Elijah Anagi, better known by his stage name Don Elijah, also called Africa Birdman, is one of Ghana’s most intriguing and stylish artists. A musician, actor, entrepreneur, and fashionista, he has carved a unique niche for himself in the entertainment world. His latest song, "Agyin Nsam RMX," released on October 1, 2024, has taken the Ghanaian music scene by storm, shaking the airwaves of radio, TV, and social media globally.
Don Elijah is not just a musician but a voice for the voiceless, boldly addressing societal issues. In "Agyin Nsam RMX," he spoke about challenges in Ghana, including hardship, corruption, mismanagement of resources, betrayal in the entertainment industry, and the use of spiritual powers to destroy careers. His lyrics resonate with many Ghanaians who face these realities daily.
Born into humble beginnings in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Don Elijah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. After losing his father, he moved to Accra with nothing but hope. He hustled on the streets, selling ice water, chewing gum, and second-hand shoes while pushing his disabled sister in a wheelchair to beg for money in traffic. Through hard work and determination, he rose from the streets to become a fashion icon, a successful entrepreneur, and a leading artist in Ghana.
Don Elijah is widely recognized for his stylish persona. He is not just a musician but a trendsetter in fashion, running a boutique under the name GDG SwagNation Collection located in Adom-Junction, Abeka-Accra. For nearly two decades, he has been designing and styling for artists, creating a brand synonymous with creativity and flair. He styled big names in the industry, including Davido, Wizkid, Sarkodie, Obrafour, Shatta Wale, and more. His attention to detail and bold designs set him apart as a pioneer in artist costume design.
However, his success has not been without controversy. Don Elijah claims that Kwaw Kese stole the name "Abodam" from him in 2009. According to Don Elijah, the name originated during a contract with Hammer of The Last Two to style the artists for the track "You De Craze." Despite styling the artists and elevating their image, Don Elijah felt betrayed when they didn’t honor their part of the contract. Though he considered suing, he chose to wait for reconciliation, which, unfortunately, never came. This betrayal inspired parts of the "Agyin Nsam RMX" track, where he criticizes the ungratefulness in the industry.
Don Elijah’s confidence and self-belief are unmatched. In his first major TV interview with Ama Serwaa on GHOne TV in November 2024, he boldly declared himself the “dopest and swag lord of Africa.” He even revealed that his gold chain cost a whopping one million dollars, adding to his larger-than-life persona. During the interview, he showcased documents proving his claim as the originator of "Abodam," which sparked debates and tensions among celebrities like Nana Bediako (Cheddar), Osebo, and Ajaguraja.
Beyond music and fashion, Don Elijah is a businessman with multiple ventures under his GDG SwagNation brand. This entity encompasses a record label, clothing line, artist management, reality shows, travel and tours, and event organization. His ability to juggle these roles while staying true to his roots as a street hustler makes him a role model for many young people. He constantly reminds the youth that hard work and determination can lead to success, no matter how humble your beginnings.
His influence extends beyond the entertainment industry. Don Elijah is outspoken about societal issues, such as illegal mining (galamsey) and its destruction of water bodies. He is deeply concerned about the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians due to political mismanagement. On Bryt TV in November 2024, he openly expressed his frustrations about the hardships facing his people, emphasizing that he is not involved in politics but cares deeply about the nation’s well-being.
Don Elijah’s music career continues to soar. His tracks, including "Agyin Nsam RMX," "Agyinsam," "Alangajoah" featuring Kofi Kinaata and Zeal of VVIP, and "Benin" featuring Xlim, have become anthems across the country. These songs, produced by top-notch producers like Oqwe Tha God, showcase his versatility and ability to connect with his audience.
His achievements have earned him nominations for prestigious awards, such as the Emerging Entertainers Awards Ghana 2020, where he was recognized for his fashion sense, entrepreneurial spirit, and musical talent. As the self-proclaimed “Swag Sariki” and “Swag Lord,” Don Elijah continues to redefine what it means to be a successful artist in Ghana.
From a street hustler to a king of style and music, Don Elijah’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and determination. His story inspires many young Ghanaians to dream big, work hard, and stay true to their vision. As he continues to push boundaries in music, fashion, and business, Don Elijah remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of success for hustlers everywhere.
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