With the Afrobeats music genre currently dominating the industry, coming across an upcoming artiste deep into highlife is quite rare. Dem Tinz (real name Emmanuel Akesseh) is not pulling any punches. He seems ready to be the game changer, introducing his own brand of highlife, and rejuvenating the genre of music that defines what it means to be Ghanaian. Dem Tinz could very well be the next big thing, and he is pushing to show the world what a huge talent he is. I caught up with him to find out more.
How did you begin your career in music?
Dem Tinz: You can say it started when I was in primary school. That’s when I realised that I wanted to be a recording artiste. I did my first demo when I was in form 1. Since then, I’ve been working hard, recording music, shooting videos, all by myself. I’m still riding, pushing my career as hard as I can.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career so far?
Dem Tinz: There have been numerous challenges, but I try not to think about them. Many people have told me that there is no way that I’ll be successful, and I should just give it up. They would tell me to find something else to do, because my music would not take me anywhere. But, I’ve always believed in what I’m doing, and my faith is very strong. I just don’t pay any attention to the negativity. I just concentrate on working hard, and making sure my product is the best it can be.
How would you describe your kind of music?
Dem Tinz: It’s highlife fused with hip hop/hiplife. Afrobeats has taken over, but our culture is all about highlife. That is our music. I chose highlife because it represents where we’re coming from as a nation. I want to do music that will be enjoyed by people of all ages, not just the youth. Highlife cuts across and knows no boundaries. It’s the origin of Ghanaian music, and it’s time for it to shine again.
Do you believe in having a message in your music?
Dem Tinz: Absolutely! People need to take something away from your music when they listen to it. Artistes have the power to change lives through music. Someone might be going through a really tough time in their life, and a powerful message in your song could help that person out. It’s always good to have a message in your sound.
Your name ‘Dem Tinz’ is rather peculiar. How did you get it?
Dem Tinz: Well, it was a name I got in school. I wanted to have a stage name that is totally different. The name ‘Dem Tinz’ is meant to represent me and all my fans. ‘Dem’ is for my fans, and ‘Tinz’ is for all that they have done for me since day one, like supporting my career, promoting my songs, etc.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Dem Tinz: I get it from artistes like Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba and Obrafour. These guys are legends, and are a big influence on my career and my music. I listen to them a lot. I also read and watch a lot of movies. I am constantly looking at what goes on around me. My inspiration comes from many places.
If you had the chance to work with an artiste, both local and international, who would it be?
Dem Tinz: Locally, it would have to be Obrafour, Reggie Rockstone, VVIP and Promzy Africa. Internationally, I would love to work with Meek Mill and Lil Wayne.
How difficult is it, merging the highlife with the hiplife?
Dem Tinz: When you fuse them, you create a totally different sound. The product comes out much better. You can say you get the best of both worlds. It’s a very unique sound. It actually comes naturally to me. I know the sound I want to hear.
What are you working on presently?
Dem Tinz: I just signed to a record label called HL Music. I’m in the studio working on some highlife. I’m just working hard in the studio, trying to make my music the highest quality. There is a lot of competition out there, but I didn’t come to play, or be second best. I want to be number one, so I have to work 300 times as hard as the next guy. I can’t really predict where I will be tomorrow, but my hard work and stage performances will pave the way for my future.
A lot of upcoming acts complain that it’s really difficult to get your music played on radio. How hard is it for you?
Dem Tinz: It is very hard. You give your CD to a DJ, but chances are he won’t play your music without you ‘sorting him out’. It’s also about who you know. PAYOLA is very real. It’s crippling the efforts of many artistes out here. Somebody might not have the money to pay, but his music could be a hit. It’s all very frustrating. The DJs get a monthly salary anyway, so it’s hard to comprehend the essence of PAYOLA.
What advice would you give to other upcoming artistes reading this?
Dem Tinz: I would tell them that your favourite artiste was once an upcoming artiste like us. Don’t listen to negativity. Keep writing good, original music. There is a good day for everybody. Be patient, work hard, and it will come.
A message to your fans?
Dem Tinz: Keep supporting the movement and believing in me. I will never disappoint. I have so much great, quality music coming. Prepare to follow me on a very exciting journey. God bless.