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Article / Feature
BY Abraham Ofori-Henaku
25-Feb-2025
How did a boy born in Palermo, Italy, go on to become one of the most sought-after music producers in the world? What makes his sound so unique, and what can we expect from the next phase of his remarkable career?
GuiltyBeatz's story begins far from the glamorous world of music production and world tours. Born Ronald Banful in Palermo, Italy, GuiltyBeatz’s first introduction to music came at an incredibly young age. At just one year old, he was gifted his first piano — a humble beginning that would mark the start of a lifelong love affair with music. However, his journey to musical greatness truly began when he moved to Ghana at the age of six.
Transitioning from the Italian cultural landscape to the vibrant and rich musical traditions of Ghana, he experienced a cultural shift that would shape his artistic vision. It was in Ghana that GuiltyBeatz was exposed to a fusion of sounds — highlife, Azonto, and gospel music — all of which would influence his evolving sound. From an early age, he showed an affinity for music, teaching himself to play the piano and, eventually, creating his own beats on a mobile phone.
By the time he was a teenager, GuiltyBeatz had already begun producing his own tracks. His unique approach to music creation — fusing traditional African rhythms with modern electronic beats — caught the attention of the Ghanaian music scene, and before long, he was working with some of the biggest names in the industry.
What sets GuiltyBeatz apart from other producers is his ability to blend different musical genres into something entirely his own. His sound is an eclectic mix of Ghanaian Azonto, South African house, and electronic music. However, as he explains, he doesn't like to box himself in.
"My sound is different," he says with a laugh. "It's an eclectic mix of everything I’ve been inspired by, and I love to experiment. I never want to limit myself as a producer and DJ. The key to my success has been the ability to break boundaries and continuously evolve."
This fearless approach to music production has earned him global recognition. From creating chart-topping hits for Mr. Eazi, Wizkid, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and King Promise, to collaborating with international superstars like Beyoncé, Jesse Jagz, and Ms. Banks, GuiltyBeatz’s beats have transcended borders, effortlessly blending Afrobeat with a variety of global influences.
In 2020, he took another bold step forward with the release of his debut EP, 'Different'. The six-track EP was a powerful reflection of his musical journey — an ode to his African heritage while simultaneously embracing global sounds. From ‘Uthando’ to ‘Falling’, the EP showcased a range of styles, from soulful Afro-house tracks to infectious dance beats that have made him a fixture on dancefloors around the world.
What makes GuiltyBeatz’s rise to the top even more remarkable is his ability to collaborate with artists across the world. In 2018, he received a huge honor when he was invited to work on Beyoncé's "The Lion King: The Gift" album. As the only Ghanaian producer on the project, he had the opportunity to contribute to three tracks, including the now-iconic ‘Find Your Way Back’ and ‘Keys to the Kingdom’. The experience of working with Queen B was a milestone in his career.
"Working with Beyoncé was an honor. She has an incredible vision, and getting to know her was an unforgettable experience," GuiltyBeatz said. The opportunity to collaborate with a global superstar was not only a testament to his talent but also solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
His partnership with Mr. Eazi, one of Ghana's most prominent artists, has also been a defining feature of his career. The song ‘Akwaaba’ became a massive hit, earning nominations for several awards and further cementing GuiltyBeatz’s reputation as a hitmaker.
GuiltyBeatz’s rise is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a deep love for music. He has never been afraid to take risks, to experiment, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in music production. Whether it's exploring new genres, collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds, or performing in front of packed crowds around the world, he is always looking to take his music—and his fans—on a journey.
In 2020, he released a statement that truly sums up his philosophy: "Be fearless. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new things." These words have guided his career, as he continues to evolve both as an artist and a producer.
In recognition of his contributions to music, GuiltyBeatz was nominated for a Grammy Award, an honor that acknowledges his exceptional talent and his role in the global rise of Afrobeats. This nomination is not just a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the wider acceptance and celebration of African music on the world stage.
However, this is just the beginning. As GuiltyBeatz continues to evolve and experiment with new sounds, it is clear that his influence on the global music scene will only grow. His sound, his story, and his commitment to pushing musical boundaries will inspire future generations of artists, producers, and fans alike.
In 2025, GuiltyBeatz achieved what many would consider the pinnacle of success in the music industry—he won a Grammy Award. This monumental achievement solidifies his place in the annals of music history and proves that African music, and specifically the Afrobeats genre, is now firmly entrenched in the global music scene. For GuiltyBeatz, the Grammy win isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a win for African music and a reminder that there are no limits to what African artists can achieve on the world stage.
This recognition is the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and dedication to his craft. It’s also a reflection of the growing global appreciation for African music and culture, which GuiltyBeatz has helped to shape and redefine through his innovative sound.
One thing’s for sure; GuiltyBeatz is just getting started.
With an already impressive catalog of hits and groundbreaking collaborations, the Ghanaian producer and DJ is set to push creative boundaries even further. As he continues to refine his signature sound—a dynamic fusion of Afrobeats, house, electronic, and highlife influences—his next moves are poised to make an even greater impact on the industry.
Expanding his reach beyond production, GuiltyBeatz is exploring new sonic territories, experimenting with fresh sounds, and working with an even more diverse roster of artists across continents. Whether it's crafting innovative beats for international superstars, spearheading genre-blending collaborations, or taking his electrifying DJ sets to global stages, his influence is only growing.
Moreover, with the recent triumph of his Grammy win, the world is watching what comes next. Could there be another groundbreaking EP on the horizon? A full-length album that cements his legacy as one of Africa’s most innovative producers? Perhaps a deeper foray into film scoring or curating soundtracks for major projects? One thing is certain—GuiltyBeatz is not slowing down. His journey is a testament to relentless creativity, and whatever comes next is bound to be nothing short of extraordinary.
BY ABRAHAM OFORI-HENAKU