Welcome to KooKusi – Greetings From Abroad.

As I sit in Ghana imagining a journey from the dusty streets of Ghana to the concrete jungle of the United States, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for KooKusi’s sophomore EP, ‘Greetings From Abroad.’ This is a perfect spin-off to Nana Adwoa Awindor’s infamous TV show that bore the same name and aired on Ghanaian TV in the 2000s. The rapper details a journey along a long road, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations, but through it all, one thing has remained constant: his love for rap. Now, with the release of this EP, he hopes to share his story with the world and inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how far they may seem. So sit back and enjoy this review of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lyrical mastery.
Welcome to KooKusi – Greetings From Abroad.

‘Greetings…’ is a powerful and poignant track that showcases the struggles and triumphs of an immigrant’s quest for a better life. KooKusi enlists the help of Victor Morgan and Michael Adjaloo, to tell the story of the obstacles faced by an average Ghanaian leaving the country in search of greener pastures.
The opening chorus represents a rallying chant for all those who have ever struggled to make a better life for themselves. It’s a powerful and uplifting message that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. One of the rappers shares his experience of the visa application process. He raps about the endless forms, the bureaucratic red tape, and the financial burden that came with trying to leave Ghana for the United States. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of the hurdles that many immigrants face, and it sets the stage for the rest of the song. It’s a moving tribute to the power of community and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
‘From Abroad…’ is a continuation of track 1, which is a rather captivating and emotive continuation of ‘Greetings…,’ which delves even deeper into the struggles faced in the quest for a better life. KooKusi shares his own personal story of trying to secure the funds needed to leave Ghana and pursue his dreams of education and a brighter future in the United States. He raps about the long hours he worked and the sacrifices he made to save up enough money to fund his exit from Ghana, including selling his possessions and borrowing from family and friends. He even goes on to give a financial breakdown of all the costs; a raw and honest portrayal.
Hahahaa, track 3 is the perfect skit. It portrays a conversation between the immigrant and a relative who sponsored the former’s trip, and is now expecting the favor to be returned. The comical nature of the conversation doesn’t even dilute the graveness of the issue.
Track 4 is called ‘No Where Cool,’ and it features R.B.D. If you’re looking for a song that tells a compelling story of the immigrant experience, look no further than the powerful collaboration between these two skilled rappers. The track opens with R.B.D., who raps from the perspective of someone fed-up with the system here in Ghana and wants to move from Ghana to the USA in search of a better life. As he rhymes about the struggles and sacrifices he continues to make in the country, you can feel the weight of his burden in every bar. But then, KooKusi takes over, and his perspective is quite different. As an immigrant already living in the US, he talks about the challenges of succeeding in a country that’s supposed to be the land of opportunity, but that still fails so many people. The contrast between the two perspectives is what makes this song so gripping. By the end of the track, you feel like you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster – from the hopefulness of an aspiring immigrant, to the frustration of an actual immigrant’s experience. But perhaps the most powerful message of the song is that the struggle for success and happiness is universal. No matter where you come from or what your background is, everyone faces obstacles in life. And while it’s important to acknowledge the systems and structures that make those obstacles more difficult for some, ultimately it’s up to each individual to keep pushing forward.
‘Greatest Fear’ is an honest and introspective exploration of the fear that plagues so many of us: the fear of not living up to our own expectations. On track 5, KooKusi digs deep into the psyche of someone who has left behind the familiar in search of something better – whether that’s success, happiness, or something else entirely. The track is anchored by a powerful beat that hits hard from the first note, but it’s the lyrics that really steal the show. As KooKusi delivers his verses with precision and passion, you can feel the weight of his fears bearing down on him. He lays it all out on the table, admitting to the listener (and, perhaps, to himself) that he’s afraid he won’t make it, that he’ll fall short of the goals he’s set for himself. Arathejay’s soothing vocals also come in at a point. Despite the vulnerability on display, there’s a sense of resilience and determination that runs throughout his delivery. It’s clear that he’s not going to let his fears hold him back – he’s going to keep pushing, keep striving, keep chasing his dreams, no matter what. It’s this combination of honesty and perseverance that makes ‘Greatest Fear’ such a powerful and engaging track.
Leading up to the end of the EP is ‘The 5Foot3 Creed’ featuring Li Diaw. Just a collection of thoughts on what has been enunciated so far. A fitting segue to the final track.
Finally, we come across ‘Nsuro (Feareth Not). Track 7 is a fitting final track for this EP, as it embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance that runs throughout the project. KooKusi delivers confident and uplifting bars, exuding optimism and a belief in his ability to succeed in his quest for greener pastures. The beat is melodic and energetic, with a pulsating bassline and bright church organ sound that perfectly complement the his flow. As he raps about overcoming obstacles and staying focused on goals, his words are imbued with a sense of hope and conviction that is impossible to ignore.

The chorus is particularly memorable, with the choir singing like a mantra, encouraging listeners to push through their own doubts and fears. It’s a powerful message that resonates long after the song has ended. KooKusi’s skills as both a wordsmith and a motivator makes this the perfect note to end on, leaving listeners feeling inspired and energized to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.
In conclusion, this seven track EP tells a captivating story of an immigrant’s journey from Ghana to the United States in search of a better life. Through powerful lyrics and soulful beats, the KooKusi takes us on a journey that is both personal and universal, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that come with chasing the American dream. From the tumultuous process of preparing to travel, to the initial excitement of arriving in a new country, to the harsh realities of navigating a foreign system and culture, this EP paints a vivid picture of the immigrant experience. It celebrates the resilience, determination, and hard work that are necessary to succeed in the face of adversity. Ultimately, this EP is a testament to the power of music to tell stories, inspire change, and bring people together. It is a reminder that no matter where we come from or what challenges we face, we all share a common humanity and a desire for a better future. Through the KooKusi’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of embracing diversity, respecting each other’s differences, and working together to create a world that is truly inclusive and equitable for all.