By Buertey Francis BORYOR
In today’s music scene, which is often characterized by rapid tempos and instant sensations, it is uncommon to come across an artist whose work exudes serenity, depth, and significance. Yet, this is precisely what you encounter when listening to Maame Esi Essilfie, who performs under the stage name Ess Thee Legend She is both a vocalist and lyricist known for her tender vocal quality and strong messages. Her compositions are characterized by their sincerity, emotion, and deep spiritual essence.
Raising up in Tema and Spintex
Ess grew up in Tema, a coastal town in Ghana. Her formative years were largely divided between Community 1, Site 15, and Spintex—vibrant locations brimming with energy that molded her worldview and inspired her musical journey. "Our house was filled with melodies as much as expressions," she shares. "There was an abundance of music and literature; my dad had a penchant for purchasing books for me. This nurtured my creativity." B&FT in an exclusive interview.
Since childhood, she was fond of composing poetry, narratives, and subsequently lyrics. Words served as her medium to articulate feelings and comprehend the world around her. This initial fusion of rhythm and tales sowed the seeds for a creative voyage that would ultimately blossom, grounded both in tunes and significance.
Step one: A tweet along with a guitarist
Although she had always been immersed in music, it was during her time at the University of Ghana, Legon, that Ess bravely stepped into the spotlight for the first time. It all began when a fellow student and guitarist named Julian tweeted looking for someone to sing with. Responding to his plea, she joined him, taking the leap.
“She remembers, 'We did a cover song, put it up online, and the response was incredible.' This unexpected project grew into performances at tiny restaurants in 2018, and by 2019, she launched her first single, titled ‘Jeweni,’ roughly meaning 'Be Joyful.’” This moment signified her shift from writing poems to taking center stage, moving her art from personal spaces to the broader audience.
Finding her voice
Ess doesn’t confine herself to just one genre of music. Describing her style as "soul," she remains receptive to blending different musical influences. Occasionally, she even ventures into rap, yet she consistently maintains her distinct vocal essence and emotional touch in every song.
"Regardless of whether I'm rapping, you'll still sense the depth within," she stated. Many of her tracks draw inspiration from her personal experiences, reflections, or events involving those close to her. Although she composes most of these pieces individually, she places great importance on teamwork. "Collaborating with others often enhances a song significantly; sometimes, someone introduces an idea that elevates the entire composition," she explained.
Ascending in an industry dominated by men
Ever since her debut single hit the scene, Ess has dropped over 15 tracks and taken the stage for more than 40 performances across Ghana and beyond. At the Golden Globe Creative Arts Awards, she earned the title of Best New Artiste of the Year. Looking ahead to 2024, Ess received dual nods from the 3 Music Awards: Emerging Woman of the Year and Best Alternative Artist categories.
This year, she has received a nomination for Unsung Artiste at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards. However, her path hasn’t been without obstacles. "Financial constraints have always been a problem. Additionally, being a woman in this field presents extra hurdles. The scarcity of women in leadership roles within the music sector adds to these difficulties," she explained.
Ess Thee Legend is one of the few women making it in the country’s music space, which is mostly run by men. But she is moving forward with confidence, refusing to change who she is just to fit in. She believes in helping more women take part in the music business; not just on stage, but behind the scenes too.
Building beyond the stage
Ess primarily concentrates on music, though she engages in various activities. Besides being a voice actor and an event organizer, she manages a music studio located in Spintex. This facility serves as her own recording area and provides a collaborative environment for other musicians to produce their work as well.
She additionally organizes live events, such as her annual showcase. Ess Live At her final performance, more than 300 enthusiasts attended to listen to her vocals. A significant number of these attendees found out about her via social platforms.
Ess also leverages her position to uplift others, particularly youth. She collaborates with organizations such as You Are Cared For (YACF) and participates in songwriting retreats and global musical initiatives. Among these ventures are Black Girls Glow, OneBeat Ghana, the Ghana-France International Songwriting Camp, along with securing a grant from the British Council.
Staying true to herself
Ess maintains her belief in genuineness at heart. She states, "It's important for me to stay true. My compositions can stem from creativity or experiences of others, yet they remain genuine," she explains straightforwardly.
Away from the spotlight, she remains composed and is frequently perceived as daunting due to her demeanor or quietness. "Many believe I am hard to approach; however, I am quite serene. I dislike conflicts—I simply desire tranquility," she shared with the publication. B&FT .
She enjoys dressing with confidence and motivates women to embrace their individuality fearlessly. "One shouldn't be daunted by another person’s attire. It isn’t right," she stated. "I think all women deserve to feel self-assured."
Eyes on the future
What’s next for Ess? She dreams of going on tour around the world, singing in both small and big venues. One of her biggest wishes is to perform at The Sphere in Las Vegas – a modern stage known for its 360-degree audio-visual experience. “It is magical. I want to connect with people there,” she said.
She aims to guide young women artists and assist them in obtaining the resources and acknowledgment they merit, including at the local level. She advises these aspiring talents straightforwardly: "Don’t attempt to conform. Stay true to who you are. Safeguard your individuality."
A rising tale oflegendary status
In an industry where haste frequently eclipses depth, Ess Thee Legend is treading a distinct route—silently yet deliberately. Moving from the outskirts of Tema to visions of Las Vegas, she crafts her narrative—one tune, one performance, one spirit at once. For those who pay heed, it’s evident: this burgeoning icon has only just begun.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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