Ghanaian Afrobeats rising star Olivetheboy joined Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to discuss his single “Bend” featuring Sarkodie, his breakthrough EP Out of the Blue, and how he’s adjusting to fame while staying grounded in his hometown of Konongo.

Here’s how the interview went down!

Olivetheboy Tells Apple Music About Working With Sarkodie on “Bend”

OLIVETHEBOY: When I finished “Bend,” I was about to do a second verse and then thought of having someone on it. I don’t think anyone would’ve fit the song better than Sarkodie. He’s like, solid in that field. In Ghana, everyone knows that if you want a rapper on that kind of a song, don’t go anywhere—you have Sarkodie right there! When I talked to him, he already loved my vibe. He already knew stuff about me. So it was just easy to put him on. We did a couple more songs in the studio, too.

Olivetheboy Tells Apple Music About Being Nominated for Multiple Telecel Ghana Music Awards

OLIVETHEBOY: Last year was three; now it’s five because yes, I’ve worked way better than last year. It just makes sense—it’s just the growth to me. I just love the fact that they appreciated and recognised the growth. 

Olivetheboy Tells Apple Music About His Track, “Tattoo”

OLIVETHEBOY: The thing about Tattoo is it’s that one song that took me days! Normally I don’t take days to write songs, but Tattoo is one song that took me two days to finish. Because after writing the chorus, I was like, nah, this is not the chorus. I want to get it right. So I had to sit down and write something else. So the whole composition, the whole everything about that song now amazes me. I love that song man.

Olivetheboy Tells Apple Music About the Talent Coming From Konogo

OLIVETHEBOY: When talent comes from Konogo, you should not doubt them because the truth is, Konogo is a place of enjoyment. So if you have talent, you just get schooled without you knowing you’re being schooled! You can pass by somebody’s house, [and] they’re playing music—and there are a lot of clubs and places where they play music a lot. So if you’re somebody that has [music] in you, the brain actually catches all these melodies, and you become subconsciously trained to them. There’s music and festivals going on; it’s just that crazy.  

Olivetheboy Tells Apple Music About Being Handling Fame at a Young Age

OLIVETHEBOY: God does not give you something you’re not prepared for. He will definitely prepare you before you get there. I’m just ready, man. Let’s get it!