Pelmet Nites have been in the music promotions business for a while now and have had many a success story coming through their ranks.

While it's true that their focus has been on guitar pop with bands such as Frightened Rabbit, Endor, Twin Atlantic and My Latest Novel gracing previous line-ups, they're not resting on their laurels, and last Friday they ventured into the world of hip-hop, with a stellar line-up at Glasgow’s Captain’s Rest.

Completely unfamiliar with Hector Bizerk prior to the night, I'm staggered by his cleverly intricate word play, touching on local issues in a profound way. ‘East End Common Wealth’ is a stand-out track from his short but powerful solo set.

Stanley Odd (right) are on the other end of the spectrum from Hector Bizerk. With a full band set up combining great vocal hooks from Veronika Electronica and the witty lyricism of MC Solareye, they have the tiny sweaty room bouncing from start to finish. 'The Numbness' is a personal highlight but the crowd lap it all up.

Headliner for the evening is the always fantastic Kobi Onyame. Having seen a variety of line-ups in recent times, it’s nice to see him tonight backed by a full band. This guy knows how to work a crowd and has arms in the air and vocal chords strained from the get go.

His recent album Green Green Grasses is obviously popular among the gathered crowd as they sing choruses straight back at him.

With so much talent in Glasgow it’s nice to see some of the top promoters of unsigned music branching out into other genres. With MC Profisee featuring alongside We Were Promised Jetpacks at a BBC gig next week, let’s hope it’s the start of a crossing of styles that will bring all types of talent into a broader limelight. - RADAR

Pelmet Nites have been in the music promotions business for a while now and have had many a success story coming through their ranks.

While it's true that their focus has been on guitar pop with bands such as Frightened Rabbit, Endor, Twin Atlantic and My Latest Novel gracing previous line-ups, they're not resting on their laurels, and last Friday they ventured into the world of hip-hop, with a stellar line-up at Glasgow’s Captain’s Rest.

Completely unfamiliar with Hector Bizerk prior to the night, I'm staggered by his cleverly intricate word play, touching on local issues in a profound way. ‘East End Common Wealth’ is a stand-out track from his short but powerful solo set.

Stanley Odd (right) are on the other end of the spectrum from Hector Bizerk. With a full band set up combining great vocal hooks from Veronika Electronica and the witty lyricism of MC Solareye, they have the tiny sweaty room bouncing from start to finish. 'The Numbness' is a personal highlight but the crowd lap it all up.

Headliner for the evening is the always fantastic Kobi Onyame. Having seen a variety of line-ups in recent times, it’s nice to see him tonight backed by a full band. This guy knows how to work a crowd and has arms in the air and vocal chords strained from the get go.

His recent album Green Green Grasses is obviously popular among the gathered crowd as they sing choruses straight back at him.

With so much talent in Glasgow it’s nice to see some of the top promoters of unsigned music branching out into other genres. With MC Profisee featuring alongside We Were Promised Jetpacks at a BBC gig next week, let’s hope it’s the start of a crossing of styles that will bring all types of talent into a broader limelight. - RADAR

We are just over halway through King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution and tonight it is all about the hip hop! Kobi Onyame is another artist that we first saw at Wickerman Festival in 2011. He is a brilliant performer with masses of energy. He is also one of the nicest men you could hope to meet.
Tonight he tops the bill and supporting are: Hector Bizerk, Black Bros, Michelle Elii and Podcart favourite Bigg Taj will be in the bar.
Tell us who is in your band and an interesting short fact about each person.
Well, there’s myself Kobi Onyame. Interesting short fact about me is my first name actually isn’t Kobi.
In my band there’s Dade on drums, Michael on keys, Gordon on guitars, Jodie on bass and DJ Prospect on decks.
You are headlining King Tut’s for their New Year’s Revolution which is awesome! Have you played there before and if so what is a great memory you have about the place?
I have yes. I played last year’s winter revolution and also the summer revolution the year before that. I love playing Tut’s! It’s an incredible vibe and very intimate. A great memory is opening for UK rapper Kano at Tut’s.
What do you love about playing Glasgow live? Is it different to other cities?
I love the energy of the crowd in Glasgow and since I am a Glasgow based artist, it’s somewhat playing a home-crowd for me. Always great to have the support of the home crowd.
Name one artist that is playing the KTNYR12 festival that you want to see and why?
The Fleet. My keys player Michael is a member of this band and I’d love to be on the other side of the stage to see him do his thing – they are a great band!

