KING KETELBY JAMES
King Ketelby James – Artist, Producer & Creative Director
King Ketelby James is a multifaceted artist, producer, and creative director who has built a strong reputation in Ghana’s thriving music and arts scene. Born in Switzerland with roots in Angola, Portugal, Mozambique, and India, he brings a rich cultural background to his artistry, blending diverse influences into his work.
Living in Accra for the past five years, he has established a solid creative community and positioned himself as a key figure in the industry. He is the co-founder of ART CLUB GH & Giraffe Island, as well as the founder of SOULTRAIN AFRICA and STRG.studio—
a creative studio originally launched in Switzerland, now operating globally with an additional base in Ghana. Through these platforms, he has helped shape Accra’s cultural landscape, bringing together artists, musicians, and creatives from various disciplines.
His work spans music production, solo releases, and collaborations with exciting names in the industry, including Kwesi Arthur (GH), Danitsa (CH/FR), $pacely (GH), Twitch4Eva (GH), WES7AR 22 (NG), Naomi Lareine (CH), Ghanaian Stallion (GER/GH). Beyond music, James is making a significant impact in film and documentary scoring, crafting soundscapes that elevate visual storytelling.
With a deep-rooted passion for music and an ever-evolving artistic vision, King Ketelby James continues to push boundaries, working on new solo projects, international collaborations, and unique productions that bridge different musical and cultural influences. Whether behind the mic, in the studio, or directing creative projects, his work remains a testament to his versatility and dedication to the arts.
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King Ketelby James’s new track “Precious” is sultry and sexy, depicting the relationship between two people trying hard to make each other feel special. The taunting and almost competitive nature as they attempt to keep up with each other could get the better of them, but as they dance, they feel like it’s just the two of them against the world. The RnB-like rhythm nods to some 90s and 00s greats, as it oozes soul through his slow, husky delivery of the lyrics. That low voice is like caramel and is quickly becoming iconic, especially when paired with Ghanian singer and songwriter, Nii Tackie, the featuring artist who fits the vibe perfectly and elevates the track that little bit more. Precious will be the track this autumn and winter as clubs start to open again and dance floors become full. Even as the nights draw in, “precious” blooms and brings with it a passionate vibe that belongs in this season.
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King Ketelby James’s new single “Gravity” has a sexy tone with his husky voice, despite encapsulating the difficulties of his recent break up. The layers are torn back as the lyrics tell a story about the girl who broke him, but also like “gravity,” grounded him and made him realise who he really is again. It almost feels like we are being told a secret, and being given a fleeting peak into the raw emotion he felt as he wrote these lyrics. There is a chilled out tone, with elements of both pop and RnB. The beat and electric guitar riff make it the perfect vibe for long car journeys and dancing alike. One thing is for sure, if this is a taste of his upcoming EP, we can expect big things.
APPEARS IN
VIDEOS
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2021
● Ghana Art Week, Kempinski, 17-27.12.21 Accra
● SOMEWHERE IN GHANA Festival 12.2021, Accra GH
● MERCH MANIA 11.2021, Accra GH
● GLITZ AFRICA Fashion Week 10.2021, Accra GH
● GRAVITY Release Show 09.2021, The Woods, Accra GH