Nii Funny: From Jamestown Roots to Global Stardom – The Journey of a Goofy Musical Genius
On the 17th of July, 2024, Ama Papabi hosted a special episode on Luckytv featuring Nii Funny, a well-known musician and composer, whose real name is Ishmael Nii Adaye Ankrah. Nii Funny’s stage name is a nod to his goofy personality, which complements his music career. Born in Jamestown, he grew up in a family with a rich history in the arts, his mother is a pastor, and his father, known as Sam B, was an actor.
Despite having 18 siblings in total, Nii Funny shares a close bond with his five siblings from both his parents. His journey through numerous schools culminated at ATTC , after which his passion for music flourished.
Nii Funny now resides in Dansoman and reflects fondly on his early days as a student who loved singing. His first studio session at Big Elf’s studio at the age of 15 led to the recording of “Ajuwor.” Over the years, he has honed his creativity, writing his own songs and using his unique skills to craft memorable music.
His breakthrough came with the hit song “Brokenheart” in 2015, which catapulted him to fame. He clarified misconceptions about his brand’s pricing and debunked myths about education in coastal areas like Jamestown, emphasizing the availability of schools there.
A strong advocate for supporting emerging artistes, Nii Funny prefers collaborating with underground talents over established A-listers. His connections with fellow musicians like Gasmila, Tinny, Adani Do, and Episode are rooted in their shared use of the GA dialect in their music.
He expressed admiration for legends like Obrafour and Esther Smith, whose albums left a significant mark, and criticized the commercialization of music awards, arguing that social media now plays a crucial role in promoting songs both locally and globally.
During the show, Nii Funny showcased some of his notable tracks, including “Education” and “Brokenheart,” and discussed his international performances in the UK, Germany, and other countries. He also revealed his plans to release an album and his dedication to helping artists organize their songs and navigate their careers.
He lamented the lack of support among Ghanaians for their own artists, contrasting this with the unwavering support Nigerian artists receive from their communities, even abroad.