If your band was an alcoholic beverage what would it be and why?
Haha! I’d be a glass of Malibu on the rocks because the sun always shines when it pours! Ahahahah
Is there a band that didn’t make the KTNYR12 bill that you think should have? Can you recommend us a track by them?
Sixpeopleaway! I’m a huge fan and I think they should’ve been on the bill.
What does 2012 have in store for you?
I am in the studio working on new songs for another album. I don’t think it will come out till closer till the end of the year but I will be releasing singles and an EP this year in the lead up to this album.
Would you rather shit out a monster truck or shit out Anne Widdecombe?
Who?

If you could punch another artist in the face who would it be and why?
Let’s all be friends.
Finally, choose 3 words to describe what your KTNYR12 set will be like?
Energetic, hip-hop, music
Kobi will also be releasing ‘Protect Myself’ featuring G of Young Fathers on 15th January. Here is the brilliant video: - Glasgow PodcArt

We are just over halway through King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution and tonight it is all about the hip hop! Kobi Onyame is another artist that we first saw at Wickerman Festival in 2011. He is a brilliant performer with masses of energy. He is also one of the nicest men you could hope to meet.
Tonight he tops the bill and supporting are: Hector Bizerk, Black Bros, Michelle Elii and Podcart favourite Bigg Taj will be in the bar.
Tell us who is in your band and an interesting short fact about each person.
Well, there’s myself Kobi Onyame. Interesting short fact about me is my first name actually isn’t Kobi.
In my band there’s Dade on drums, Michael on keys, Gordon on guitars, Jodie on bass and DJ Prospect on decks.
You are headlining King Tut’s for their New Year’s Revolution which is awesome! Have you played there before and if so what is a great memory you have about the place?
I have yes. I played last year’s winter revolution and also the summer revolution the year before that. I love playing Tut’s! It’s an incredible vibe and very intimate. A great memory is opening for UK rapper Kano at Tut’s.
What do you love about playing Glasgow live? Is it different to other cities?
I love the energy of the crowd in Glasgow and since I am a Glasgow based artist, it’s somewhat playing a home-crowd for me. Always great to have the support of the home crowd.
Name one artist that is playing the KTNYR12 festival that you want to see and why?
The Fleet. My keys player Michael is a member of this band and I’d love to be on the other side of the stage to see him do his thing – they are a great band!

If your band was an alcoholic beverage what would it be and why?
Haha! I’d be a glass of Malibu on the rocks because the sun always shines when it pours! Ahahahah
Is there a band that didn’t make the KTNYR12 bill that you think should have? Can you recommend us a track by them?
Sixpeopleaway! I’m a huge fan and I think they should’ve been on the bill.
What does 2012 have in store for you?
I am in the studio working on new songs for another album. I don’t think it will come out till closer till the end of the year but I will be releasing singles and an EP this year in the lead up to this album.
Would you rather shit out a monster truck or shit out Anne Widdecombe?
Who?

If you could punch another artist in the face who would it be and why?
Let’s all be friends.
Finally, choose 3 words to describe what your KTNYR12 set will be like?
Energetic, hip-hop, music
Kobi will also be releasing ‘Protect Myself’ featuring G of Young Fathers on 15th January. Here is the brilliant video: - Glasgow PodcArt

Ghanaian-Glaswegian rapper presents rought and ready album brimming with Scottish underground guests

(iTunes)

Formerly known as Jae P, Ghanaian-Scots rapper Kwame Barfour-Osei has returned here with a debut album under his new name which demonstrates ability as a vocalist and a songwriter, and real skill as a producer. Featuring a bunch of guest stars, including Young Fathers’ G on the rough-edged grime stomp ‘Protect Myself’, Emeli Sande on the soulful, hard-time anthem ‘Nobody Fault But Mine’ and Sixpeopleaway singer Alistair Merrick on the sunshining R&B pop of ‘Inner City Lights’ and the smooth electro ballad ‘Empty Town’, this record isn’t quite the finished article, however. Instead, it’s a significant next step in the career of an artist who has all the commercial appeal of Tinie Tempah or Taio Cruz, with bags of added heart and soul.
- THE LIST

Ghanaian-Glaswegian rapper presents rought and ready album brimming with Scottish underground guests

(iTunes)

