M.anifest Biography
Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, professionally known as M.anifest, born November 20, 1982, is a musician, rapper, and record producer from Ghana.
M.anifest is the son of the Ghanaian lawyer and academician Tsatsu Tsikata and lawyer and pastor Rev. Dr. Priscilla Naana Nketia. Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia, his maternal grandfather, was a composer, professor, and ethnomusicologist. M.anifest immigrated to the United States in 2001 to attend Macalester College in Minneapolis-St. Paul, from which he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 2005.
M.anifest attended SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema for secondary school.
Music Career
During his time in the Twin Cities, M.anifest acquired the skills necessary to become a successful independent musician. He lent his voice to a Pepsi jingle that was broadcasted nationally on U.S. radio which allowed him to produce and release his debut solo album, Manifestations, in 2007. This album earned him “Songwriter of the Year” honors in the City Pages and a spot in the Star Tribune’s top five albums of the year.
In 2009, he released a free album, The Birds and the Beats, in order to raise awareness and funds for Young Entrepreneurs Africa.
In 2010, M.anifest embarked on a tour of France and Spain with Africa Express. He caught the attention of Africa Express co-founder Damon Albarn, who the following year invited M.anifest to collaborate on Rocket Juice & the Moon.
In September 2012, M.anifest toured the United Kingdom aboard the Africa Express train.
“Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America” was released in September 2011 and featured the recordings “Suffer”, “Asa”, and “Blue (Chale What Dey Happen).” It marked a decade of his existence in the United States and the start of his return to Ghana.
M.anifest began making significant inroads in Africa in 2012 when he performed on The Big Brother Africa stage and at the Channel O Music Video Awards in South Africa. The music video for his single “Makaa Maka” earned him nominations for Most Talented Hip-Hop Video at the 2012 Channel O Music Awards and Best Hip-Hop Video at the locally held 4Syte Music Video Awards.
Genre
Hiplife/Hip Hop
Location
Ghana
Socials
M.anifest produced and co-wrote an independent mini Hip-hop opera for Channel O and also performed a piece, detailing the history of Ghanaian music at the first-ever Ghana Music Week. M.anifest is the co-founder of Giant Steps, an interactive conference for creative entrepreneurs. He was also featured in Justin Schell’s feature-length documentary We Rock Long Distance.
On 30 June 2016, M.anifest released a slander track titled “god MC” directed at fellow rapper Sarkodie. Within two days, Sarkodie responded with a diss track entitled “Kanta” that was a rendition of a Panda song. The following year, M.anifest’s deity MC won the Hip Hop Song of the Year Ghana Music Award.
Two years later, on December 24, 2018, Sarkodie performed at M.anifest’s annual Manifestivies concert in Accra, putting an end to their feud. On June 18, 2020, Sarkodie featured M.anifest on his politically conscious track Brown Paper Bag, solidifying their friendship.
On July 14, 2016, M.anifest released a new single titled “100%,” which some interpreted as an extension of his feud with Sarkodie. Although he denied it, many heard him say, “You have beef with me, but I’m just chilling.”
“100%” which featured Wolarsi, was an instant hit. Its infectious hook and groovy cadence marked a departure from M.anifest’s more thoughtful singles and lengthy verses.
M.anifest released the “Nowhere Cool” album trailer on YouTube on September 6, 2016, followed by the release of the lead singles “B.E.A.R.” and “Sugar.” The official debut of Nowhere Cool occurred on September 8, 2020, to favorable reviews. It had an extensive roster of local and international artistes, including Worlasi and Cina Soul from Ghana, as well as Tumi Molekane and Nomisupasta from South Africa. Dex Kwasi was selected for Palm Wine & Whisky, whereas Brymo from Nigeria was featured on Sugar & Goodbye. Paapa whom M.anifest featured on Right Here off his Apae: the Price of Free EP album, also featured on Ozymandias.
