Ghanaian rising star Kaesa, known in private life as Mathilda Akatugba, has opened up about one of the most emotional moments of her early career—her eviction from TV3’s Talented Kids reality show in 2013.
In a recent interview with 3FM, the young artiste—now making waves in the music scene and currently nominated in the ‘Unsung Artiste of the Year’ category at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA)—reflected on how deeply the experience affected her.
“I remember my eviction very well. Reggie Rockstone kicked me out from the competition so quickly. I had been there for six weeks, and I was heartbroken, I cried my eyes out. My parents reassured me, saying, ‘Oh no, it’s okay,’” she recalled.
Kaesa, whose music blends confidence, storytelling and soul, didn’t just dream of stardom—she lived for it from childhood.
“When I was young, I wanted to be a superstar, always dancing in class and teaching people how to dance. I was so strict that if you are not doing the choreography well, I will sack you,” she said, laughing as she reminisced.
Despite the early setback, Kaesa hasn’t let the experience dim her shine. Her nomination at this year’s TGMA is proof that she’s come a long way—and she’s still pushing.
Reggie Rockstone, born Reginald Yaw Asante Ossei, is a legendary Ghanaian musician and the pioneer of Hiplife—a genre that fuses hip-hop with Ghanaian highlife rhythms and local dialects like Twi.
Often referred to as the “Godfather of Hiplife,” Reggie introduced the genre in the 1990s and completely transformed the Ghanaian music landscape.
His debut album Makaa Maka, released in 1997, became a defining moment for Hiplife, featuring hits that blended local culture with the swagger of hip-hop.
Through his music, he brought a fresh, relatable sound that connected deeply with Ghanaian youth and opened doors for a whole generation of artists.
Beyond his musical influence, Reggie Rockstone has also been a judge on various talent shows, including Glo X Factor Africa and Malta Guinness Street Dance, where he’s helped nurture young talents. He’s known not just for his artistry but also for his charisma and deep love for Ghanaian culture.