Formerly known as Jae P, Ghanaian-Scots rapper Kwame Barfour-Osei has returned here with a debut album under his new name which demonstrates ability as a vocalist and a songwriter, and real skill as a producer. Featuring a bunch of guest stars, including Young Fathers’ G on the rough-edged grime stomp ‘Protect Myself’, Emeli Sande on the soulful, hard-time anthem ‘Nobody Fault But Mine’ and Sixpeopleaway singer Alistair Merrick on the sunshining R&B pop of ‘Inner City Lights’ and the smooth electro ballad ‘Empty Town’, this record isn’t quite the finished article, however. Instead, it’s a significant next step in the career of an artist who has all the commercial appeal of Tinie Tempah or Taio Cruz, with bags of added heart and soul.
- THE LIST

If I were an A&R at a label, Kobi Onyame would be a gem. A strong rapper, who writes, produces and can put together songs that are both credible and catchy. Coming from Glasgow via London via Ghana, it is obvious that location has been a barrier to Kobi getting the credibility he deserves but in the years leading up to his latest album release ‘Green Green Grasses’, Kobi Onyame is fast becoming the go to guy up north due to a slew of amazing support shows, sets at Glastonbury and T in the Park and massive collaborations and co-signs.

‘Green Green Grasses’ is a diverse, deep and cultural rich project which showcases perfectly why Kobi should be more known in the UK Urban Scene and why he deserves every accolade put upon him so far. From the Ghanaian inspired intro ‘Akwaaba’ to the analytic ‘Inner City Lights’ to the club worthy ‘On The Beat’ to the celebratory ‘Congratulations’ it is clear that Kobi has more sides to show than most and is perfectly comfortable showing them. The vibe of the album is hopeful, happy, hungry and most importantly, honest. If you love rap, get this. If you love big choruses and quality production, get this. If you love strong songs, get this. If you love supporting the true artist, who is on his grind and making beautiful heartfelt music, get this.

Songs to check out: Congratulations ft Mista L, Heartbeat ft Danay Mariney, Nobody Fault But Mine ft Emeli Sande, Amazing and Winning, which both feature Flo. - YUKKA.CO.UK

If I were an A&R at a label, Kobi Onyame would be a gem. A strong rapper, who writes, produces and can put together songs that are both credible and catchy. Coming from Glasgow via London via Ghana, it is obvious that location has been a barrier to Kobi getting the credibility he deserves but in the years leading up to his latest album release ‘Green Green Grasses’, Kobi Onyame is fast becoming the go to guy up north due to a slew of amazing support shows, sets at Glastonbury and T in the Park and massive collaborations and co-signs.

‘Green Green Grasses’ is a diverse, deep and cultural rich project which showcases perfectly why Kobi should be more known in the UK Urban Scene and why he deserves every accolade put upon him so far. From the Ghanaian inspired intro ‘Akwaaba’ to the analytic ‘Inner City Lights’ to the club worthy ‘On The Beat’ to the celebratory ‘Congratulations’ it is clear that Kobi has more sides to show than most and is perfectly comfortable showing them. The vibe of the album is hopeful, happy, hungry and most importantly, honest. If you love rap, get this. If you love big choruses and quality production, get this. If you love strong songs, get this. If you love supporting the true artist, who is on his grind and making beautiful heartfelt music, get this.

Songs to check out: Congratulations ft Mista L, Heartbeat ft Danay Mariney, Nobody Fault But Mine ft Emeli Sande, Amazing and Winning, which both feature Flo. - YUKKA.CO.UK

Kobi Onyame has been buzzing around the London hip hop shadows for about two years — dropping a debut album, appearing at T in the Park, collaborating with Sway – but now the Ghana-born, UK-based MC is extending his tentacles onto the world radar. His new video for “Protect Myself” (featuring Young Fathers singer G) is the latest off his LP Green Green Grasses, with the single slated for release Jan. 15. And frankly, you’ve never seen hip hop so lovelorn before.

While the song production is laden with Golden Age familiarity, there’s no pomp in Kobi’s image. The video tells a story of a relatively normal guy who fell in love with the wrong girl. We don’t know what’s wrong with her (well, besides the fact that she put on way too much mascara before she started crying), all we know is that Kobi is trapped, and that the trap is deadly.

But “Protect Myself” isn’t hackneyed “baby please” fare. The man is really suffering and pleading for his sanity. G’s strained vocals come from the pit of genuine, sophisticated despair, and Kobi is left literally beaten to a pulp. It’s humble stuff. And really, is there anyone who can’t relate?

