Ded Buddy's "Tumuda" - A Must Have

Ded Buddy is his name, but if you don't know him personally and you hear his stage name for the first time, you might ask; "which crazy guy will go by a name; "Dead body". That is what happened when this writer heard this name and subsequently saw his performance at a sweet sixteen party some years ago. He performed a ballad called; "Serwaah Akoto" which mesmerized the celebrant and everyone present. He is a genius and hence his nickname. The amazing thing is; Ded Buddy is an experienced artist who has worked with many great Ghanaian musicians and backed Charles Kwadwo Fosu aka Lumba when he appeared at the Apollo Theatre sometime ago.

Ded is one of the brightest Ghanaian musicians in New York who continues to reinvent himself and has appeared numerous times on stage at the famous NCOGA New York Picnic's, "mother of all picnics" .


Eric Qweci Turkson aka Ded Buddy took his game to another level again at the 2006 New York picnic, when he walked on stage for a great performance with support by his partner in rhyme; Tone, Toni, Tone. He unleashed some tracks from his latest album (in stores now, so grab your copy). Some of the tracks impressed the crowd and the fans were rushing to get a copy of the CD at the picnic. This writer who observed the rush by his fans also got a copy of his CD to listen to the album . Ded Buddy on the other hand is deeply appreciative of the love of his fans and is what inspires him to write songs they love.


This latest effort has some up-tempo danceable tracks and also some ballads which one will mistake his voice for Kojo Antwi's.


THE INTERVIEW AND WHAT DED BUDDY FANS WORLDWIDE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:


- Can you explain the name; Ded Buddy, who gave it to you or when did you decide to use that stage name?

DB: The name Ded Buddy means dedicated friend. Whilst in school my friends (girls and boys) where always with me when they had a problem in their lives. as a friend I was dedicated to making them happy; be it singing to the ladies or holding it down for my boys I was destined to make them happy. A couple of my friends decided to give me the name Ded. (dedicated) Budddy (friend). I used the name ded buddy because it was different. During the early stages of my career, anyone that heard the name was like Damn! But hey "controversy of one's art is the true achievement of the game".


- Why did you give the title of the album; "Tumuda", can you explain the concept/story behind it?


DB: "Tumuda" - to me means Forget about it. so many people tell me to forget about music and work 9 to 5, but I always hold on because I know I bring not only good music to my fans but spread my country Ghana's name through my music. I am also the originator of Ghanaian R&B and also the first Ghanaian artist to rap in Twi in 1990, HARVARD COLLEGE CONCERT in GHANA and PANAFEST 1994. Because of this reason, I tell those who thought I would not be able to come back to shut it and sleep (Tumuda), cos I am here for my fans.


- What inspired you to write; "Auntie Araba and why a collaboration with Toni, Tone, Tony, on Someday, Eduaba Ewuraba?


DB: I wrote "Auntie Araba" because I am always the dancing type who loves to dance to jama music, but "Auntie Araba is more than that, I grew up in a neighbourhood where jama was the theme for everyday life (Chorkor, Mamprobi) and here jama is a lifestyle. "Auntie Araba's lyrics has a deeper meaning than what you hear, and fans who know my music understand what I am talking about. Holla!. Also it is more about me bringing a new kinda game to our cherished Ghanaian music. This is beyond KPANLOGO. I featured Tony because not only is he part of my crew but also a talented artist who needs to be heard and.both of us we "blazed" Autie Araba for all my fans to love it. He is amazing. I also did "Auntie Araba" remix with Mark Attack who also blessed the track with hip-hop style. All I can say is that this album has the finest; haha. "YEDI ABA"!

- "Serwah Akoto" the ballad, is it a personal experience you are sharing with your fans or there is a story regarding a woman named Serwaa akoto? Please clarify : "Tumuda" - to me means Forget about it. so many people tell me to forget about music and work 9 to 5, but I always hold on because I know I bring not only good music to my fans but spread my country Ghana's name through my music. I am also the originator of Ghanaian R&B and also the first Ghanaian artist to rap in Twi in 1990, HARVARD COLLEGE CONCERT in GHANA and PANAFEST 1994. Because of this reason, I tell those who thought I would not be able to come back to shut it and sleep (Tumuda), cos I am here for my fans.


- What inspired you to write; "Auntie Araba and why a collaboration with Toni, Tone, Tony, on Someday, Eduaba Ewuraba?


DB: I wrote "Auntie Araba" because I am always the dancing type who loves to dance to jama music, but "Auntie Araba is more than that, I grew up in a neighbourhood where jama was the theme for everyday life (Chorkor, Mamprobi) and here jama is a lifestyle. "Auntie Araba's lyrics has a deeper meaning than what you hear, and fans who know my music understand what I am talking about. Holla!. Also it is more about me bringing a new kinda game to our cherished Ghanaian music. This is beyond KPANLOGO. I featured Tony because not only is he part of my crew but also a talented artist who needs to be heard and.both of us we "blazed" Autie Araba for all my fans to love it. He is amazing. I also did "Auntie Araba" remix with Mark Attack who also blessed the track with hip-hop style. All I can say is that this album has the finest; haha. "YEDI ABA"!


- "Serwah Akoto" the ballad, is it a personal experience you are sharing with your fans or there is a story regarding a woman named Serwaa akoto? Please clarify


DB: Serwah Akoto is one of the greatest Queen Mothers of our time. She is one of the Ashanti's finest. Being part of Ashanti I see it only right to paint a perfect picture with Serwah Akoto to represent my Ghanaian and all my African princesses. I know beauty of all women was born where I am from and I hold that to my heart. In the song I go along to say how men would not suffer if all women were like Serwaah Akoto (the finest princesses). This is a song glorifying the beauty of the AFRICAN WOMAN..(SERWAAH AKOTO). I also featured my brother Keba-sure who did an amazing rap on "Serwaah Akoto".

- What should fans learn from your album?


DB: This album is album is my second but I take it to be my first, because it clearly talks about where I have been and where I am heading. I produced and financed the whole album; (something I think artistes should start doing). I had some co-producers like; Michael who did a great job on "Auntie Araba", "Yediaba and "Abofra Wisua" (remix). This album is dedicated to all my fans...saying that I am back to stay.


- Any future performances regarding promoting the album?


DB: Buddy Tunez (my own label) will start promoting the album in Ghana this December. So I am definitely going to perform in Ghana. I will be in Ghana this Fall to promote the album with my crew Kofi Anti (my partner in Ghana and one of my producers for the next Ded buddy album due in December, 2007. Also i will be in Europe to promote the album early 2007, and a lot more to come.


- What is next for Ded Buddy?

DB: There are lot of albums lined up to come out on my label; BUDDY TUNEZ. My next album is going to be a fusion of a lot more than Twi and Ga. I have a whole English album ready for the world market. All I can say now is Thank God for this talent, and it feels good to be back! I would like to thank all my friends, family and the best of all to my Fans for sticking with me. I Love you all. See you all around the world.


One track will get people to dance and that is; "Auntie Araba". For those who are crazy about songs with "Jama" beats or like JQ's signature tunes i.e. "Ayefenokye" or "Sradenam" this track is similar and everyone will love it. The catchy chorus is "Auntie Araba ei, woba no akroma befa akoo"


Ded Buddy would like to take this opportunity to thank Ghanaweb.com, myjoyonline, Ghanamusic.com, Ghananewsreel.com , myzongo.com, ghanatoday.com, sikaradio.com, ghanawaves.com, myghanaradio.com and all the radio stations helping to promote Ghanaian music worldwide.