The Rise and Fall of Patapaa

Many artistes have come and gone. Some became legends, others were one hit wonders. I am beginning to fully believe that making a hit doesn’t have to do with a strategic formula. Sometimes it happens with luck, and the fame comes by chance. That’s the best way I explained to myself when Patapaa’s “One Corner” started making huge waves in the country, and spread like a virus. For a song which I couldn’t honestly listen to the end because of horrible production, that made me feel like getting exposed to something I’m allergic to, I least expected it to be appreciated by any ear. But the Ghanaian audience is unpredictable, hence it’s no magic for “One Corner” to become a nationwide hit, a party stopper and our soundtrack to a new favourite ‘crazy’ dance.

“One Corner” began making its way into people’s hearts and ears when social media accepted a dance which involved getting into an outrageous position to throw one’s waist around, with the song being played in the background. Anytime the DJ looped “One Corner” in a playlist, he/she was ready to contain the extreme crowd reaction. ‘Grindin’ at parties were redefined when the song of the moment came on. Radio started blasting the song on rotation, and would repeat it several times. Walk around, and it was as if pub operators were all instructed to entertain their customers with the song. Bloggers who were fast enough to upload it on their websites probably laughed to the bank those months. Yes! Patapaa’s “One Corner” was a massive hit. So massive that it ended up 4th in Google’s rankings in Nigeria. Now that’s news!

In an interview Patapaa granted to Joy News, I realized the guy may not look smart but his explanation to the concept of writing “One Corner” was intelligent, however he himself may not know. At every point in any artiste’s life, he/she can make a hit song, but to maintain that top spot is the deal. The musician who hails from Swedru quickly erupted to the top of the food chain, however we didn’t see him play a lot of shows in the concluding months of 2017. Why? He can answer best. But from where I sit I can boldly say it’s due to poor management.

Artiste management is very key in the commercial world. In essence, managers are in charge of running all aspects of the business side of an artiste’s career. Apparently, Patapaa’s manager and/or management team (if he even had one) was/were not serious and didn’t know how to handle the music business. At a point, Mr Meister, Ghanaian manager for international act Mr Eazi, realized how successful “One Corner” was in Nigeria. Meister arranged a meeting with Patapaa’s manager to see how best they can organize a tour in the country with the largest population in Africa, but the latter stood Meister up. Probably, he thought Meister wanted to use the brand Patapaa for his own financial gains. Other event organizers complained about huge charges proposed by the manager when being asked for a bill to perform. That’s why you didn’t see the young man’s picture on a lot of flyers this recent Christmas.

In this age where hit songs have short life spans and non-lasting expiry dates, it was unnoticeable watching “One Corner” get lost in the heat of the moment. The song doesn’t cause a much electrifying atmosphere anymore. His other follow-up singles are unknown. I’m not saying that’s the end of Patapaa, neither am I a prophet of doom. Don’t be too quick to tag it as hatred, I’m just being real. We’re in a new year which comes with its own competition. Will that be the end of Patapaa? Can he make another breakout song? Can he capture the feet of Ghanaians once more? We live to see.

Words by Joseph Aqweci Ofori