I Refuse to make Cosmetic Music - M.anifest Explains his Creative Philosophy

Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has says music cannot be reduced to mere entertainment, insisting that his work must remain meaningful because of the emotional weight listeners attach to it.

Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, the award-winning artist said people often turn to music during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, making it irresponsible for artists to create shallow content.

“People listen to some music during life crises. I can’t make cosmetic music,” he said.

He explained that audiences build deep personal connections with songs, with music becoming part of how they interpret identity, struggle, and survival.

“I think people see themselves in what they are representing,” he said, noting that fans often strongly identify with particular sounds and messages.

M.anifest said this sense of identification explains why different groups of listeners attach themselves to different styles and artists, sometimes defending them passionately.

The rapper also reflected on his early audience, saying university students formed a significant part of his fan base because they related to the intellectual and reflective tone of his music.

“If they find validation in the fact that what I do… it’s cool to be smart, then maybe they’ll fiercely support it,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that not all listeners approach music the same way, noting that some people prefer it purely for entertainment.

“Somebody might be like, ‘Maybe you think too much,’ because in somebody’s mind, I should be just entertainment,” he said.

M.anifest said he rejects that framing, arguing that music plays a deeper role in people’s lives than simple leisure.

“It’s not casual for people,” he said. “People take this work with them. They listen to me when their hearts break and through very important life crises.”

He added that music often becomes a companion through grief, celebration, and reflection, making its impact comparable to other culturally defining experiences.

The rapper referenced how songs can define collective memory, citing how people emotionally connect to music during significant life moments.

M.anifest said this responsibility informs his creative direction, pushing him away from what he described as superficial output.

“What business do I have… to be making cosmetic or fast food music? No. I want things that are transformative that I myself would love to hear,” he said.

He cited global icons such as Nas and Tupac Shakur as examples of artists whose work continues to resonate because of its depth, storytelling, and emotional honesty.

He noted Nas’ “I Gave You Power,” which is narrated from the perspective of a gun, and Tupac’s “Dear Mama” as works that remain culturally significant decades after their release.

While acknowledging that not every song must carry heavy themes, he said there is still a need for balance in music consumption.

“I probably don’t want to listen to M.anifest in my danciest moments,” he said with a laugh, adding that different moments in life call for different types of music.

He praised fellow Ghanaian artist Kofi Kinaata for what he described as a balance between meaningful storytelling and humour in songwriting.

“He’s found this clever balance of being meaningful, but he has a good sense of humour,” he said.

M.anifest concluded that every artist has a unique creative path, and his priority is to remain authentic to his own artistic philosophy.

“Everybody is doing phenomenal stuff in their own different pockets,” he said. “Mine is to do mine how I choose to have it done, and hopefully, it has its impact.”