Kesse (musician)
Mike Kesse | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Michael Kesse Frimpong |
| Also known as | The Prodigy[1] |
| Born | 29 November 1986 |
| Origin | Accra, Ghana |
| Genres | Afropop, R&B, hiplife |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instrument(s) |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
Michael Kesse Frimpong (born 29 November 1986), who is better known as Kesse, is a Ghanaian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after winning the fourth season of TV3's Mentor.[2][3] He participated in season 2 of Project Fame West Africa and finished first runner-up to Chidinma.[4] Kesse's debut studio album The Prodigy, which was released in 2012, yielded the singles "The Ugly Truth", "The More I Cry", "Superstar", and "Treat Her Royal" (featuring Sarkodie).[1]
Early life and musical career[edit]
Michael Kesse Frimpong was born in 1986 and is the only boy child of his family. Kesse was drawn to music at an early age and was referred to as Mike during his high school days at Nkawkaw. He decided to pursue a professional career in music after participating in Mentor and Project Fame West Africa. Kesse gained prominence after releasing his debut single "Oh Yes", a reggae-dancehall song that earned him Best Male Vocal of the Year at the 2012 Ghana Music Awards. He often sings in his native language Twi, and is fluent in English, Ga, and French. He has collaborated with Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Guru, Raquel, Appietus, Efya, Ayigbe Edem and Kwaw Kese.[5]
On 25 May 2013, Kesse performed at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.[6] His debut studio album, Prodigy, was supported by the singles "The Ugly Truth", "The More I Cry", "Superstar", and the Sarkodie-assisted track "Treat Her Royal". He released four music videos to support the singles.[7] Kesse received a total of four nominations at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards, and was nominated twice in the Best Collaboration of the Year and Hip Life Song of the Year categories.
Discography[edit]
Studio albums
- Prodigy (2012)
Singles
- "Oh Yes"
- "Treat Her Royal" (featuring Sarkodie)
- "Asa Bone"
- "Two Eyes"
- "Kwahu Bipo" (featuring Tinny)
- "Obiba" (featuring Efya)
Awards[edit]
Ghana Music Awards[edit]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "Azonto Fiesta" (with Sakordie and Appietus) | Best Collaboration of the Year[8] | Nominated |
| "Sika" (Okyeame Kwame)[9] | Nominated | ||
| "Azonto Fiest" | Hip Life song of the Year[8] | Nominated | |
| "Treat Her Royal" (featuring Sarkodie)[8] | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | "Oh Yes" | Best Male Vocal of the Year[10] | Won |
References[edit]
- ^ a b Kwasi, Paa (14 May 2012). "Kesse unleashes 'the ugly truth' claiming he is heading to the BETs and the GRAMMYs". OMG Ghana. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ Addo, Francis (12 March 2009). "Mike wins mentor 4". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ Ampomah, Anita (6 April 2014). "I am getting ready to marry – Kesse". Joy Online. Archived from the original on 23 August 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ "MTN Project Fame season three". Vanguard. 26 September 2010. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
- ^ Addo, Francis (12 March 2009). "Mike wins mentor 4". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ "Kesse Rocks Vienna City Saturday". News One. 24 May 2013. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ "KESSE DEBUTS "UGLY TRUTH" ALBUM". Modern Ghana. 12 May 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ a b c Abimboye, Micheal (20 May 2013). "Wizkid wins African Artiste of the year at Ghana music awards". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
- ^ "2013 VGMA Nominations: The Complete List". ghanamusic.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ Febiri, Chris-Vincent A (15 April 2012). "Full List Of Winners Of 2012 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards…". GhanaCelebrities.com. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.