Biography
Emmanuel Kwadwo Ayisi Oware, known professionally as Ayisi (formerly A.I.), was born on July 21, 1986, in Accra, Ghana. He began recording music during his high school days at Presbyterian Boys Secondary School in 2004, laying the foundation for his career in Afro-pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Ghanaian genres like hiplife and highlife.[3][4][5][6] Gaining local recognition for his authentic storytelling and versatility, Ayisi rose to prominence with singles such as 'Anger Management' (2014) and 'Grind' (2016), though widespread fame eluded him initially despite consistent output.[1][2]
Ayisi's career evolved with releases like the 2018 Headstrong EP and the 2019 joint project The Linkop with rapper E.L., culminating in his debut album The Unbroken in an unspecified recent year, featuring collaborations with Pure Akan, Efya, Obrafour, and Prince Bright.[1] After a decade of persistence, including a personal break for handling life matters while continuing to record, he achieved breakthrough success in 2025 by winning Record of the Year at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards for 'Can I Live' (released 2022), which gained traction in 2024.[2] He founded A-Konnekt Music, reflecting his independent drive in an industry where he prioritized purpose over immediate fame.[4][8]
Ayisi's musical style blends Afro-pop, Hip-Hop, R&B with Ghanaian elements, emphasizing personal narratives and resilience, as evident in The Unbroken, which he views as a testament to his life's struggles and second chances.[1][3] His recent award win marks a turning point, affirming his enduring commitment after years of underrecognition compared to contemporaries like KiDi and Kuami Eugene.[2]
Fun Facts
- Formerly performed under the stage name A.I. (Ayisi Ican) before adopting Ayisi.[1][4]
- Zodiac sign is Cancer, born July 21, 1986.[4][8]
- Took a break from public activities to handle personal matters but continued recording in the studio, preparing for his comeback.[2]
- Won Record of the Year at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards in 2025 for 'Can I Live,' a track released in 2022 that blew up years later.[2]
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- E.L. - joint project partner (The Linkop) [2019]
- Pure Akan - guest appearance on debut album (The Unbroken) [release year unspecified]
- Efya - guest appearance on debut album (The Unbroken) [release year unspecified]
- Obrafour - guest appearance on debut album (The Unbroken) [release year unspecified]
- Prince Bright - guest appearance on debut album (The Unbroken) [release year unspecified]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
ayisi has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 16:28 | new beginningsfrom evergreen 2.0. | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Dec 28, 2025 | 21:45 | The Abyssfrom The Abyss | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |