Very few names in the DJing space command the respect and relevance that DJ Kellywan has earned over the past half-decade. Known across the Ashanti Region and beyond not just for his prowess behind the turntables, but for his rare ability to spot and elevate raw talent, DJ Kellywan has grown from a local crowd-favourite into one of the most significant cultural influencers in the country’s contemporary soundscape.
While many know him today as the reigning Ashanti Regional DJ of the Year, a title he clinched at the 2024 Ghana DJ Awards, his journey did not begin on the awards stage. It began in packed clubs, open-air concerts, senior high school tours, and community events where the music was loud, the lights were low, and the energy was real. DJ Kellywan cut his teeth in these grassroots spaces, building a reputation for not just his musical instincts but his ear for emerging sounds and his uncanny ability to connect with a crowd of any size or background.
In the early days, he was one of the few DJs actively booking and performing alongside a wave of now-famous artists who were still finding their voices. His name became quietly but firmly attached to a new movement of musicians coming out of Kumasi, artists whose sound would later become known as the Asakaa wave. Long before they graced mainstream stages or trended across streaming platforms, DJ Kellywan was supporting them on the ground. His involvement with artists such as Kwaku DMC, Reggie, Kojo Trilla, and YGA O’Kenneth during their formative years was not accidental; it was the result of a DJ who had become deeply attuned to the pulse of the streets and who understood that his role was more than just playing music—it was shaping the moment.
But DJ Kellywan’s influence does not end with Kumasi. His reach has extended to other major cities like Accra, Sunyani, and Cape Coast, where he has helped introduce and reinforce the talents of young artists to broader audiences. At a time when discoverability remains one of the greatest challenges for independent acts, DJ Kellywan has become a reliable ally. From providing them with stage time to spotlighting their music on one of Kumasi’s top-rated radio shows, he has become a gateway many aspiring acts strive to pass through.
Currently, he serves as one of the anchors of the hugely popular “Pure Drive” on Pure 95.7 FM in Kumasi, where his daily presence on-air alongside Mr. Katah has helped cement the show’s position as a cultural staple in the region. Yet even in the studio, his focus remains on spotlighting new voices, championing underdogs, and offering artists a platform where they can be heard.
His recent collaboration with Kweku Smoke is the latest evidence of his expanding vision and artistic alignment with some of Ghana’s brightest talents. More than just a DJ-artist collaboration, the ongoing tour and series of performances are a reflection of Kellywan’s role as a cultural mediator, bringing artists closer to fans and reshaping the live music experience across cities.
What makes DJ Kellywan’s impact especially notable is his consistency. His story is not that of a viral sensation or overnight star—it’s a journey built on credibility, commitment, and genuine belief in the potential of others. For many of the talents he has worked with, Kellywan has not only been a DJ but a first believer, a connector, and a mentor. His co-sign carries weight, not because of celebrity, but because of his track record.
In an era where entertainment can often feel disposable, DJ Kellywan’s work is a reminder of the enduring value of community, mentorship, and craft. As Ghana’s music industry continues to evolve, his presence will remain central to the discovery and development of its next generation of stars. His story is not just one of personal success—it is one of collective upliftment, regional pride, and a deep, unwavering commitment to the culture.
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Source: Submitted by Osafo Daniel