This archive report was first published on 10 May 2021.
On May 10, 2021, Apple Music announced that Ghanaian rapper Yaw Tog, whose real name is Thorsten Owusu Gyimah, had been chosen for its Africa Rising artist development program.
At just 17 years old, Yaw Tog is one of the youngest artists to be featured in the program. He is known for pioneering a style called Asakaa, which emerged from the streets of Kumasi in Ghana.
Asakaa is a unique blend of Kumasi's road lifestyle and New York's drill culture, and Yaw Tog's debut single 'Sore' (2020) became the first video of its genre to notch 1 million views, launching a worldwide movement.
Featuring O'Kenneth, City Boy, Reggie, and Jay Bhad, all members of the Asakaa collective, 'Sore' attracted the attention of some of the world's biggest drill rappers, including Stormzy and Kwesi Arthur, who feature on 'Sore (Remix)'.
Yaw Tog's debut 7-track EP 'Time' (2021), released through Koopokustudios / Empire, sees him switch between English, Twi, and Pidgin, merging elements of Afrobeats and Hip-hop, and reflecting on themes of growth and struggle.
Apple Music's Africa Rising Playlist, featuring the latest music from Yaw Tog and other African superstars, is available now.
