Jay Bahd

Jay Bahd, born Jackson Kwadwo Bawuah, is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and one of the leading voices of the Asakaa (Ghanaian drill) movement. Based in Kumasi, he helped bring the city’s drill sound to a global audience through hard-hitting street narratives, Twi lyrics, and energetic collaborations.

Career

Jay Bahd emerged as part of the Asakaa Boys, the collective credited with popularising Ghanaian drill music, often associated with the wider Kumerica movement. He gained widespread recognition after appearing on “Sore” alongside fellow Asakaa artists, a breakout hit that introduced many international listeners to Ghana’s drill scene. He later built a successful solo career while continuing to collaborate with members of the collective.

Musical style

His music blends UK-inspired drill, hip-hop, and local Ghanaian influences, with lyrics delivered largely in Twi. Jay Bahd is known for a deep vocal tone and storytelling that reflects everyday life, ambition, and the realities of growing up in parts of Kumasi. His work has been influenced by the global drill movement, including the music of the late rapper Pop Smoke.

Notable releases

Some of Jay Bahd’s best-known songs and projects include:

* “Condemn” (featuring City Boy, O’Kenneth, Reggie, and Kwaku DMC)
* “Y3 Y3 Dom”
* “Oh Ma Linda”
* “Anadwo”
* “Odo”
* Return of Okomfo Anokye (2021), his debut project, which helped establish him as one of Ghana’s leading drill artists.

Influence

Jay Bahd is regarded as one of the artists who transformed Asakaa from a local Kumasi movement into a recognised subgenre within African hip-hop. His collaborations with artists such as Yaw Tog, O’Kenneth, Kwaku DMC, Reggie, and Skyface SDW have helped define the sound and identity of Ghanaian drill.