Vernacular rap will limit you – Hammer to rappers

Ghanaian music producer Edward Nana Poku Osei, known as Hammer, believes African rappers who use local languages struggle to achieve international success.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Hammer explained that while songs in vernacular languages can cross boundaries due to their melodies, rap's reliance on lyrics makes this harder.

He cited rapper Sarkodie, who now incorporates more English in his music to expand his reach. Hammer praised Sarkodie’s English rap on his 'No Pressure' album and his performance in the Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024.

Hammer is also preparing to release a new album titled 'Upper Echelon'.