Ghanaian highlife and hiplife artiste, songwriter and producer Raphael Oduro Dickson, professionally known as Obofour Raphael, has been inducted into the Recording Academy’s Class of 2026 as a voting member.
He is among more than 4,000 music professionals invited this year. Membership is granted strictly by invitation and is limited to active artists, songwriters, producers, composers, engineers and industry executives. Voting members participate in the selection of Grammy nominees and winners, contribute to mentorship programmes and support advocacy for creators’ rights.
Other African artists and producers inducted in the same class include Enkay Ogboruche, Sasha P, Danny Young and Darey Art Alade, all from Nigeria.
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In a statement, Obofour Raphael described the invitation as a significant recognition of his work.
“Being welcomed into the Recording Academy is a humbling honour,” he said. “After more than two decades rooted in hiplife, highlife and Afrobeats, I am proud to carry Ghanaian music to this global stage.”
As a new voting member, he will take part in the voting process for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for 7 February 2027 in Los Angeles.
Born in Brescia, Italy, Obofour Raphael was raised in Dansoman, Accra. He completed his primary education at Ave Maria School and secondary education at Opoku Ware Secondary School.
In 2003, he formed the rap group Akasafour, meaning “Communicators,” with his elder brother and recorded the group’s first demo tape. The partnership ended when his brother left music, prompting Raphael to continue as a solo artist. He released songs like Megye Me Sika, Gye Wo Kawa, Efie Nipa and Yesu.
He later founded the independent label Ruffy Records, under which he has released several singles and an album. He is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Staffordshire in the United Kingdom.