Musician Okyeame Kwame and poet Nana Asaase have called on young people to uphold truth, creativity, and cultural identity as foundations for lasting success. The two shared their insights on Springboard, Your Virtual University during the 17th-anniversary edition.
According to Okyeame Kwame, staying true to personal values has sustained his career across generations. “There are songs that I have created because of trends that died with the trends, but truth never passes. When I create from a place of truth, it stands the test of time,” he said.
He noted that continuous learning has helped him reinvent himself, explaining that his studies in linguistics, marketing, and public relations have strengthened his craft. “Whenever I felt my work was becoming stale, I went back to learn. With new knowledge comes new content,” he added.
The award-winning artist also highlighted partnership, collaboration, and humility as keys to progress, and shared how dyslexia shaped his growth. “Don’t pray against problems. They happen for you, not to you,” he told the audience. He further emphasized empathy in parenting, adding that “children learn more from what we do than what we say.”
Poet and pastor Nana Asaase urged young creatives to remain consistent and adaptable in their work.
“Change is the only dynamic constant. I have not stopped reading, writing, or meditating. Consistency produces results,” he said.
He underscored cultural relevance as central to his craft, explaining that he conducts audience research before every performance to understand who will be present, their background, and preferred language.
“Before entering a room, know who will be there, what language they speak, and how they think. Cultural relevance helps you speak to people’s souls,” he said.
Reflecting on his decision to pursue poetry full-time, Nana Asaase said faith led him to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity. “Someone had to hold the cultural gates. Without our identity, we are lost,” he stated.
The 17th-anniversary edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University celebrates nearly two decades of mentoring and inspiring young people through conversations with leaders across business, arts, and personal development.
About Springboard, Your Virtual University
Springboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing AI for All series features thought leaders breaking down what AI means for Africa’s future and how individuals can position themselves to benefit.
By Genevieve Mensah