“It’s always been more of a friendship than music” – King Promise on his relationship with Mr Eazi

Ghanaian Afrobeats and Highlife singer-songwriter King Promise says his relationship with Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has always been built on genuine friendship rather than music, revealing that the two have known each other for more than a decade.

Speaking in an interview with Lexis Bill on Joy FM’s Drive Time on Tuesday, October 27, King Promise said their friendship dates back to around 2012, before either of them had a hit song.

He recalled that he was still in school when they met, while Mr Eazi was working on his first mixtape, About to Blow, which preceded his breakthrough in music.

“For us, it’s always been more of a friendship even than music,” King Promise said.

He explained that the two rarely collaborated musically in the early stages of their relationship, but when they eventually made songs together, the results travelled far.

“We barely made songs till we made songs. And then whenever we made them, they went far,” he said.

King Promise said he values friendships that are not built around what the people involved can gain from each other professionally.

He cited his relationships with music group R2Bees and rapper Sarkodie as similar examples, noting that he had known them for years before they worked together on songs.

“I try to keep genuine friendships where it’s not because you need me and I need you,” he said.

Beyond their friendship, King Promise credited Mr Eazi with influencing his outlook through his honesty, confidence and approach to business.

“The influence he’s had on me is that he keeps it a thousand percent. He’s very real and straightforward, direct to the point. If he says yes, it's yes and if he says no, he says no,” he said.

He added that Mr Eazi’s confidence in his work and success in music had also inspired him, particularly when he was still establishing himself as an artiste.

King Promise recalled watching Mr Eazi thrive in the industry while they exchanged ideas in the studio.

“I was still coming when he was already flying. And that alone was a lot for me, like my guy is smashing it,” he said.

The Terminator hitmaker also praised Mr Eazi’s business instincts, saying their conversations sometimes extend to investment opportunities, including stocks.

He described Mr Eazi as a businessman whose entrepreneurial interests predated his music career. Mr Eazi, he explained, initially worked as a promoter and booked artistes before venturing into music and later establishing a record label.

“It was business that even got him into music,” King Promise said, adding that his friend was a “forward thinker”.