Ghanaian rapper and Afrobeat star, Yeboah Emmanuel, fondly known as AY Poyoo, has told music fans around the world to brace up for the release of his much anticipated album Rejected Stone set to drop on April 24.

AY Poyoo, who has opened up on the timely intervention Tree Money Yard (TMY) Empire Records, a leading music record label in Nigeria, played in his career, said the Rejected Stone Album, which is coming from the stable of TMY Empire Records promises to be a big hit.

AY Poyoo, popular for his hit track “I’m a goat” (Aponkye), which he did in his local dialect, Twi, in a recent interview, shared his grass to grace story. The songwriter revealed his family’s struggles while growing up. The “Alpha Hour” crooner, a track he released in 2023, said he hustled on the streets of Ghana after he was rejected by entertainment big-wigs who could have given his career the push he needed.

AY Poyoo disclosed that despite obtaining the best result in the junior high school, he could not further his education because of the financial constraint in his family—made worse after his father and mother divorced, and had to live with his grandmother, alongside his younger brother.

The 23-year-old musician said he ran to Nigeria with no hope until he signed up with TMY Records—an entertainment conglomerate with resources geared towards the discovery, development and promotion of young talented singers, for production, distribution and promotion of his music.

“Growing up was very tough for me and my parents, I came from a poor background. Mommy doesn’t have Daddy don’t care, broken homes were ruling my family and me, and my junior brother ( Simon ) was on the street hustling for food to eat. You know the responsibility you have as the first son. A few years later, my little brother and I went to stay with my dad and my stepmother. It was horrible so after some time we decided to escape from the abuse,” he recalled.

“This is where I started this face of GH rap thing and Akwasi Tymer was the brain behind the whole thing (manager). I had the talent but he was the one directing me. (early 2020 to late 2021 )After we released my first official song “I’m a goat” ( Aponkye ) in my local dialect ( Twi ).  It was a big song all over the world but because there was Covid-19 I did not have enough shows and events to play. All that we depended on was the revenue and it got to sometimes bill was too much so I approached Tymer that the way things were going we needed to get investors else my career would die. My man wasn’t happy then but he as me to do whatever I wanted to do. This is where I had the chance to talk to Aborga ( My former Label boss).

“I’ve not forgotten this After My former Label terminated my contract, I called my grandma to grow a male goat for me that is how I discovered Omeboy.

I started getting attention again with Omeboy and on my way, I met Mr Emmanuel ( Ghanaboy) who was also a comedian and a rapper. He has three kids and a wife. That man was a blessing to me. I remember countless times I slept on the street with Emma. I gave him access to all my social media handles then we started working as a team. The hope he always gives me keeps us going. What I faced on the street was horrible.

“On the second of October 2023, we decided to go to Nigeria so we started making inquiries. Because we were going with Omeboy the journey became complicated. On 15th November 2023, we started our journey from Circle ( Accra ) around 6 pm. That was my first time crossing the border so I was happy, but it was also a risk. On 16th October 2023, I landed at Murtala International Airport ( insorlo). “I never knew I could not hide in Nigeria, that is when I realized who AY Poyoo be”.

“Long story short, God is so wonderful. After some weeks of battling with life on Lagos Street, I was finally signed under an Empire (Tree Money Yard empire), so I moved to Chevron. Business has begun, and things are moving on. Depression is gone, a new face of life. So many people took advantage because I come from a poor home—the  maltreatment and the bully, discouragement and sabotage. Just to mention a few. I’ve learned a lot from this, I know it is part of growth. And to achieve a great thing is not easy. I’ve now started my music career as an Afro-Beat artist. So join me let’s explore.”