KooKusi Achieves International Recognition for Mental Health Project as Joseph Matthew Rebrands as Afrofusion Artiste

Ghanaian music continues to expand its global footprint through diverse creative expressions, ranging from social advocacy to genre-defying sounds. Most recently, US-based Ghanaian musician KooKusi, born Nana Kofi Kusi-Boadum, has earned prestigious international recognition as his 'This Ability EP' was accepted into the CARE – Culture for Mental Health Project. This European Union-funded initiative highlights artistic works that bridge the gap between creativity and mental health awareness. KooKusi, who is also a final-year PhD candidate in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, has successfully utilized his multidisciplinary background to create a project that serves as both a musical journey and a social intervention.

The 'This Ability EP' centers on the life of Emmanuel Eckow Amoako, a Ghanaian basketball figure living with anisomelia. Through a blend of music, poetry, and visual storytelling, KooKusi addresses the profound stigma surrounding disabilities and the resulting mental health challenges. Developed under his '5footbreed' movement, the project aims to foster resilience and empower individuals struggling with low self-esteem due to physical differences. The work’s impact extends beyond the airwaves; it has already been integrated into academic curricula for university courses on Music and Disability Studies, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of art and science.

While KooKusi navigates the intersection of music and medicine, fellow Ghanaian artist Joseph Matthew is focused on refining his musical identity and asserting his artistic freedom. Despite being widely categorized as a gospel musician due to the spiritual themes in hits like 'Blessed' and 'Fear No Evil,' Matthew has officially clarified that he identifies as an Afrofusion artiste. Speaking on the matter during an interview on Hot 93.9FM, he emphasized that 'gospel' represents a message rather than a specific musical genre. By adopting the Afrofusion label, Matthew seeks to preserve his creative liberty, allowing him to experiment with diverse sounds without being confined by traditional industry classifications.

Matthew’s commitment to this stylistic evolution is evident in his recent work, such as the reggae-infused 2025 track 'Love In You.' Looking ahead, the award-winning musician is set to release a new single titled 'Walk' in July 2026, which he anticipates will further solidify his standing in the global music scene. Together, the achievements of KooKusi and the bold rebranding of Joseph Matthew reflect a modern era for Ghanaian music, where artists are increasingly leveraging their platforms to challenge social stigmas, influence academic discourse, and assert their unique creative voices on the world stage.