Fawazstarr opens up on music journey, "Money matter" and plans for debut EP

Ghanaian multi-genre artiste Fawazstarr, born Issah Salif, is entering a new phase of his music career with the release of his latest single, "Money Matter," produced by Willis Beats. But this isn't just another single—it's a documented moment in a struggle that has defined his entire artistic journey. The Kumasi-based artiste, who hails from Santasi, has spent more than a decade developing his craft, beginning in senior high school at Ghana Muslim Mission Senior High School before establishing himself as a songwriter and versatile performer across Afrobeats and Hip-hop.

In 2021, Fawazstarr released "Hustle," a song that resonated deeply within Kumasi's underground music community, earning him over 20,000 accumulated followers across social media platforms. Three years later, "Money Matter" signals a maturation of both his craft and his willingness to be vulnerable about the realities of independent music.

The 24-year-old opened up candidly about the financial challenges of pursuing music independently. He revealed that recording a single costs him GH¢1,500 and finances much of his career through construction work. "The hardest part isn't making the music—it's paying for it. Some weeks I'm on a construction site all day, then straight to the studio at night," he shared. His construction experiences have directly influenced his songwriting—the difficulty of completing jobs and waiting days for payment inspired the themes in "Money Matter," which encourages listeners to keep hustling despite financial difficulties.

Beyond this single, Fawazstarr is preparing his forthcoming debut EP, scheduled for later this year. "Every song on this project came from my life. If you're listening, you're basically reading my biography," he stated confidently. The project will showcase the sound and creative direction hinted at by "Money Matter."

Fawazstarr is also expanding beyond traditional music releases. He has announced plans to launch "The Hustle Diaries," a podcast featuring interviews with other independent artists about managing finances while pursuing music dreams. He's also exploring streaming and content creation to connect with audiences in new ways.

As an independent artiste, Fawazstarr remains open to label partnerships but shows no signs of compromising his vision. With more than 10 years of experience and plans for podcasting and content creation, he's positioning himself for a significant new chapter.

"Money Matter," produced by Willis Beats, is available on Audiomack and Apple Music.