You can stream the entire album, featuring outstanding London R&B and hip hop talent. In the meantime, watch “Protect Myself” and put Kobi on your 2011 Must-Listen List. - MTV IGGY

Kobi Onyame has been buzzing around the London hip hop shadows for about two years — dropping a debut album, appearing at T in the Park, collaborating with Sway – but now the Ghana-born, UK-based MC is extending his tentacles onto the world radar. His new video for “Protect Myself” (featuring Young Fathers singer G) is the latest off his LP Green Green Grasses, with the single slated for release Jan. 15. And frankly, you’ve never seen hip hop so lovelorn before.

While the song production is laden with Golden Age familiarity, there’s no pomp in Kobi’s image. The video tells a story of a relatively normal guy who fell in love with the wrong girl. We don’t know what’s wrong with her (well, besides the fact that she put on way too much mascara before she started crying), all we know is that Kobi is trapped, and that the trap is deadly.

But “Protect Myself” isn’t hackneyed “baby please” fare. The man is really suffering and pleading for his sanity. G’s strained vocals come from the pit of genuine, sophisticated despair, and Kobi is left literally beaten to a pulp. It’s humble stuff. And really, is there anyone who can’t relate?

You can stream the entire album, featuring outstanding London R&B and hip hop talent. In the meantime, watch “Protect Myself” and put Kobi on your 2011 Must-Listen List. - MTV IGGY

The Wrap Up recently caught up with Kobi Onyame, a Ghanaian rapper based in Glasgow, on the eve of the release for his latest single, 'Congratulations', to talk heritage, music, culture and the future! Here's what went down…

The Wrap Up: Kobi, welcome to The Wrap Up. From looking at your bio, it's clear you have moved around quite a bit in life – from Ghana to London to Scotland. How has all of the moving around influenced or impacted your music?

Kobi Onyame: I feel it has been beneficial for me as I've subsequently experienced the difference in cultures and I show that in my music. The hip-hop music scene in Ghana, London and Scotland are very different and the multicultural experiences make my music even more unique and diverse.

TWU: You are currently based in Glasgow, right? Where you are arguably the brightest star in the urban scene there, do you think being from outside of London has been a barrier to 'making it' or getting great recognition?

Kobi Onyame: First of all, thanks! There's a growing scene of artists/producers in and around the city and we all contribute and collaborate for its growth. It's a bit 50/50. Being from outside London has meant it's been difficult to be at that 'right place' at that 'right time', as they say, because the industry hub is indeed in London. Nevertheless, the Internet age has helped with networking and raising awareness, so being in Glasgow hasn't stopped me making contact with the right people. There are loads of radio stations, DJs and promoters up here who have been supporting my musical journey. I've had certain opportunities I may not have had if I was still in London, such as opportunities to open for the bigger acts on their Scotland legs of their tours, etc. But the industry does exist in London, so I always try to make it down there as much as possible in search of that 'right place'/'right time' scenario.

TWU: I guess it is working seeing as you’ve had a lot of national support, too, collaborating with the likes of Sway, performing at Glastonbury and getting your music played on radio stations like BBC Radio 1 and Kiss. How and why do you think you have managed to penetrate through, whilst many regional acts haven’t yet?

Kobi Onyame: God is good and he hasn't stopped smiling on me. My team isn't big, my budget isn't big, but I've maintained a hard work mentality and persistence. Maybe that's why I'm still single! (Laughs) I've learnt over the years the importance of networking with the right people, researching to find the right people and, most importantly, making sure those right people hear a song, see a show or watch a video.

TWU: So your latest project, 'Green Green Grasses', charted in the iTunes UK Hip Hop Chart, which is major. Can you tell us more about that project?

Kobi Onyame: Yes, sir. The album peaked at No. 29 in the iTunes UK Hip-Hop chart. I was really happy with that as it was an independent release. I recorded the album over the last 12 months. It represents me over the last couple years in the music industry and my life. Concepts range from struggles, pain, realisation of dreams and just plain fun. It features some great guest appearances from Sway, Emeli Sande, Saukrates, Young Fathers, M3nsa and more, who I’ve all worked with in recent times.

TWU: The title of that album is quite interesting. Has the grass ever been greener on the other side for you?

Kobi Onyame: The grass always seems greener on the other side. Indeed it has! I think everyone tends to think the grass is greener on the other side. Slowly realising goals and dreams make the grass greener for me, personally. Also, sometimes you find out that the grass isn’t as green as you thought it was. It’s more of a mind state and a constant pursuit to better yourself as a person and just be successful. In doing that, we all become human. It might be different for everyone else.

TWU: Since the album hit, what else have you been up to and what's to come for the rest of the year?

