Birth name Abdul Razak Issahaku Years active (2008–present) Genre Reggae | Genres Reggae, dance hall Labels Gideon Force Record label Gideon Force | |
![]() | ||
Born 12 September 1985 (age 31)
Accra, Ghana ( 1985-09-12 ) Occupation(s) Musician, sound engineer Associated acts Asumadu Capleton Sizzla Kalonji Albums 12 September (Special Day) Similar Alhaji Kwabena Frimpong, Jay Ghartey, Alex Konadu, Asumadu, E T Mensah |
Abdul Razak Issahaku (born 12 September 1985), performing as Iwan, is a reggae and dance hall artiste from Ghana, West Africa. Being a product of University of Ghana, Legon, Iwan, also known as "Lyrical Gunshot", pursued Theatre Art and Music and Dance and now holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Contents
Early life
Iwan also known as Lyrical Gunshot due to his hard works was raised in a capital city of Ghana in a town called Accra New Town. He had his basic education at Accra New Town Basic School and later to St. John's Junior High in Kokomlele. He studied Visual Arts at Accra Senior High. He took the school leadership from through Junior High and Senior High. Having passion for Music helped Iwan won the Entertainment Prefect. His father died during his childhood. He was then raised his mother Hajara Mahmudu and other siblings in Accra New Town.
Musical career
Being a Great fan of Hiplife, i use to Attend almost all Big Street Carnivals back in the Days. In the Neighbourhood am From, Raaco Down, Is full of musical Talents .. Few Of My Friends were into Music too.. So We decided to form what would become the Very Basis of my Musical career /. The UpCast Clan. The Upcast Clan consist of 4 of Us. Faisal(BigJ) malik(R0nzyJ),Me(Ryme dealer) and (Kofi jilado)Kofy.. We Always met and Do freestyles, end up creating songs, then contribute money and go record Simple Demos. some Of The Studios We recorded these demos Were Dope Rhymes(Nima), Babs studio (Nima), Tempo Sounds Mamobi and few of them ..The Group lasted For Just 6 months.. we recorded about 5songs . The Reason we spilt was because i was More Serious with the Music.. the rest Later gave Up .. All of Them are Business Men Now. I Became Solo and Changed My Name To Odumfuo. started More Twi Rap cos It was The Time Obrafuo took Ghana music to The Kasahari World. It was these time I Visited More studios and met more people in The industry at Then. i met few people who wanted to manage me but most lied and wasted time. At the Same Time I developed Love for Producing Beatz and started learning it along the Line. Lucky to have metpeople Like War Leader, U Beatz who taught me A Lot in The Trade. Also Had Great Influences From Hammer, Jay Q, Appietus.. I encountered The Deep Love for reggae And Dancehall through Music Production. And It Finally Won My Heart and That Was When I Changed My name Again to Popa Razy and Went into mainstream Reggae Music.(2003) Worked and recorded In Studios .Created A Click called Street Beatz. We Based in Newtown. My first Studio i worked professional As a studio Enginner is Family Fun(Now Step 2) Studio in Newtown.(2005)..I Met Bulldog, My first Manager.
Early life
Lyrical Gunshot started his career by copyrighting others song. He was used to perform songs which was originally composed by his influencers. He performed several edicative programmes like Funfair, Variety Shows and inter school events. After performing these roles, Iwan who was then called Popa Razy, started to develop his music career at his teen. He recorded several ground songs which gave him the title Rhyme Dealer. Currently Iwan is on his peace tour 2016.
IWAN is an acronym which sttands for "I Win Always Naturally". hails from Kumbungu, the Northern Part of Ghana.
Rising To Popularity
After Senior secondary education, Iwan started sound engineering for almost four years while focusing on his talent. He had musical experience from the music production which helped him to developed quality timing, music composition and song writing skills. While working as sound engineer, Iwan recorded six master songs which include Party and others amongs. After playing this role, one Bulldog saw the potentials in Iwan so later had interest in managing him but later parted ways with the management team. Iwan also known as Lyrical Gunshot is known for the people in Ghana who made Dance hall famous after releasing his hit single Whos Bad.
Iwan Performed on all Big Stages like Ghana Music Awards (2011), Miss Ghana, and " O2 Arena" in London(First Intertanational STage). IWAN released his 3rd album on 12 sept 2014 which was a more matured Album this time. It was a full Reggae Album with 17 conscious Songs. it received More airplay and featured Veteran Artiste Like Black prophet, Ras Kuuku, Jah Kumbo etc. Songs Like Face of Jah, Marijuana, Obibiniba, Gideon Boots etc. are massive one Drop hIts .
Awards
Albums
Songs
Jah Bless Me12 September (Special Day) · 2013
Dreamer of Dreams12 September (Special Day) · 2013
Can't Lock Me Down12 September (Special Day) · 2013