Veteran Ghanaian musician Delips Apo returns with Romeo and Juliet, a new album that brings together Afro-pop, dancehall, Highlife, and modern African sounds.
Released on June 30, 2026, the project shows that music does not have to follow one period or one style. With decades of experience behind him, Delips Apo uses this album to connect his long musical history with the sound of today’s African music scene.
At the centre of the project is Somemu Yie, a dance-focused song performed in Twi. The record carries a clear message about relationships and the importance of treating people well. Delips Apo reminds listeners that love should not be taken for granted because losing someone can sometimes be the result of not showing them enough care.
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Love, Dance and Clear Message
Romeo and Juliet may have a famous love story as its title, but Delips Apo’s approach is much more direct. The album explores the everyday side of relationships, where love needs attention, respect, and effort.
Somemu Yie gives this message a lively setting. Instead of presenting relationship problems through a sad ballad, Delips Apo places the story over a dancehall-inspired rhythm. This makes the song enjoyable while still giving listeners something to think about.
The use of Twi is also important. It gives the song a strong Ghanaian identity and allows Delips Apo to communicate the message in a language that feels natural to him. At the same time, the danceable production gives the record wider appeal.
One of the biggest strengths of Delips Apo is his experience as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, producer, and singer. His musical journey began when he was just 16 years old, and he has since worked with more than 15 bands.
That experience is easy to understand when looking at how Somemu Yie was created. Delips Apo started with drums and bass before adding synthesiser sounds, organ parts, percussion, and other rhythms through the keyboard. This approach gives the song a full sound. Instead of relying on a single rhythm, different instruments work together to create movement. The result is music designed not only for headphones but also for dancing and live performances.
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Delips Apo’s Identity
Delips Apo’s musical influences include the legendary Bob Marley, whose impact on reggae and dancehall continues to reach artists around the world. That influence fits naturally with Delips Apo’s interest in rhythm, messages, and music that connects with everyday life.
However, his sound goes far beyond reggae. His work combines African rhythms with Western sounds and draws from genres such as funk, soul, Latin music, Highlife, zouk, blues, pop, rock, reggae, and dancehall.
This wide musical background helps explain why Romeo and Juliet does not feel restricted to one genre. Delips Apo has spent years learning different sounds and bringing them together in his own way.
Delips Apo’s musical story stretches back several decades. Born in Kumasi, Ghana, he went on to perform in several African countries and was involved with various bands before forming his own groups.
One major moment came when he recorded his first album in London with Delips and the Godfathers. Released by CBS in the early 1980s, the project gained attention in both Europe and Africa.
His later album DADADY reached number one on the African charts at Stern’s Records, while his single I Can Feel the Groove also appeared on the UK charts. These achievements show that his connection with international audiences is not new. He has also performed with his band KUTASHI at packed venues in Freetown, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.
Another interesting part of Delips Apo’s career is his willingness to experiment. He has created his own styles, including Ritual Fusion and Afro-Afro, while continuing to explore different forms of African and global music.
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