Accra: Nearly two decades ago, the Ghanaian music scene celebrated a proud moment when hiplife trio Praye bagged one of Africa’s most prestigious music honours. In the early 2000s, the group-made up of Eugene Baah (Praye Honeho), Nana Kwame (Praye Tietia), and Steve Fiawoo (Praye Tenten)-became household names in Ghana with their infectious blend of hiplife, highlife, and contemporary rhythms.
According to Ghana Web, their energetic performances, catchy hooks, and relatable lyrics quickly earned them a loyal fan base. Their breakthrough extended beyond Ghana when they were nominated at the Kora All Africa Music Awards, widely regarded at the time as Africa’s equivalent of the Grammys.
At the ceremony, Praye achieved a historic milestone by winning Best Music Group in West Africa, beating out strong competitors such as Styl-Plus, the Nigerian R and B group famous for the hit song ‘Olufunmi’; Bantu, the Nigerian-German Afro-soul and Afrobeat collective led by Ade Bantu; Leg Def, a Nigerian group active during that period; and the Tagoe Sisters, the legendary Ghanaian gospel duo.
The victory marked a major moment for Ghanaian music, highlighting the growing influence of the country’s hiplife movement across Africa and cementing the trio’s legacy both locally and continentally. For many fans back home, the win was more than just an award; it was validation that Ghanaian music could compete on the continental stage.
Praye’s success helped draw wider attention to the evolving Ghanaian sound and opened doors for other acts who followed in later years.