From street hustle to the spotlight: Yohanne D’Gang returns to Ghana with ‘Bosses Outside’

For Ghanaian recording artiste Yohanne D’Gang, music has never been simply about entertainment. It is a platform for telling real-life stories, inspiring others and giving a voice to people whose dreams have been challenged by difficult circumstances.

Born on March 15 in Slipway, Monrovia, Liberia, Nana John Kojo Benna Jr., professionally known as Yohanne D’Gang, is the son of a Ghanaian father and a Liberian mother. His personal and musical journey spans both countries, whose cultures and experiences have influenced his artistic development.

Now returning to his Ghanaian roots, he is preparing to introduce 'Bosses Outside,' his contribution to the multi-artist album Harris Moses Set It, created by Liberian-American entrepreneur and music executive Harris Moses Wogbeh.

His return represents more than a new musical project. It marks a renewed commitment to his craft, his Ghanaian heritage and the ambitions he has carried since his early years.

Yohanne D’Gang was born to Mrs. Sharon Riley, a Liberian woman, and Mr. Kojo Bernard Sr., a Ghanaian who lived in Liberia.

Growing up in Slipway, Monrovia, he experienced the challenges of street life and the struggle to pursue opportunities under difficult circumstances.

He began his early education at Slipway Elementary School and later attended Matilda Newport School.

In 2005, his journey toward Ghana took him through Côte d’Ivoire, where he spent time reconnecting with family members, including his father.

In December 2005, he continued to Ghana, where he lived with relatives and resumed his education.

He attended Ampenyi Junior High School, progressing through parts of his junior high education before continuing his studies through an American-supported home-school programme known as Matemase.

His educational journey was shaped by difficult living conditions and the need to support himself. Rather than following a conventional academic path, he combined learning with practical life experiences, moving between communities and undertaking different forms of work.

These experiences contributed to his independence, resilience and determination to pursue opportunities despite limited resources.

Yohanne D’Gang traces his songwriting beginnings to 2002, during Liberia’s civil conflict.

At a time when uncertainty and hardship affected many communities, music became an outlet for expressing his thoughts and observations about society.

He wanted his songs to communicate meaningful messages about hardship, perseverance, faith, responsibility and hope.

Rather than viewing music only as entertainment, he saw it as a form of social communication: encouraging people, sharing life lessons and speaking about ordinary people's realities.

Financial limitations and difficult living conditions made professional recording opportunities hard to access, but his passion for music continued.

His early experiences established the storytelling approach that would later become central to his artistic identity.

Before becoming professionally known as Yohanne D’Gang, Nana John Kojo Benna Jr. was known by different names that reflected his personal experiences and changing artistic identity.

During his earlier years, he was known as “Gang Gang,” a nickname that emerged from his experiences growing up on the streets of Monrovia.

The name eventually became associated with his determination, independence and willingness to stand up for what he believed was right.

In 2014, during a period of personal and spiritual transformation, he adopted the name “Yohanne Johan.”

He understood Yohanne as a Ghanaian form of John and Johan as another form of the same name, giving the combination the personal meaning of “John John.”

He subsequently developed the professional identity Yohanne D’Gang, bringing together his personal name and the determination associated with his earlier street nickname.

For the artist, “D’Gang” does not represent criminality, aggression or disrespect. Instead, it symbolizes resilience, conviction, courage and the determination to pursue meaningful goals despite opposition or hardship.

His philosophy is that individuals should stand by their decisions, accept responsibility for their consequences and remain committed to what they believe is right.

Through this identity, Yohanne D’Gang presents himself as an artist whose music reflects the realities of life, personal responsibility, faith and the determination to overcome difficult circumstances.

After returning to Liberia on December 25, 2013, Yohanne continued exploring his musical ambitions.

In 2014, he experienced a significant period of personal and spiritual transformation and became actively involved in Christian worship and the Church of Jerusalem International.

His renewed commitment to his faith inspired him to pursue gospel music as an expression of gratitude, worship and personal testimony.

An important part of Yohanne D’Gang’s spiritual journey was the support he received from Mr. and Mrs. Kijan, whom he affectionately calls Daddy and Mama Kijan. Following the loss of his biological father and his return to Liberia in December 2013, Yohanne found renewed family guidance as he became involved in church life in early 2014.

Daddy Kijan welcomed Yohanne as a son and, together with Mama Kijan, became a foster-parent figure in his life. Their care, encouragement and guidance helped him establish greater stability, strengthen his faith and develop a sense of responsibility during a formative period.

Thomas Weah, Daddy Kijan’s brother, also became an important uncle figure, offering additional family support and guidance. Yohanne credits the Kijan family and Thomas Weah with helping him stay on course through difficult decisions and transitions. The family’s support also extended to Yohanne’s recording career through Cornelius Kijan (Ayo Genius), who later provided free studio time.

Although his career now includes Afro-fusion, dancehall, Afrobeats and music beyond the church setting, Yohanne continues to acknowledge the values and support he received from Daddy and Mama Kijan. He regards representing their family with respect as an enduring personal responsibility, both in music and in his life outside the industry.

Working with recording producer Jackie Russ, he began developing a five-track gospel project that included songs such as “All in All,” “Mountain Zion” and “He Is the King.”

