Ghana – Popcaan Becomes Sub-Chief, Honoured as “Nana Okofo Akro Kese”

2026-02-20 - 14:24

Dancehall star Popcaan has been crowned a sub-chief in Ghana, receiving the traditional title “Nana Okofo Akro Kese”, which translates to “great/mighty warrior chief.” The ceremony took place during his recent visit to the West African nation, where he was formally inducted into the local chieftaincy system. Sharing photos and videos of the event on Instagram, Popcaan expressed his gratitude, captioning his post: “Nana is Grateful!!! Love and respect to my people. Together we push #KESE.” Popcaan has a long-standing connection with Ghana and the African continent. He visited the country during the 2019 “Year of the Return” initiative, which marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas and encouraged members of the African diaspora to reconnect with their heritage. During that visit, Popcaan paid tribute to his ancestors at Cape Coast Castle, laying a wreath in remembrance of those enslaved and transported to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Beyond his cultural engagements, Popcaan has continued to make an impact musically. In 2025, he released his fifth studio album, Nothing Without God, a 14-track project completed weeks before Hurricane Melissa affected western Jamaica. The album explores themes of faith, resilience, and spiritual growth, and has been praised for its introspective lyrics and contemporary dancehall sound. The sub-chieftaincy title not only recognizes Popcaan’s achievements in music but also his influence as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica and the African diaspora. The honour is symbolic of the deepening ties between Caribbean artists and African nations, reflecting mutual respect and recognition of shared history. Popcaan’s visit also included community outreach and interactions with local artists, highlighting his commitment to fostering creative collaboration between Jamaican and Ghanaian music scenes. This recognition further cements his status as one of dancehall’s leading figures and a bridge between the Caribbean and Africa.