10 Ghanaian musicians who were once famous but have now faded from the spotlight

General Oct 22, 2025 0 1 Add to Reading List

The Ghanaian music scene has produced some of Africa’s most iconic talents, artists whose songs once dominated radio, television, and street corners. Yet, behind the glitz of fame lies a harsh truth: many of these stars, once celebrated by millions, have slipped quietly into obscurity.

From hiplife pioneers of the early 2000s to contemporary one-hit wonders, their stories serve as sobering reminders of how fleeting success can be in Ghana’s ever-evolving music industry.

1.Atom Reloaded

In 2015, a young artist named Atom Reloaded became a national sensation with his chart-topping anthem “Y3 Wo Krom” featuring Jhunea. The hit was so widespread that global tech giant Apple Inc. even used it at one of their conferences, a rare feat for any Ghanaian musician.

By 2016, Atom had reached the peak of his fame, winning Hiplife Song of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. But his success story took an unexpected turn. Atom boldly declared that he did not need a management team to handle his career. What seemed like confidence at the time soon revealed itself as a major misstep.

Without strategic direction or professional support, his career began to unravel. Though his 2016 VGMA title remains proudly displayed on his social media, new music has been scarce. Today, Atom Reloaded runs Atom City Hotel & Pub and Atom City Estates, having seemingly pivoted entirely from music into business. His story stands as a reminder of how quickly fame can fade without structure or strategy.

2.Screw Face

Back in 2007, Screw Face became one of Ghana’s most exciting hiplife newcomers. His infectious single “Gbalagaza” ruled dancefloors across the country, earning him instant popularity.

However, his career took a dramatic downturn after he publicly accused Ghana Music Awards organisers of corruption. In a bold Facebook post, he claimed he had lost the Discovery of the Year award because he refused to pay a bribe.

The allegations strained his relationship with industry stakeholders, and Screw Face soon found himself isolated. His subsequent songs never replicated the success of “Balagaza,” and his name gradually vanished from the charts. Today, he is remembered only by a generation that once danced to his rhythms and followed his online outburst.

3.Zigi

Kweku Sarpong Plahar, better known as Zigi, started his artistic journey as a breakdancer before moving into music. Signed to Lynx Entertainment in 2009, he burst onto the scene with his debut album Prince of Pop in 2011, featuring the smash hit “U Say Wetin.” The track became a national catchphrase and catapulted him to stardom.

Zigi’s success was recognised at the 2012 Ghana Music Awards, where he won Afro-Pop Song of the Year. With his good looks, smooth vocals, and modelling gigs for brands such as Smirnoff and MTN, Zigi seemed destined for longevity.

But his career inexplicably went quiet. Even under Lynx Entertainment, one of Ghana’s most influential labels, Zigi couldn’t deliver another major hit. His disappearance remains one of the industry’s great mysteries.

4.Iwan

Abdul Razak Issahaku, famously known as Iwan, burst onto the reggae-dancehall scene with the hit “Who’s Bad.” With a background in Theatre Arts, Music, and Dance from the University of Ghana, Iwan was not only talented but well-trained.

Songs like “Thanks & Praise” cemented his status as a top dancehall act. He scooped major awards, including Reggae Video of the Year (2010 4Syte Awards) and Reggae Song of the Year (2011 VGMA).

However, Iwan’s career momentum slowed dramatically. Despite his talent and technical skill as a sound engineer, he struggled to stay relevant. In later interviews, he lamented that Ghanaians no longer listened to his songs. His 2016 “Peace Tour” did little to restore his prominence.

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Today, the “Lyrical Gunshot” has gone silent—his weapon, music, seemingly holstered for good.