Under the iconic Benya Bridge in Elmina, the symbolic link between the historic Elmina Castle and the indigenous township where the sacred Benya Lagoon flows into Anomansa, Ghanaian rap sensation Kojo Vypa was busy shooting visuals for HOPE, a powerful track off his acclaimed tape Inspiration From Pains.
Unbeknownst to many present, a BBC production crew led by renowned broadcaster Clive Myrie had been quietly observing nearby. Their cameras rested patiently as the African Adventure series producer whispered excitedly to his team, they had finally found the authentic Ghanaian story they had been searching for.
This was the episode they’d chased for weeks. Not a staged performance. Not a polished studio sound. But the raw rhythm of Ghana, alive, organic and rooted in community.
Kojo Vypa may not dominate billboards, but across Ghana his name moves faster than the busiest trotro. Popularly known as Monster, he is celebrated for devouring every beat with lyrical intensity, blending real-life stories into inspirational rap while preserving the soul of hip hop.
His inclusion in the BBC series stands as proof that dedication, hard work, consistency and love for one’s craft eventually attract grace, often when least expected.
Born and bred in the historic fishing community of Elmina in Ghana’s Central Region, Kojo Vypa has played a major role in pushing Fante rap across the country. His impressive musical journey includes collaborations on major projects such as Teephlow’s Road to Phlowducation II, Article Wan’s Etso Remix, EL’s BAR 6 Album, Pappy Kojo’s Ka Na Wu Album, and DJ Breezy’s POS Tape.
He has also graced major stages alongside some of Ghana’s biggest stars including Sarkodie, M.anifest, Kofi Kinaata, Kweku Smoke and Black Sherif.
Kojo Vypa’s impact has not gone unnoticed. He boasts several awards and nominations, including:
3Music Awards – Next Rated Act nominee
Telecel Ghana Music Awards – Unsung Artiste of the Year nominee
Three-time Best Rapper of the Year
Two-time Song of the Year winner
Music Video of the Year
EP/Album of the Year
Event of the Year
Current Artiste of the Year at the Central Music Awards
Renowned for his electrifying stage presence, Kojo Vypa has performed at over 50 venues nationwide, including some of Ghana’s biggest music festivals.
He is also set to host the fifth edition of his annual headline concert, Monster On Earth Concert, scheduled for Saturday, July 11, an event that draws over 5,000 music lovers each year.
As onlookers watched in awe at the unexpected BBC presence, Kojo Vypa warmly welcomed Clive Myrie and shared his musical journey, explaining how music found him and why he intentionally chose the culturally rich Benya Bridge location for the HOPE video shoot.
The sound spoke for itself.
Laughter, admiration and rhythmic beats cut through the afternoon heat, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present, especially the BBC crew.
For Kojo Vypa, it wasn’t just a music video shoot.
It was a moment where local culture met global recognition, and where Elmina’s voice echoed far beyond Ghana’s shores.
