A year ago, Ghanaian rapper, singer, and songwriter Prince Edoh Mawugbe, known by many as Edoh YAT, successfully broke into the international music market with the help of his 2020 single Wind. While he always had an interest in music, before he began making music professionally, he had spent years working on and perfecting his art. His goal was to inspire and motivate people with his craft by releasing songs with relatable lyrics. He began to gain industry recognition with the release of his first album, Attitude, in 2017.
Unattached to any record label, since the start of his career, Edoh YAT has had total control in the promotion and production of his music. This gives him the creative freedom to not just experiment with his music, but also enjoy the process.
In this interview with Lambo Xtra, Edoh YAT spoke about his musical journey, the challenges he faces and what inspires his craft. He also mentions the arrival of his new EP Broken Mirror, a five-tracked project that is now available on all streaming platforms.
First of all, how are you doing?
I’m doing good
How and at what age did you get into music?
Music has been part of me since my birth, my mom and sister can confirm that. So as early as age 7 to 8 years, I realized my passion for music, I was then in basic school. I used to follow some of my senior mates in high school to watch and perform at high schools.
We know your middle name is Edoh, but how did you come up with YAT?
YAT is an abbreviation of Young and Troublesome. I was given the name YAT because I liked going to high schools to perform. Back then, I was just a basic school student killing it with the high school students
With how competitive the industry is, has there ever been a moment when you ever felt overwhelmed by it all?
Not at all.
As an independent artist, what are the challenges you face?
Being an independent artist is not easy, from investing your time to financially supporting your career.
Have these challenges ever made you consider walking away from the industry?
These challenges have never made me think of quitting music. A musician is like a preacher man, if you are not called to spread the word, you can’t survive on the work.
Your 2020 single Wind was a massive hit, did you expect it to get that amount of recognition?
People always tell me my songs have powerful messages, I wasn’t surprised the good message carried itself out to people’s ears.
What was the inspiration behind it?
My inspiration has always been to do music that relates to the daily experiences of human beings. Our daily experiences shape our lives so everyone can remember me and my songs anytime they go through hardship, or can also take advice from what I say in my songs.
How did you feel when you saw the level it reached?
I was happy people could relate to my lyrics and make better decisions about their daily lives.
Are there any mistakes you feel you’ve made since your career began?
To err is human, to forgive is divine. I might have made certain mistakes that I cannot recollect but I know those have shaped me in one way or the other as I progress.
Do you have any new projects you’re working on?
Yes, I have an EP in the pipeline ready to be released on 7th May.
Do you have anything to say to your fans?
Always be real with the people around you. And keep supporting your boy Edoh YAT.
Tell us what is next?
Doing good music as always, I’m just here for some time but I want this forever.
