Safo Newman unexpectedly burst onto the music scene late last year with his song “Akokoa.” He quickly became viral on social media and amassed a sizable amount of plays on a variety of platforms.
While some internet users—including rap legend Sarkodie—are showered with compliments for “Ghana’s new kid on the block”‘s talent and lovely song, others just keep hurling insults and derogatory remarks at Newman. However, the early-30s musician claims he is not concerned about the online bullies.
Speaking with the Daily Graphic, Newman revealed that he had read the offensive remarks, some of which had called him, among other things, underweight and disheveled, but it had not worried him in the slightest because his music was what really mattered to him.
He declared that he was going to stop focusing on the criticism of his critics and instead use his energy to create eternal music.
I’m not very worried by remarks others make about my appearance or how I look. In fact, I think that makes me unique in several ways. I am not at all bothered by those disparaging comments regarding my appearance. The songs I write and the messages they portray, together with the good influence I may have on society, are what really important to me,” the artist stated.
Life in the spotlight
His song is still getting a lot of attention and climbing the charts, especially after Sarkodie declared it to be a huge hit. In Ghana, it is now the ninth most streamed song on Audiomack.
He acknowledged that he was still adjusting to his new position, but he promised to use the platform to become one of the most sought-after musicians the nation had ever seen.
“I’ve finally had the chance to meet Sarkodie, whose support of my song opened doors for me. I am excited to accomplish incredible things with him because this is just the beginning of even bigger things to come. Although being in the spotlight these days has been quite overwhelming for me, I love it and I’ll take advantage of the chance to have a bigger influence,” he continued.
two-part role
The up-and-coming musical sensation also goes by the hat of a committed instructor. Providing insight into how he balanced his love of music with his dedication to schooling, he said balancing the two roles hadn’t presented any major obstacles.
For him, the key lies in maintaining focus and devising a routine that accommodates his two hobbies.
“It all comes down to focus and equilibrium.” I try to combine my love for teaching and music professionally in a harmonious way because I cherish both of them,” he stated.
The singer, who hasn’t yet found a management group for his career in music, stated that he was very hopeful about the future and that he would like a group to help manage him effectively.
He did, however, restate his commitment to creating excellent music and carrying out his teaching responsibilities in the absence of a formal management framework.
“I’m doing everything by myself right now, and I’m hoping for a management team that will help me do things better,” he remarked.
