Ghanaian music is evolving at a fast pace, generating interest from music lovers and industry players around the world.

From the traditional highlife genre to ‘borga’ highlife, to hip-hop, and down to Afro-pop, music of Ghanaian origin is gaining loads of admiration globally.

Ghana’s latest Afro-pop sound has caught the attention of Jamaican-born UK-based musician, Jullian Ellison, who has composed some Afro-pop tracks that will be pleasing to the Ghanaian music community.

The 40-year-old Ellison, who traces his roots to Ghana, has visited the West African nation on four occasions to study the Ghanaian music space with the mindset of churning out some good Afro-pop sounds. 

Currently, Jullian Ellison has composed over 20 Afro-pop tracks targeting the Ghanaian market, and has plans to launch his maiden album in Ghana soon.

Jullian says he got into music after a bitter divorce from his Polish wife, with whom he has two lovely kids.

“I took up music about 10 years ago for reasons that were really bad. I got separated from my wife, but looking at the bigger picture now, as they say and as time goes by, I realised that the unfortunate situation led me to music. Music is where I got comfort from, and it was like a sanctuary where I could hide, and so far it’s been alright,” he said.

The Jamaican says Ghana is a country he has so much love and admiration for due to its history and the welcoming nature of its people.

“Ghana has always been my motherland, you know, even when we talk politics, I know of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was a great person and even here in the UK, I come across a lot of Ghanaians and they’re very hospitable and respectful people,” Jullian expressed.

Touching on his love for Ghanaian music, the silky voice Jamaican musician says the lack of sultry and profanity in the lyrics of most Ghanaian songs, among other things, inspires him a lot.

“Music-wise, I’ve heard about a lot of big musicians coming from Africa, but particularly from Ghana. When you hear the songs, it’s got a certain rhythm that’s unique, and two, they’re not like certain countries. I don't want to mention names who have a penchant for doing profane music. Ghanaian music is more moderate with foul lyrics, and it’s because of the society they come from,” he emphasised.

Ellison reveals he’s got some Ghanaian musicians whose songs he’s in love with. He is looking forward to doing songs with some of these artists, including the legendary Kojo Antwi, current TGMA artiste of the year, King Promise and Shatta Wale.

“I love Kojo Antwi because he sings some really nice English songs, which I listen to a lot. Anytime I hear him sing, I get inspired. I really want to sing something decent like him, and in my estimation, he’s a legend of Ghana music. I also listen to songs by King Promise as well as Shatta Wale, among others. I will love to do songs with them in the future if it’s possible,” he said.

Jullian Ellison and his team are expected in Ghana in September 2025 for a few radio shows to promote his music and discuss plans for his album launch.

Find below one of his tracks titled ‘Waiting’.