Fashion entrepreneur Osebo the Zaraman says he has a simple rule when it comes to music: if the lyrics don’t make sense, he skips it.
Speaking on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie on July 14, 2026, the style icon explained that he is drawn to songs with meaningful messages rather than tracks made only for catchy beats and entertainment.
“I’m saying this because every song I listen to, I take advice from it, so I don’t listen to songs without sense or substance,” Osebo said during the interview.
Music as a source of advice, not just vibes
For Osebo, music is more than background noise. He described it as a tool for learning, reflection, and personal growth.
That’s why he gravitates toward genres and artists who use their platform to speak to real-life issues. According to him, gospel songs, funeral dirges, and many hiplife tracks stand out because they carry lessons people can apply to their daily lives.
There Is No Shortcut to Heaven” as a prime example. The 2010 classic blends street wisdom with moral instruction and has remained a reference point in Ghanaian hip-life for over a decade. Osebo said songs like that stay with him because they offer guidance, not just rhythm.
Kweku Smoke and the power of motherly advice
The fashionista also gave a special mention to Kweku Smoke, praising a track where the rapper reflects on advice from his mother.
“Kweku Smoke’s song, which talks about how his mother advises him, I listen to that song every day,” Osebo said. “And I noticed he’s making a lot of sense in that song. It’s advice, but some will say it’s a secular or worldly song.”
He explained that what draws him to any new song is the message in the lyrics. If a track doesn’t offer anything thoughtful, he moves on immediately.
“The lyrics in songs is what draws people to listen to them, so when I’m listening to a new song and it’s not making sense then I immediately skip it,” he added.
That stance sets him apart in an era where virality and danceable beats often drive music consumption. For Osebo, entertainment value alone isn’t enough.
Osebo’s comments come at a time when conversations about the direction of Ghanaian music are picking up again. Artists, fans, and industry players have been debating whether the focus on trends and TikTok sounds is pushing meaningful songwriting to the background.
By speaking up, Osebo joins a growing number of public figures calling for more intentional listening. His perspective also reflects his broader public image. Known for bold fashion statements and unfiltered opinions, the Zaraman has built a brand around authenticity and self-expression. Saying he chooses music with “substance” fits that same narrative.
He isn’t dismissing music made for fun. Rather, he’s explaining his personal filter. In his view, songs should leave you with something — a lesson, a warning, encouragement, or perspective.
Osebo linked his preference to how he processes the world. As an entrepreneur and fashion figure, he says he’s constantly looking for ideas and principles that can guide decisions. Music, for him, is one of those sources.
Gospel music offers faith and hope. Funeral songs remind people of life’s realities and the need to live right. Hiplife, when done well, captures Ghanaian street wisdom in a way that is both entertaining and instructive.
who built careers on storytelling and social commentary, and newer voices like Kweku Smoke, who are bringing raw, personal narratives to the mainstream.
The interview clip quickly made rounds on social media, with many Ghanaians agreeing with Osebo’s point. Comments ranged from praise for promoting lyrical music to debates about whether all songs need to be “deep.”
Some fans also used the moment to revisit “There Is No Shortcut to Heaven” and Kweku Smoke’s mother-advice track, with streaming numbers for both seeing a small bump after the interview aired.
Osebo is primarily known for fashion, but he has increasingly used media appearances to share views on culture, discipline, and personal development. His emphasis on substance in music mirrors the way he talks about dressing — with purpose and intention, not just for attention.
In a music industry that often rewards quick hits, his message is a reminder that longevity still comes from connection. And for Osebo, that connection starts with lyrics that make you think.
