending traditional and modern sounds, what has been your most surprising discovery about highlife music?
RCEE: I discovered that highlife is a sound but not a language and our industry has been too busy collecting stones and leaving the diamonds behind. Highlife is the missing piece in the puzzle we are trying to solve. I say this because anytime I introduce my “highlifeness” into a foreign sound I genuinely feel the originality and it gives a lot of confidence in that particular record.
GM: If this project represents where you are now, where do you see your sound evolving in the next few years?
RCEE: I keep on learning and experimenting. I believe I won’t lose the sound I have but rather evolve my sound and then we will get to know the growth and how to describe it.
GM: Finally, complete this sentence: “The future of Ghanaian highlife is…”
RCEE: ME, MYSELF AND I!
