Ghanaian highlife legend Kojo Antwi says the absence of motherly care or comfort in his childhood shaped his emotional depth and may be why he writes music often from a woman’s perspective.

According to the music legend, being separated from his mother at a young age and growing up without her motherly and emotional support has strongly influenced his songwriting.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 and monitored by NewsDesksGH on February 6, the musician recounted how, as a child, he was sent to live with his father, a moment he says remains vivid in his memory.

“I still remember it as, I was told by my mum. I still remember it vividly,” he said.

Kojo Antwi explained how he grew up with stepmothers, some of whom treated him kindly.

“We grew up with stepmothers. My stepmother was quite kind to me, but I had a few of them. Some were good,” he noted.

Reflecting on the emotional gap created by the absence of his mother, the singer said children instinctively turn to their mothers during difficult moments.

“Every time a child goes out and they face something they’re kind of challenged by, the very first person that you go to is your mum. Your dad will say ‘oh go and fight back’ or be strong, but your mum will cuddle you and tell you something to keep you going,” he said.

He added that he never experienced that form of comfort growing up.

“I never had that. Probably, it is part of it that makes me [like this{. When you listen to my songs, I sing from the part of a woman. Ammirika, Me Dware, those songs are taken from the woman’s point of view,” Kojo Antwi explained.

“I am very, very emotional. I never saw my mum again till I was about 19. Till I was playing in a band,” he added.

However, he compared his experience to the biblical story of Joseph, suggesting that the separation may have been necessary for his career.

“I think it was a mission, that I had to be strong, be with my dad. My dad would take me to a different place called Darkuman where music was alive,” he stated.

Kojo Antwi, widely known as “Mr. Music Man,” began his musical journey in the late 1970s as a band boy, performing at popular local spots such as Walako near Kaneshie.

He later gained valuable experience as a member of the band Classique Vibes before launching his successful solo career in the 1980s.