Veteran music producer Zapp Mallet has publicly expressed disappointment with former hiplife star turned evangelist Lord Kenya, accusing him of downplaying his contributions to Ghana’s music history.
Mallet, a respected figure behind numerous influential Ghanaian acts, said his concern is not with Lord Kenya’s spiritual transformation but with what he sees as a growing tendency to distance himself from his secular music career.
“Such actions risk undermining the history and foundations of the genre that helped shape modern Ghanaian music,” Mallet said, according to a report by Thepressradio.com.
The producer argued that hiplife played a major role in the development of Ghana’s contemporary music industry, and Lord Kenya was a key beneficiary and contributor to that movement. He believes artists should acknowledge their musical journey rather than disown parts of it after personal or career changes.
Lord Kenya, once one of Ghana’s most prominent rappers, became a born-again Christian and transitioned into full-time ministry. Since then, he has often spoken about leaving secular music behind as part of his new spiritual direction.
While many have praised his decision, the issue has reignited debate within the entertainment industry about legacy, identity, and artistic evolution. Some stakeholders agree with Mallet that music pioneers deserve recognition for their role in building the industry, regardless of their current paths. Others argue that individuals have the right to completely redefine themselves, especially when new beliefs conflict with past lifestyles.
Mallet maintained that his remarks are not a personal attack but an encouragement to recognise how past work shapes both individual careers and the broader industry.
The debate underscores a recurring question in Ghana’s entertainment space: how should artists honour their past while embracing their present?
