Some journeys do not start with loud attention or quick applause. They start quietly, with repetition, hunger and a feeling that refuses to go away. For Lamo XL, born Joseph Alamu and raised in Accra Newtown, music did not arrive as a plan. It arrived as something he could not stop doing.
His journey began in 2014 with a single rap he wrote as a student. Every morning, he would freestyle that same rap on the school bus. Then he wrote another. And another. The hunger kept growing. Over time, Lamo XL fell in love with how dedicated he had become to the process. That dedication made him realise that music was not just an interest, it was his purpose.
Lamo XL describes his music as different, dynamic and full of vibe. His sound is built on movement. According to him, you cannot listen to his music and stay still. It is energy-driven and flexible, reflecting how freely he approaches creativity.
He does not tie himself to one theme. Instead, Lamo XL is always exploring different sounds, and each sound comes with its own message. For him, music changes with feeling, mood and moment, so limiting himself would only slow him down.
One clear influence on his journey is Rema. Lamo XL says Rema and only Rema inspired him to switch from rap to Afrobeats. Watching Rema’s freedom and growth pushed him to explore beyond what he was used to and trust a new direction.
Some of Lamo XL’s music comes from deep thought, but not all of it. He explains that certain songs were created simply from vibing. There was no specific inspiration behind them. The music just happened.
At this point in his career, Lamo XL is still searching for his sound. His goal is to create something unique, something that stands out and leaves a mark. He wants his music to be recognised for its identity, not comparison.
When asked about his biggest achievement so far, Lamo XL does not mention numbers or milestones. He points to one thing, the fact that he has not given up. After what he believes is nearly twelve years in the journey, he is still here. He believes that with more effort and efficiency, the spirit he carries can make him the biggest artiste in the country.
Lamo XL is currently signed to 69 Records, a Ghanaian label. He confirms clearly that he is not an independent artiste. What keeps him motivated is seeing people genuinely try to promote his work in their own ways. That effort gives him confidence that, at the right time, his music will reach the right audience and take off naturally.
Collaborations come easily to him. Lamo XL says he simply vibes with people. They reach out, and he responds. There is no pressure, just energy.
He also describes himself as someone who is always ready to learn and explore. He is quick to try new things and open to growth wherever it appears.
His dreams are bold and clear. Lamo XL wants to win five Grammy awards at once and sell out the O2 Arena, along with even bigger stages, over and over again like it is nothing.
As for what comes next, he chooses not to say much. His message is simple. People should prepare for Lamo XL. Once he starts, he believes there will be no stopping him.
When asked to advise emerging artistes, he does not give instructions. According to him, if you truly know what you want, you will stop at nothing to get it. In his view, everyone must advise themselves.
With time, Lamo XL believes people will feel his music more deeply. For now, he keeps moving, still searching, still learning, and still standing.