Kobi Onyame: Since the release, I have been gigging in support of the album. I played at a few festivals, such as Rockness, goNorth, T In The Park and Wickerman, and I played my first headline show at the O2 ABC2 in Glasgow, which was great! I’m planning to go on the road independently and play more gigs in support of the album and raise awareness of my music, myself and my brand. I’ll also be shooting some videos from the album for the next few singles, which I am very excited about.

Stay up to date with Kobi Onyame on Twitter – www.twitter.com/KobiOnyame

Words: Yaw Owusu (@MrYawowusu)

Online editing: Joseph 'JP' Patterson (@Jpizzledizzle) - MTV

The Wrap Up recently caught up with Kobi Onyame, a Ghanaian rapper based in Glasgow, on the eve of the release for his latest single, 'Congratulations', to talk heritage, music, culture and the future! Here's what went down…

The Wrap Up: Kobi, welcome to The Wrap Up. From looking at your bio, it's clear you have moved around quite a bit in life – from Ghana to London to Scotland. How has all of the moving around influenced or impacted your music?

Kobi Onyame: I feel it has been beneficial for me as I've subsequently experienced the difference in cultures and I show that in my music. The hip-hop music scene in Ghana, London and Scotland are very different and the multicultural experiences make my music even more unique and diverse.

TWU: You are currently based in Glasgow, right? Where you are arguably the brightest star in the urban scene there, do you think being from outside of London has been a barrier to 'making it' or getting great recognition?

Kobi Onyame: First of all, thanks! There's a growing scene of artists/producers in and around the city and we all contribute and collaborate for its growth. It's a bit 50/50. Being from outside London has meant it's been difficult to be at that 'right place' at that 'right time', as they say, because the industry hub is indeed in London. Nevertheless, the Internet age has helped with networking and raising awareness, so being in Glasgow hasn't stopped me making contact with the right people. There are loads of radio stations, DJs and promoters up here who have been supporting my musical journey. I've had certain opportunities I may not have had if I was still in London, such as opportunities to open for the bigger acts on their Scotland legs of their tours, etc. But the industry does exist in London, so I always try to make it down there as much as possible in search of that 'right place'/'right time' scenario.

TWU: I guess it is working seeing as you’ve had a lot of national support, too, collaborating with the likes of Sway, performing at Glastonbury and getting your music played on radio stations like BBC Radio 1 and Kiss. How and why do you think you have managed to penetrate through, whilst many regional acts haven’t yet?

Kobi Onyame: God is good and he hasn't stopped smiling on me. My team isn't big, my budget isn't big, but I've maintained a hard work mentality and persistence. Maybe that's why I'm still single! (Laughs) I've learnt over the years the importance of networking with the right people, researching to find the right people and, most importantly, making sure those right people hear a song, see a show or watch a video.

TWU: So your latest project, 'Green Green Grasses', charted in the iTunes UK Hip Hop Chart, which is major. Can you tell us more about that project?

Kobi Onyame: Yes, sir. The album peaked at No. 29 in the iTunes UK Hip-Hop chart. I was really happy with that as it was an independent release. I recorded the album over the last 12 months. It represents me over the last couple years in the music industry and my life. Concepts range from struggles, pain, realisation of dreams and just plain fun. It features some great guest appearances from Sway, Emeli Sande, Saukrates, Young Fathers, M3nsa and more, who I’ve all worked with in recent times.

TWU: The title of that album is quite interesting. Has the grass ever been greener on the other side for you?

Kobi Onyame: The grass always seems greener on the other side. Indeed it has! I think everyone tends to think the grass is greener on the other side. Slowly realising goals and dreams make the grass greener for me, personally. Also, sometimes you find out that the grass isn’t as green as you thought it was. It’s more of a mind state and a constant pursuit to better yourself as a person and just be successful. In doing that, we all become human. It might be different for everyone else.

TWU: Since the album hit, what else have you been up to and what's to come for the rest of the year?

Kobi Onyame: Since the release, I have been gigging in support of the album. I played at a few festivals, such as Rockness, goNorth, T In The Park and Wickerman, and I played my first headline show at the O2 ABC2 in Glasgow, which was great! I’m planning to go on the road independently and play more gigs in support of the album and raise awareness of my music, myself and my brand. I’ll also be shooting some videos from the album for the next few singles, which I am very excited about.

Stay up to date with Kobi Onyame on Twitter – www.twitter.com/KobiOnyame

Words: Yaw Owusu (@MrYawowusu)

Online editing: Joseph 'JP' Patterson (@Jpizzledizzle) - MTV