Iwan has outlined some of the reasons why “A-list artistes don’t collaborate” frequently.
During an appearance on Accra 100.5 FM’s after-drive program, Akwaaba, the Reggae/Dancehall star shared that numerous musicians have turned down collaboration offers with him.
Speaking to host Summy Brown, he explained that often, artists who not only perform but also write their own songs, and are skilled lyricists, tend to have a sense of pride. As a result, they prefer collaborating only with individuals who possess similar qualities.
Additionally, Iwan highlighted that collaborations may not materialize due to concerns about a guest artist overshadowing the host. He noted that there is often worry about who will deliver “the sickest verse” and potentially take over the track.
The Thanks & Praise hitmaker expressed his dismay at this competitive mindset, which he emphasized is not characteristic of him.
“Samini, is one of the persons I’m talking about. In the beginning, he was one of those artistes we chased for a collabo and he never gave us [one] until I became big. He had then seen that, even without his collabo, I was determined and progressing,” Iwan divulged.
“Now see as someone has done it to him,” he noted, emphasising, also, it is only natural to reap what one sows “in this world.”
The singer recalled when he was entering into the music industry, he had an innocent mindset. However, he soon observed everyone was “fighting for power, authority, territory, domain, rulership, kingship”.
Doing the opposite, he noted, “I dispersed the energy, and didn’t keep my energy to myself and my fans know it.”
He bemoaned how “my own colleagues” sideline him even when they organise Reggae events, while “in my prime, I had them on my shows as guest artistes”.
“I have plenty posters on Facebook as witness,” Iwan added.
He said he is “open to work” with Samini and others like him, noting his name implies a clean heart.
“Suhuyini, it’s a Dagomba word. It means, one heart,” the artiste nicknamed Lyrical Gunshot explained.
The University of Ghana, Legon, alumnus asserted his longevity, noting the secret is his mindset to go the long haul, unlike others, and not just to reign for “just five years and fall off. I intend to sing till my voice is ruined”.
IWAN, previously known as “I Win Always Naturally,” made history as the first-ever winner of a Reggae/Dancehall award in Ghana. He now prefers to be called Iwan Suhuyini.