Emmanuel
Kwesi Arthur
Born December 18, 1999 in Tema, Ghana. Rapper. Singer. Songwriter. Freeman.
The Timeline
Born in Tema
Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur was born on December 18, 1999 in Tema, Ghana. He grew up in Tema Community 9 as the second of four children, surrounded by the vibrant culture and music of coastal Ghana.
Dreams Deferred
After completing high school at Temasco, Kwesi's plans to study psychology and law at the University of Ghana stalled due to lack of funds. He considered taking a job as a security guard in Tema — a pivotal moment that would redirect his entire life.
Grind Day Changes Everything
Discovered by Sarkodie, Kwesi Arthur released "Grind Day" — a raw, honest anthem about hustle and survival. The track earned a co-sign remix featuring Sarkodie and Medikal, catapulting him to national fame almost overnight.
BET Nominated
Kwesi Arthur received a BET Awards Viewer's Choice Best International Act nomination — a historic recognition for a Ghanaian artist at one of hip-hop's most prestigious ceremonies. He also won Hip Hop Song of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
2 Million Streams
Live from Nkrumah Krom Vol II garnered over 2 million streams in its first week of release — a milestone that cemented Kwesi Arthur as one of Africa's most streamed artists.
Live From The 233
"Live From The 233" became one of the most-streamed African songs on Apple Music in 2020. The track was a love letter to Ghana — "233" being the country's international dialing code — and resonated globally.
Son Of Jacob
His debut studio album "Son Of Jacob" arrived — a deeply personal project named after his father, exploring themes of identity, faith, and the journey from Tema to the world stage.
Awards & Accolades
Viewer's Choice Best International Act
NominatedHip Hop Song of the Year
WinnerInternational Collaboration of the Year
WinnerRapper of the Year
WinnerCypher Nomination
NominatedMost Streamed African Song 2020
Live From The 233FREE
MAN
"Freeman isn't just a name. It's a declaration. When you come from nothing and build something — that's freedom."
The moniker "Freeman" emerged naturally from Kwesi Arthur's story. It speaks to liberation — from poverty, from doubt, from every voice that said Tema Community 9 couldn't produce a world-class artist.
It's the philosophy behind every bar, every project, every collaboration. Freeman means owning your narrative, speaking your truth, and never being bound by where you started.