Ghanaian singer-songwriter Akwaboah Jnr. is setting the record straight, addressing swirling rumors that he was not properly compensated for his work on Sarkodie’s Mary album. According to Akwaboah, such claims are entirely false.
The Mary album, released in 2015 by award-winning rapper Sarkodie, marked a significant departure from his traditional rap-heavy catalog. Dedicated to Sarkodie’s late grandmother, the project embraced live instrumentation and leaned heavily into highlife influences. It featured contributions from several Ghanaian talents, but Akwaboah’s role was particularly central. As both a songwriter and creative collaborator under Sarkodie’s Sarkcess Music imprint at the time, he was instrumental in shaping the album’s melodic direction and emotional depth.
Over the years, Akwaboah has openly stated that he penned the majority of the songs on Mary, explaining that he crafted melodies and lyrics which Sarkodie later complemented with his rap verses. His contribution has often been cited as a key reason for the album’s distinctive sound, a fusion of soulful highlife arrangements and contemporary hip-hop elements that set it apart in Ghana’s music landscape.
However, recent conversations on social media reignited speculation that despite his significant input, Akwaboah may not have been fairly paid. Addressing these rumors directly, the songwriter firmly dismissed the claims, clarifying that there was no truth to suggestions of financial exploitation. He emphasized that his working relationship with Sarkodie was professional and that he was duly compensated for his contributions.
His response not only shuts down allegations of wrongdoing but also reinforces the narrative of mutual respect between the two artists. In an industry where disputes over royalties and creative credit frequently make headlines, Akwaboah’s clarification offers a rare example of transparency and calm resolution.
Beyond Mary, Akwaboah has built a formidable reputation as one of Ghana’s most gifted songwriters, having penned major hits for top-tier artists while also nurturing his solo career. His decision to address the rumors underscores his desire to protect both his personal brand and the integrity of his past collaborations.
As discussions about songwriter recognition and fair compensation continue to evolve within the African music industry, Akwaboah’s firm rebuttal serves as a reminder that not all behind-the-scenes stories are tales of conflict. In this case, the man behind much of Mary’s magic insists that the record, creatively and financially remains straight.
