Early Life and Background
Gregory Bortey Promise Newman, known professionally as King Promise, was born on August 16, 1995, in Nungua, a coastal town in Accra, Ghana. He is the son of Francis Newman, a businessman with a deep appreciation for classical music, and Angela Quaye, a trader. Growing up in a musically inclined household, King Promise was exposed to a diverse range of genres, which significantly influenced his musical journey
Education
King Promise’s educational path began at De Kings Academy, followed by Nungua Senior High School. He later pursued higher education at Central University in Prampram, where he graduated in 2016 with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing.
Musical Career
Breakthrough and Early Success
King Promise’s entry into the music industry was marked by the release of his debut single, “Thank God,” in 2016. The track featured renowned Ghanaian-British artist Fuse ODG and was produced by the celebrated producer Killbeatz. This collaboration catapulted him into the limelight, showcasing his potential as a versatile artist capable of blending Afrobeats, Highlife, R&B, and Hip-Hop influences.
Notable Collaborations and Projects
Following his initial success, King Promise continued to collaborate with prominent artists. He featured on DJ Vision’s “Double Trouble” alongside Sarkodie, a track that dominated radio charts for weeks. Additionally, he co-wrote “Too Late” by Adina, produced by Killbeatz, which won Record of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in 2017.
In 2019, King Promise released his debut album, “As Promised,” which received critical acclaim and solidified his position in the Ghanaian music industry. His sophomore album, “5 Star,” released in 2022, featured collaborations with international artists such as Omah Lay, Patoranking, Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Headie One, WSTRN, and Frenna. The album was recorded across various studios worldwide, reflecting his growth and the global influences on his music.
“Terminator” and Global Recognition
In May 2023, King Promise released “Terminator,” a track that became his most successful song to date. The song amassed over 200 million streams across major platforms and was featured in over 1 million TikTok videos. It peaked at number six on the TurnTable Top 100 and number eight on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. The success of “Terminator” was further amplified by remixes featuring Young Jonn, Tiwa Savage, and Sean Paul. The track earned him the Song of the Year award at the 2024 3Music Awards and nominations at the Ghana Music Awards.
International Milestones
King Promise’s international appeal was further demonstrated when he became the first Ghanaian artist to host a sold-out concert in Singapore in April 2024. The event, held at the Tipsy Unicorn Beach House, marked the beginning of his Asian tour, which included performances in Bali and Jakarta, underscoring his expanding global fan base.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, King Promise has garnered numerous awards and nominations, reflecting his impact on the music industry. Notable recognitions include:
- Best Male Vocalist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards UK
- African Artiste of the Year at The Headies (2019)
- Song of the Year at the 2024 3Music Awards for “Terminator”
- International Collaboration of the Year for “Run to You” featuring Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa
- Best Afropop Song and Best Highlife Song nominations at the 2024 Ghana Music Awards
Personal Life
King Promise maintains a relatively private personal life. While he has been rumored to be in a relationship with media personality Serwaa Amihere, he has clarified in interviews that they are close friends. In a 2022 interview, he confirmed having a girlfriend but chose not to disclose further details, emphasizing his preference for privacy regarding his relationships.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
King Promise’s fusion of traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary global genres has positioned him as a significant figure in the Afrobeat and Highlife music scenes. His ability to collaborate with artists across different cultures has broadened his musical horizons and contributed to the global appreciation of African music. King Promise continues to inspire a new generation of artists and music enthusiasts worldwide through his work.
