By: Emmanuel Amoah
Blakk Rasta, the acclaimed Ghanaian musician, broadcaster, and CEO of Blakk Empire Media, has reached a significant milestone, celebrating his 50th birthday. Born Abubakar Ahmed on September 2, 1974, in Tamale, Blakk Rasta’s upbringing in the challenging neighborhoods of Moshie-Zongo and Aboabo, under devout Ahmadi-Muslim parents, profoundly influenced his life’s passion and work.
With nearly 30 years of experience in music and broadcasting, Blakk Rasta is celebrated for his bold, patriotic persona and commitment to defending national interests with a neutral journalistic approach, earning him a dedicated following. He currently hosts the Urban Trend show on 3FM, where his distinctive voice continues to resonate.
Blakk Rasta’s radio career began years ago, gaining recognition at Happy 98.9 FM as Ghana’s best Reggae DJ. He later hosted the mid-morning show ‘Taxi Driver’ on Hitz 103.9 FM, cementing his reputation as a controversial yet influential broadcaster.
In 2015, Blakk Rasta announced his departure from Hitz FM on Twitter and joined Zylofon FM in 2017, continuing to host ‘Taxi Driver.’ After four years, he left Zylofon FM on December 31, 2021, and joined Class Media Group before founding Blakk Empire Media, where he now hosts ‘The Black Pot.’
One of Blakk Rasta’s most notable achievements is his song “Barack Obama,” which he wrote in honor of the 44th U.S. President. This accomplishment led to an invitation to a special dinner with President Obama on July 11, 2010, marking a high point in his illustrious career.
Blakk Rasta is a pioneer of the “Kuchoko” sound, a unique musical style that fuses reggae with indigenous African rhythms and instruments, including the xylophone, talking drum (dondo), kette, flute, kologo, and kora, as well as sounds from nature and local markets. This innovative blend has resonated with global audiences, particularly in today’s evolving musical landscape.
Influenced by figures like Jamaican dub poet Mutabaruka, DYCR, Linton Kwesi Johnson, and Nigerian reggae legend Ras Kimono, Blakk Rasta’s contributions to reggae music and radio have earned him numerous accolades, including ‘Radio Reggae Show Host of the Year’ at the Ghana Radio and Television Personality (RTP) Awards in June 2011 and a BASS Award in 2013 for his reggae song “Our Africa,” a collaboration with Jah Amber.
Blakk Rasta’s extensive discography includes albums such as The Rasta Shrine (2000), More Fyah (2002), Ganja Minister (2004), Natty Bongo (2006), Naked Wire (2008), Voice of the African Rebel (2010), Born Dread (2011), Ancestral Moonsplash (2014), Kuchoko Revolution (2016), and Timbuktu By Road (2019). His hit singles include “Dede,” “Barack Obama,” “Gaddafi,” “Mallam Tonga,” “Naked Wire,” “Bloody Museveni,” “Mr. President,” “Kwame Nkrumah,” and “Our Africa.”
Currently, Blakk Rasta is promoting his latest album, Salaga Sojah, and has officially released “Marry Me” featuring Shatta Wale and “Man Taid” as a special birthday gift to his fans.
As Blakk Rasta celebrates his 50th birthday, his significant contributions to music, broadcasting, and cultural discourse continue to establish him as a revered Ghanaian icon.
