In a candid response during a live #AskKalyJay Q&A session on X tonight, Ghanaian social media influencer and activist KalyJay has dispelled rumors of a personal feud with renowned rapper Sarkodie. The clarification comes amid speculation about a rift that has kept the influencer at a distance from the artist’s circle over the past two years.
KalyJay, whose real name is Joshua Buernortey Boye-Doe, addressed a question from follower @NanakwameGH15, who asked, “Do you have any issue with Sarkodie?” In a post timestamped 19:23 UTC, KalyJay stated, “Nope. I still listen to him. I had a problem with the fanbase so I had to pull away. I listen to him and follow everything he does till date.” The response, which garnered immediate reactions from fans, highlights a nuanced dynamic between the influencer and the artist’s loyal supporters.
The tension, KalyJay explained, stems not from Sarkodie himself but from clashes with his fanbase, a common challenge in the vibrant Ghanaian music scene. Known for his role in the #FixTheCountry movement and his collaborations with international artists like Tiwa Savage and Joeboy, KalyJay has built a platform with over 600,000 followers. His past promotion of Sarkodie, a multi-award-winning rapper ranked among Africa’s top hip-hop talents, had previously strengthened their association. However, the influencer’s recent social media hiatus from Sarkodie-related content appears to have been a strategic retreat from fanbase hostilities.
Fan reactions to KalyJay’s statement were mixed but largely supportive. @Oga_Gorvenment commented, “Good 😊,” while @unrulysavage0 noted, “The fight always the start from the fanbase 😭,” echoing a sentiment shared by many in the industry. Others, like @RhacooLee, expressed enthusiasm with “🔥🔥,” signaling continued admiration for both KalyJay and Sarkodie.
Industry observers point to the growing influence of fanbases in shaping artist-influencer relationships, a trend supported by research from Portland State University. The study suggests that social media interactions have blurred the lines between artists and fans, often turning supporters into “relational partners” who can both motivate and challenge public figures. In KalyJay’s case, this dynamic seems to have prompted his temporary withdrawal, though his ongoing engagement with Sarkodie’s music indicates the rift is far from personal.
Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, has not yet commented on KalyJay’s statement. The rapper, celebrated for his Twi-language bars and entrepreneurial ventures, has faced similar fanbase-related controversies in the past, including a 2023 dispute with dancehall artist Samini over a collaboration snub. KalyJay’s revelation adds another layer to the complex interplay between Ghanaian artists and their digital communities.
As the #AskKalyJay session continues, followers eagerly await further insights from the influencer, who remains a key voice in Ghana’s social and cultural landscape. For now, the message is clear: the bond between KalyJay and Sarkodie endures, despite the turbulence of their shared fanbase.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. Follow @gyaigyimii