Ghanaian rapper T Botch is without a doubt taking the concept of freestyle to new heights. With a current combined total of over 27K streams for his two single releases ‘Drive You’ and ‘Desamor’ on Spotify, his music is guaranteed to take listeners on a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of life and love.
At just 16 years old, songwriter and musician Theophilus Botchway found himself captivated by various artists in the rap genre, and it was this early passion that helped kick-start his journey as T Botch: “I found myself drawn to the rhythms pulsating through the music of Eminem, Lecrae, and Jon Bellion. It was a fusion of life and poetry, a language that spoke to my soul when nothing else could.”
But it was something about freestyle rap in particular; the lyrical freedom, the emotive drive that truly took his attention. Theophilus explains, “Freestyling was my playground, my canvas where I could paint my emotions with words. It started as a hobby, just messing around with friends, but as I delved deeper, I realized the power of my voice. Each rhyme was a piece of me, a reflection of my experiences and dreams.”
Freestyle rap’s spontaneous flow and improvisational style is a true test of lyrical dexterity and mental agility. Yet from his dynamic tracks – particularly ‘Drive You’, it’s safe to say he’s mastered the art of navigating the intricacies of rhythm and rhyme on the fly, weaving coherent narratives with electrifying energy. “Transitioning from freestyling to pursuing music seriously wasn’t an overnight decision”, he says. “It was a journey of self-discovery and determination. I began honing my craft, studying the greats, and pouring my heart into every verse. As T Botch, I found my voice amplified, reaching ears beyond the confines of my neighborhood. It was a leap of faith, diving headfirst into the unpredictable waters of the music industry. But with each step, I grew stronger and more confident in my abilities.”
As a rapper and singer from Ghana, Theophilus’ cultural background and experiences are the very essence of his music. By infusing traditional rhythms, languages, and storytelling techniques into his songs, it’s evident that he is paying homage to his roots whilst embracing modern influences: “From the vibrant beats of highlife to the rich tapestry of Ghanaian languages woven into my lyrics, every aspect of my heritage shines through. Whether I’m recounting personal experiences or shedding light on social issues, my music is a celebration of who I am and where I come from.”
Navigating the turbulent waters of the music industry, Theophilus has encountered his fair share of challenges as an emerging artist. From financial constraints to relentless competition, the road to recognition has been anything but smooth. Yet, armed with determination and resilience, the rapper has refused to be deterred. Embracing every performance opportunity and cultivating connections within the industry, he’s steadily carved a path forward. Leveraging the power of social media and digital marketing, T Botch has extended his brand to a wider audience, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. “Through perseverance and authenticity, I continue to push forward, knowing every obstacle is a chance for growth.”
In the vibrant tapestry of his creative process, freestyling reigns supreme as he transforms life’s rhythms into lyrical gold. “I draw inspiration from my surroundings and let the music guide me”, he shares. From tranquil nature walks to soul-stirring conversations, each moment becomes a verse in his sonic symphony – constantly drawing from those he admires: “Juice WRLD’s emotional rawness inspires my vulnerability, Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion rhythms infuse my sound with energy, and Jon Bellion’s innovative approach encourages me to push creative boundaries.” Whether it’s in the recording studio or on stage, T Botch’s ability to evoke raw emotion and energy is something quite special.
Listeners can expect a whole lot more to come from T Botch as he plans to launch his debut tape WLTD (We Live To Die) later this year. And, call it a stroke of elementary brilliance, but his catchy artist name was actually concocted by one of his friends who put two and two together to form something rather iconic.
Cover photo by Keezy
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