Paul Amankwah, known professionally as Kweku Smoke is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter.
Early life and education He attended Victory International School for basic education, then Benkum Senior High School, and later studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). During part of his early career he released freestyle under the name YRS.
Music career In 2019, Kweku Smoke gained wider recognition after a studio introduction let him meet Sarkodie. The collaboration on the track "Yedin" helped bring him to more public attention.
He released the album kweku Jesus on 8 March 2024; it achieved commercial success shortly after release, including reaching no. 1 on iTunes in Ghana.
Later in 2024, he released Born In Hell, a project consisting of 10 track, described as more introspective in detailing personal hardship and growth.
Kweku smoke held a headline concert called "The Revival" on 18 December 2024 at GHUD park near Accra Mall. It included other Ghanaian artist on stage, and some of his popular song were performed.
Awards and recognition At the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, Kweku Smoke won:
Best Rap Performance (for Holy Ghost) Best Hip Hop Song (for Holy Ghost) Best Hip Hop/Hiplife Artist He has also been nominated in other categories at TGMA, including Artiste of the Year and Album of the Year.
Themes and style Kweku smoke's lyrics open address is personal experiences, including struggles growing up, poverty, resilience, and street life. His music blends Twi, English, and Pidgin.
Personal life
He has spoken in lyrics and interviews about growing up in Berekum and naming a rice seller ("Yaayaa") whose generosity during his early hardship featured in his song Holy Ghost.
Apart from music he has been involved in other ventures for example operating a shuttle service for students at KNUST.
Discography
Albums +TapeYear of ReleasePlayman2023He's Just Different2023Kweku Jesus2024Born in Hell2024Walk With Me2025No Days Off2026
EPs +EPYear of ReleaseWe Rage2022Big Shmoke2022Old Compound2023Eye Red2024
Selected Singles and Notable Songs
Holy Ghost Agyekum Nkwanehia Yedin — collaborated with Sarkodie Akata featuring Bosom P-Yung. Airhu — ft. Bosom P-Yung. Dis Side— ft. Kofi Mole. You Dey Talk Title Year Type Featured Artist(s) Album / Project "Yedin" 2019 Single Sarkodie — "Airhu" 2020 Single Bosom P-Yung — "Akata" 2020 Single Bosom P-Yung — "Dis Side" 2020 Single Kofi Mole — "You Dey Talk" 2021 Single — — "Self Employed" 2021 Single — — "King Dave" 2021 Single — — "Lost Title" 2022 Single — — "Take Me Somewhere Happy" 2022 Single — — "Holy Ghost" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "No Complaining" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "Dreams" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "Regrets" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "Nkwanehia" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "Reserved Seat" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "My Youth" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "Higher" 2024 Track — Born In Hell "Cheddar" 2024 Track — Born In Hell
Awards and nominations +YearOrganizationCategoryNominated workResultRef2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardArtist Of The YearHoly Ghost2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardBest Hiplife/HipHop ArtisteHoly Ghost2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardBest Rap PerformanceHoly Ghost2025Vodafone Ghana Music AwardBest HipHop SongHoly Ghost
No Days Off Album The No Days Off album dropped on Friday, September 4, 2026. The album contains 13 songs with features from Ghanaian musicians like Lasmid, Kwesi Arthur and Real Dikoo. The album serves as a statement of intent in an industry where momentum can be very shot, Kweku Smoke emphasizes on continuous creation of songs for his fans.
References