GM26 Field Notes - Ata Kak

Posted June 23, 2026

Round 5 of Field Notes - today we’re shining a spotlight on Ghanian artist, Ata Kak...

Who...
Over 10 years ago, Ghanian artist Ata Kai was living off-grid, when Awesome Tapes From Africa tracked him down and re-released his 1994 self-released album Obaa Sima. Now Ata Kai is a cult icon, his DIY blend of Ghanaian highlife, 90s dance beats, hip-hop, and swift Twi rap sending stages worldwide into an irresistible frenzy.

For fans of...

  • Tamikrest
  • Tricky
  • Roni Size

Why did we book them?
Kak independently created a frantic, genre-defying fusion of highlife, hip-hop, and electronica in the early ’90s, knowingly laying the groundwork for the modern “hipline” and Twi rap genres. His journey from total obscurity to world-wide fame serves as one of music history’s greatest grassroots success stories.

In 3 words...
Infectious, life-affirming, joyous

What to listen to?
Start with 'Obaa Sima' the obvious classic to grab you immediately
Then try 'Daa Nyinaa' - a Ghanaian highlife-hip-hop party anthem