Kesse

Kesse
Birth name	Michael Kesse Frimpong
Also known as	The Prodigy[1]
Born	November 29, 1986
Origin	Accra, Ghana
Genres	Afropop, R&B, hiplife
Occupation(s)	Singer, composer, writer, entertainer
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	(2008 – present)
Associated acts	Sarkodie Asumadu Okyeame Kwame Raquel Guru Efya Tinny Edem Kwa Kesse Appietus

Michael Kesse Frimpong (born November 29, 1986), better known by his stage name Kesse, is a Ghanaian recording artist, entertainer and composer. He rose to fame after winning the fourth season of TV3's Mentor.^[2][3] He partook in Season 2 of MTN's Project Fame West Africa and finished first runner-up to Chidinma.^[4] He released his debut studio album, The Prodigy, in 2012. It was supported by the singles "The Ugly Truth", "The More I Cry", "Superstar" and "Treat Her Royal" featuring Sarkodie.^[1]

Early life and musical career

Michael Kesse Frimpong, the only boy child in his family, was born in 1986 to Mr. and Mrs. Frimpong. He was drawn to music at an early age, and was referred to as Mike during his high school days at Nkawkaw. Kesse gained prominence with the release of his debut single "Oh Yes", a reggae-dancehall song which earned him the Best Male Vocal of the Year category at the 2012 Ghana Music Awards. Kesse decided to pursue a professional career in music after attaining success in the aforementioned competitions. Kesse often sings in his native language, Twi, and is fluent in English, Ga and French. He has worked with artists such as Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Guru, Raquel, Appietus, Efya, Ayigbe Edem and Kwaw Kese.^[5] Kesse has performed at a number of events both in and outside of Ghana. On May 25, 2013, he performed at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.^[6] Prodigy, released as his debut studio album, was supported by four singles: "The Ugly Truth", "The More I Cry", "Superstar" and "Treat Her Royal". He has released four music videos to support the album's singles.^[7] Kesse received a total of four nominations at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards. He was nominated twice in the Best Collaboration of the Year and Hip Life Song of the Year categories.

Discography

Studio albums

• 2012: Prodigy

Singles

• "Oh Yes"
• "Treat Her Royal" (featuring Sarkodie)
• "Asa Bone"
• "Two Eyes"
• "Kwahu Bipo" (featuring Tinny)
• "Obiba" (featuring Efya)

Awards

Ghana Music Awards

Year	Recipient/Nominated work	Award	Result
2013	"Azonto Fiesta" (with Sakordie and Appietus)	Best Collaboration of the Year[8]	Nominated
	"Sika" (Okyeame Kwame)[9]		Nominated
	"Azonto Fiest"	Hip Life song of the Year[8]	Nominated
	"Treat Her Royal" (featuring Sarkodie)[8]		Nominated
2012	"Oh Yes"	Best Male Vocal of the Year[10]	Won

Competitions

• 2011: MTN Project Fame West Africa: 1st Runner Up
• 2009: TV3 Mentor Season 4: Winner

References

1. Kwasi, Paa (14 May 2012). "Kesse unleashes ‘the ugly truth’ claiming he is heading to the BETs and the GRAMMYs.". OMG Ghana. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
2. Addo, Francis (12 March 2009). "Mike wins mentor 4". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
3. Ampomah, Anita (6 April 2014). "I am getting ready to marry – Kesse". Joy Online. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
4. "MTN Project Fame season three". Vanguard. 26 September 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
5. Addo, Francis (12 March 2009). "Mike wins mentor 4". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
6. "Kesse Rocks Vienna City Saturday". News One. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
7. "KESSE DEBUTS "UGLY TRUTH" ALBUM". Modern Ghana. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
8. Abimboye, Micheal (20 May 2013). "Wizkid wins African Artiste of the year at Ghana music awards". Premium Times. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
9. "2013 VGMA Nominations: The Complete List". ghanamusic.com. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
10. Febiri, Chris-Vincent A (15 April 2012). "Full List Of Winners Of 2012 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards…". GhanaCelebrities.com. Retrieved 13 March 2014.