Twicy on Reimagining Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” Winning Artist of the Year and Taking Ghanaian Afrobeats Global

Ghanaian singer Twicy is building momentum with his blend of Afrobeats, highlife and contemporary sounds.

Fresh off winning Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, he recently released his take on Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” putting an Afro-inspired spin on the timeless classic. In this interview with Afrobeats Head, Twicy reflects on his growing audience across Africa, the responsibility that comes with recognition, and what’s next in his journey.

1. You’ve built a growing fanbase across Ghana and Nigeria. When did you first realize your music was reaching people beyond your hometown?

I think it really hit me when I started getting messages from people in Nigeria who genuinely connected with my music. Seeing blogs, DJs and listeners from another country sharing my songs made me realize the music was travelling much further than I imagined. That’s when I understood that good music doesn’t recognize borders. It gave me the confidence to keep creating without limiting myself.

2. You recently won Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. Did those wins change how you see yourself as an artist?

The awards were a huge honour, but they didn’t change who I am. They reminded me that consistency and hard work don’t go unnoticed. More than anything, they challenged me to raise my own standards because once people believe in you, you have a responsibility to keep growing and delivering your best.

3. Your sound blends Afrobeats, highlife and contemporary influences. How do you stay true to your Ghanaian roots while appealing to a wider audience?

I don’t think you have to choose one over the other. My Ghanaian identity naturally comes through in my music through the melodies, rhythms and storytelling. Then I build on that with modern production and influences that people anywhere in the world can relate to. I want someone in Accra, Lagos, London or New York to connect with the music while still hearing where I’m from.

4. Ghana and Nigeria have one of Africa’s biggest musical rivalries. What’s one thing each scene could learn from the other?

I see it more as healthy competition than a rivalry. Ghana has incredible originality and rich musical traditions, while Nigeria has built an amazing system for exporting its music globally. Ghana can continue learning how to scale its music internationally, while Nigeria can keep embracing the authenticity and musical heritage that Ghana consistently brings. At the end of the day, when African music wins, we all win.

5. Your latest release is a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.” Why did you choose that song, and were you nervous about reimagining such a beloved classic?

Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and “Rock With You” is one of those timeless records that still feels fresh decades later. I wanted to celebrate that legacy while adding my own personality and Afro-inspired flavour. Of course there was pressure because people love the original, but I focused on honouring the song instead of trying to compete with it.

6. What was the biggest challenge in making “Rock With You” sound like Twicy while still honouring the original?

The biggest challenge was finding the right balance. I didn’t want listeners to feel like I was simply copying the original, but I also didn’t want to lose what made the song so special. So I kept its emotion and essence while introducing my own vocal style, arrangements and Afrobeats influences. The goal was for people to feel Michael Jackson’s spirit while still recognising Twicy’s identity.

7. If someone is discovering Twicy today, which three songs should they start with and why?

I’d say “Rock With You,” “MonaLisa” and “All Over Me.”

“Rock With You” shows how I can reinterpret a classic while making it feel fresh.

“MonaLisa” captures my melodic side and my love for creating feel-good records.

“All Over Me” reflects my growth as a songwriter and artist, combining emotion with contemporary Afrobeats.

Together, they give a good picture of who I am musically.

8. Beyond streams and awards, what does success look like for you?

Success is creating music that lasts and being in a position to support my fans and humanity through my talent. It’s hearing that one of my songs helped someone through a difficult time or became part of an important memory in their life. It’s also about representing Ghana proudly on the global stage and inspiring young artists to believe their dreams are possible.

9. What’s one thing fans still don’t know about Twicy that you’d love them to understand?

People often see the finished product, but they don’t see how much thought and emotion goes into every record. I’m very intentional about my music, and I think that’s why some of the people I work with describe me as a perfectionist. I don’t make songs just to follow trends. I want every release to have meaning and reflect where I am in my life, both as an artist and as a person.

10. What’s next for Twicy? What should fans be excited about for the rest of the year?

There’s a lot coming. I’m working on new music and a project with producers from London that’s going to show another side of me creatively. There are also collaborations, exciting visuals and more live performances on the way. My goal is to keep pushing my sound forward and connect with even more listeners across Africa and beyond. I want this to be the year people truly understand what the name Twicy represents.

“Rock With You” by Twicy is out now on streaming platforms.

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