I compete with myself, not other artistes – King Promise

Ghanaian Afrobeats and Highlife singer-songwriter Gregory Bortey Newman, known popularly as King Promise, says he is more focused on improving his own achievements than competing with fellow artistes, describing his approach to the music industry as a continuous pursuit of personal growth.

The singer said although competition was a normal part of the music business, comparisons between musicians were often driven by fans rather than the artistes themselves.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Drive Time with Lexis Bill on Tuesday, October 27, he said his priority was to build on every milestone in his career rather than become preoccupied with the achievements of others.

“I’ve never been but with myself. I’m in my own lane,” he said when asked whether he competed with other musicians.

King Promise acknowledged that fans often compared artistes and sought to position their favourites against one another, particularly when awards and career achievements were involved.

“It’s normal, you know, I believe like when you’re in contention to be at the apex of your career, and people are doing similar stuff, it might not even be the artists, it might be the fans that will put you against each other,” he said.

He added that he preferred to use the achievements of other musicians as motivation rather than allow comparisons to create resentment.

“Rather than have it feel like negative competition, if there’s anything that I feel the need to compete is to see someone do something like, ‘Oh, this is nice,’ and I like this. It should inspire me rather than put spite in me,” he explained.

The musician cited his relationship with Mr Eazi as an example of how another artiste’s success could motivate him. He said watching his friend achieve international recognition had strengthened his belief in what was possible for Ghanaian musicians.

King Promise also referred to Wizkid’s achievement of selling out London’s O2 Arena, saying it inspired him to pursue similar milestones.

“You see Wizkid do something like, ‘Ah bro, he sold out the O2, I want to do it too one day.’ Why was it him and it’s not me? That’s my mentality,” he said.

He explained that his ambition was to keep identifying new levels to reach, regardless of what he had already accomplished.

“I’m like, okay, what can we do next? Well, okay, this went this way, I’ve seen that, okay, it has to go this way next, and that’s really what it is,” he said.

The singer also spoke about his friendship with Mr Eazi, whom he has known since around 2012, before either of them had a hit song.

According to King Promise, their relationship developed from genuine friendship rather than a deliberate effort to collaborate musically.

He said Mr Eazi had influenced him through his directness, confidence and business-minded approach, adding that the two often exchanged ideas beyond music.

King Promise said he valued relationships built on genuine connections, citing his longstanding associations with Mr Eazi, R2Bees and Sarkodie.

Looking ahead, he told Lexis Bill that he had major plans for his career in Ghana and internationally. He also mentioned new music, future music videos, an upcoming album and his Promise Land event as part of his plans.

He further hinted that he might release another song before the end of the year, although he did not confirm a date.