Why Zapp Mallet is 'disappointed' in Lord Kenya

Legendary sound engineer Zapp Mallet, recognised as one of the pioneers of the hiplife genre that started in the early 1990s in Ghana, has produced various hit songs for numerous artistes.

Talking about his relationship with some of these artistes, many of whom continue to live off the success of records he produced, one would assume that once in a while these musicians would check in on the legendary producer or show appreciation for his work.

However, when asked in an interview on Max TV how musicians show gratitude for how his creative ideas shaped their careers, Zapp Mallet expressed disappointment, particularly with Lord Kenya, whom he described as the “biggest artiste” he has ever produced.

According to him, Lord Kenya coming out publicly to say he no longer likes the songs they created together because he has found Christ and now considers those works “worldly” does not sit right with him, as he, as a producer, could have still been benefiting from those records.

The legendary producer questioned how anyone would feel if the biggest artiste they had worked with dismissed their shared body of work, especially when those same songs continue to generate recognition and value.

“The biggest artiste I produced has come to say that he doesn’t like all the songs he did again. He has parted ways with that life, so he doesn’t want that life again; he doesn’t want to get near that kind of life again. If you are a creative person, how would you feel?” he asked.

Zapp Mallet explained that by rejecting those songs, Lord Kenya has, in a way, also disregarded his contribution as a producer to those works.

He believes this makes it seem as though all the effort he invested in the creative process has gone to waste.

“In a certain sense, it has made all my work look in vain. I just have to take it as it is, because it’s all part of life. Sometimes life can be very bitter; it comes with so much bitterness, but you have to bite into it,” he noted.

Zapp Mallet produced several hit songs for Lord Kenya, including “Medo,” “Yɛ W’adwen Yie,” “Driver Susukɔ,” “Sika Baa,” “Nwom No,” “Fameko,” “Chap with the Rap,” and “Sika Mpo Mfa Neho,” among others.

However, after Lord Kenya found Christ and became an evangelist in July 2014, he asked radio presenters and DJs across the country to stop playing his hiplife songs, describing them as “ungodly.”

Lord Kenya explained that having repented from his old lifestyle, anything he considers “worldly” should no longer be associated with him, as he is now born again.

I don't feel comfortable with my old songs - Evangelist Lord Kenya

@maxtv_gh Zapp Mallet talks about his relationship with evangelist Lord Kenya and how disappointed he's been with him. #MaxEntertainment #MaxTV #MaxOnline #ZappMallet #eQuick #LordKenya ♬ original sound - MaxTV_GH