We linked up with emerging Ghanaian Artist Mullah to find out more about his music, his sound and what drives him to make the music we love

Spark: Tell us what Body Bad is and what inspired the song?

Mullar: Body bad is about love. I came up with it because a few people I knew were navigating relationship conflicts. So I put myself in their shoes and simply expressed my deepest emotions in the song as if I were the one going through the challenges. Many people can relate to these issues, and I’m confident they’ll connect with the song.

Spark: Tell us something briefly about yourself

Mullar: My name is Mutala Mohamed like the former Nigerian President but my stage name is Mullah. I’m from Ashaiman, I’m a Muslim, I’m an example of “Fante-nkremo”. I’m a cool dude, I like to hang out with people and socialize.

Spark: What school’s did you attend?

Mullar: For JHS I attended Starlight school which is located in Tema community 22 and I attended SHS at Deks international school at community 8.

Spark: So you’re a Tema Boy?

Mullar: Yes. I’ve also had the walking adventures just like most of the tema rappers say in their songs.

Spark: Why did you decide to pursue music?

Mullar: First, music is the only thing I’m really great at. Aslo, I feel like it’s a calling, I was born to make wonderful musical pieces . And apart from jamming to my music, I’ll like my music to positively influence people. Music is therapy to me, it’s a part of me.

Spark: How did you start making music?

Mullar: I fell in love with music as a kid. I was rapping back in JHS but it wasn’t that serious. It was in shs that I started writing and recording, also, my dad had passed away so I had a lot to write about. My mum was supportive of my music and anything creative I did so that was encouraging. But some of my brothers didn’t believe in me but now they do and I’m happy that they see and appreciate my work.

Spark: What genre of music do you make?

Mullar: My music is a fusion of Highlife, RnB, and Altè

Spark: Who are some of the people you draw inspiration from?

Mullar: R2bees, wizkid, Sarkodie, kwesi Arthur and other rappers who aren’t really out there yet.

Spark: As a rapper and a singer, which one are you better at?

Mullar: If you had asked me this question 3yrs ago, I would have said it’s rapping but now I think it’s singing.

Spark: How are you manoeuvring the music business?

Mullar: I have a small structure almost like a team, they help me with the business side of music.

Spark: What are the two challenges you face and an up and coming Artiste?

Mullar: First is making numbers on streaming platforms and social media. After doing the ground work, that is, standing out amongst the other musicians coming in day in day out, creating quality music, it’s heartbreaking to not see the numbers rise as much as I desire but I understand that it’s a long journey and with hard work and determination we’ll get there.

Second is financing my music. Currently I’m paying for everything out of my pocket with the help of my manager, Beats. I hope to catch the eye of a sponsor so that everything will go smoothly but until then, I’ll still do my best and use my last penny to create music coz I love it.

Spark: Tell me about some of the record you intend to release this year.

Mullar: This year I plan to put out more records than last year. Last year I released only two records, “4am” and “My Way”. This year I plan to do a lot . I’m even in talks with some other artistes to put something out together. So expect a number of songs and features from me.

Spark: Tell me about your ‘4am’ record, it sounds like a heartbreak song. Can you tell us what inspired it?

Mullar: “4 AM” is a deep, thoughtful song that talks about being hurt by partners who care too much about money and material possessions . It talks about how bad relationships can really hurt your feelings and I want people to understand their own value, also to choose self love and release themselves from the shackles of toxic relationships.

Spark: What do you think about the globalisation of Afrobeats sound?

Mullar: I think Ghanaians should be original, we shouldn’t copy the Nigerian afrobeats even though that’s what is making the waves now. I think we should be ourselves and through that, we will stand out and get more ears to our side. Then Afrobeats will grow because the sound won’t be one way. I feel like we should just own our shit over here.

Spark: Fun question! Have people ever told you that you look like Kendrick Larmar?

Mullar: Yes, I hear that a lot and I hope in the end, my music career replicates his also.

Follow Mullar on his socials