Internationally acclaimed Ghanaian flautist and Founder of Hewale Sounds, Dela Botri, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with Ghanaian musicians, including self-acclaimed Dancehall King Shatta Wale, in a bid to help Ghana secure a Grammy Award.

Speaking in an interview with NYA The Brand on Sunshine with NYA, which airs on Accra-based CTV every Sunday at 8:oo PM, the celebrated instrumentalist said Ghana has the talent and cultural richness needed to win at the prestigious Grammy Awards — but success will require collaboration and the deliberate inclusion of authentic Ghanaian sounds.

According to Botri, his own contribution to a project by Puerto Rican artist Residente helped the global star secure a Grammy recognition, demonstrating how powerful indigenous musical elements can be when properly integrated into international productions.

“I am open to collaborating with Shatta Wale and other Ghanaian musicians.

The goal is not just making music, but creating something powerful enough to win a Grammy,” he said.

Botri emphasised that Ghana’s traditional instrumentation — including the Atenteben (flute), talking drums and other indigenous sounds — can give Ghanaian music a distinctive identity on the global stage.

Ghana’s Grammy Journey

In recent years, artists such as Rocky Dawuni and Stonebwoy have come close to the coveted award.

Rocky Dawuni earned a Grammy nomination in 2015 for his album, “Branches of the Same Tree”, marking a historic moment for Ghanaian reggae and African music representation.

Afrobeats star, Burna Boy, who has worked with several Ghanaian artists, also won a Grammy in 2021, demonstrating that African music is increasingly gaining recognition at the global level.

Despite these strides, Ghana has yet to secure a Grammy win solely credited to a Ghanaian artist.

Dela Botri believes the key to breaking that barrier lies in embracing Ghana’s musical heritage rather than imitating foreign sounds.

According to him, authentic Ghanaian instrumentation can set the country’s music apart and make it stand out in international award circuits.

“When you add authentic Ghanaian instrumentation, it gives the music originality. That uniqueness is what the world is looking for,” he noted.

Sunshine with NYA, hosted by NYA The Brand, continues to spotlight influential voices in music, culture and creativity, offering audiences insight into the journeys and perspectives of leading personalities shaping Ghana’s cultural landscape.