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Not your average master of ceremony or MC, Tona, armed with an in depth understanding of the power and the complexity of words, and a love of Hip hop, has developed his own creative niche through aboriginal and versatile demonstrations in an era where the true art of Hip hop seems to have been lost. Tona reminds the listener of the era where Hip hop was authentic, as he incorporates his own life experiences through rhymes. This appreciation for hip hop culture and entertainment would play a vital role in his career.
Hailing from Ghana Africa, Kwame Nantwi's name, "Tona", was given to him because of his distinctive tone of voice, which he uses not only to project his rhymes, but also a unique style that transcends the typical boundaries of the Hip hop genre.
Tona has been a true master of ceremony since the age of 9. By age 11, he was a member of an ambitious rap group, Young N.A.P.P.S. (Young Native Africans Pleasing People Spontaneously). It was clear, even as a young teenager, that Tona was meant to shine.
By the time he recorded his first EP, Tona appeared in the 2004 CBC documentary Rhyme Pays: Hip Hop and the Marketing of Cool, a one hour special for CBC MARKETPLACE that discussed hip hop from a marketing standpoint. The film featured Russell Simmons, Damon Dash and was scored by producer, Agile, (Nas, Methodman). Also featured was Tona, one of three rappers invited to battle in the film, performing his original track, "Handle Your B.I."
In 2005, Tona launched his own licensing company, Da District Entertainment, a tribute to his home district of Scarborough.
"Hip hop in Scarborough feels like the foundation of the culture to me." says Tona, "You couldn't go no where in our city and not interact with it some how. Even if you didn't understand it, it was there - the music, the streets, the culture. I love my city for that."
The label is meant to help preserve a genuine hip hop movement, which Tona believes is not about gimmicks or slogans, but real people creating real music. Tona has had 5 major releases on the label, including his upcoming LP, The Rap Game Makeova.
The production in Tona's catalogue, (majority of which is produced by in-house production team, King Sampson alongside Tona himself), encompasses influences from old school hip hop, as well as, a fresh sound similar to new underground electro hip hop. His track "Dial Tone", off the Don't Holla EP, earned Tona a Stylus Award nomination (an award that recognizes achievements in the urban music scene in Canada), not to mention a permanent spot on Toronto's influential urban station, Flow 93.5.
Tona has shared the stage with the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Black Milk, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Brooklyn's Masta Ace, Kardinal Ofishall, Skyzoo, Saukrates, Large Professor, etc.
Tona continues to play shows internationally, and make a credible contribution to the scene. His entrepreneurial spirit, sharp-witted, and metaphorical rhymes make him one of the best players on the rise in the game of hip-hop.
**For Bookings/Interviews pls contact [email protected]**