After the initial five gospel recordings with Jackie Russ, another important source of musical support came from within the Kijan family. Cornelius Kijan, known as Ayo Genius, was Yohanne’s foster brother and the son of Daddy and Mama Kijan. Recognizing Yohanne’s commitment to recording, Ayo Genius made studio time available to him without charge and helped him continue working on music when paying for sessions was difficult.

Yohanne remembers Ayo Genius's generosity as a practical extension of the care he received from the Kijan family. Their encouragement went beyond spiritual guidance and family support: it gave him access to the recording environment, time to develop his ideas and the opportunity to keep creating during the early stages of his career. He credits Cornelius Kijan with an important role in sustaining his musical ambitions after the first gospel project.

Between approximately 2014 and 2016, his musical activities involved collaborations and recording opportunities with performers including Scholastica, Abraham Peterson, Patience Aqual, Dorcas Agrey and other emerging talents.

During this period, Yohanne also encouraged and introduced several aspiring performers to studio recording, helping them gain practical exposure to music production and the recording environment.

His early recording activities extended beyond traditional gospel music.

Among his collaborative recordings was “C.O.J.I on Fire,” on which he featured Liberian performers including Molly, Bedell and Dorcas Agrey. He also worked on other musical projects with his younger brother, Ayo Genius, a producer, songwriter and vocalist. These collaborations reflected his desire to give emerging artists recording opportunities and recognition.

Another recording, “Believe,” featured Ayo Genius.

Although limited financial resources restricted the promotion and commercial reach of these recordings, the experience strengthened his songwriting, recording knowledge, artistic relationships and commitment to music.

The gospel chapter remains an important part of his musical development, reflecting a period when faith, personal transformation and creative ambition came together.

Yohanne D’Gang’s musical identity has been shaped by his experiences in both Ghana and Liberia.

His appreciation for Ghanaian music includes the work of influential performers such as Obrafour, Obour,

KK Fosu, Reggie Rockstone, Daddy Lumba, Okyeame Kwame, Sarkodie and Shatta Wale.

These artists represent different aspects of Ghanaian musical expression, from storytelling and lyrical delivery to high-energy performance and contemporary African popular music.

For Yohanne, music has always been more than a single genre.

His creative interests extend across social commentary, inspirational music, gospel, Afro-fusion, dancehall, Afrobeats and street anthems.

He views musical expression as a means of connecting personal experiences with broader social realities.

His artistic development reflects a continuing effort to combine meaningful messages with memorable rhythms and performances that audiences can relate to.

Outside music, Yohanne built a livelihood through general construction, working on buildings from foundation to finishing.

Around 2025, a Ghanaian-Liberian acquaintance and construction associate named Addo Rogers became instrumental in connecting him with Harris Moses Wogbeh.

Addo Rogers was involved in construction work associated with Harris's property and brought Yohanne into the building project.

Through his involvement in the construction of Harris's house, Yohanne eventually developed a connection with Harris.

Harris, a Liberian-American entrepreneur and music executive based in the United States, was already involved in entertainment through MosMove Entertainment.

During their interactions, Harris suggested that Yohanne had the potential to pursue music.

Yohanne explained that he had recorded music before but had stepped away because sustaining and promoting a music career had proved difficult.

Their conversations developed into a working relationship based on shared interests in creativity, entrepreneurship and supporting talent.

For Yohanne, the encounter was significant because it created an opportunity to return to music after years of financial and professional challenges.

The role played by Addo Rogers remains an important part of this story, as his construction connection helped bring Yohanne and Harris together.

Harris Moses Wogbeh and Yohanne D’Gang subsequently developed Good People Social (GPS), officially launched on December 6, 2025.

Harris Moses Wogbeh is the founder and vision bearer of Good People Social, while Yohanne D’Gang serves as its chief executive officer (CEO).

Their partnership connects GPS with MosMove Entertainment, the record label owned by Harris Moses Wogbeh.

The label is powered by Good People Social, linking music activities with a broader creative and business platform.

Good People Social represents a collaborative effort to create opportunities in entertainment, media and other creative ventures.

For Yohanne, this arrangement created a pathway back into music with renewed direction, support and a stronger professional foundation.

The partnership also reflects Harris Moses's interest in identifying potential and supporting people who may lack the resources or connections needed to advance their ambitions.

Harris Moses Set It is a multi-artist album created by Harris Moses Wogbeh, who serves as its executive producer and owns the releasing label, MosMove Entertainment.

The project is planned to feature approximately eight to ten songs involving artists from Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria, with Afro-fusion, Afrobeats, dancehall and Amapiano influences.

The title draws on a Liberian colloquial expression associated with helping someone achieve a goal or making an opportunity possible.

For Harris, it reflects a commitment to supporting talented individuals who have ambition but may lack resources, exposure or opportunity.

The album aims to give different artists a shared platform to bring their creativity to listeners.

Rather than focusing exclusively on one performer, the project is designed to showcase a range of voices and musical styles.

For Yohanne D’Gang, participation in the album represents an opportunity to contribute his own story while supporting the broader vision behind the project.

“Bosses Outside,” written and performed by Yohanne D’Gang, is one of the songs on Harris Moses Set It.

The track was produced by CV Tay and mixed and mastered by ExtremeBeatz.

Yohanne is the sole performing artist on the recording.

Its message is that everyone can be a boss in their own way, not only through money or status, but through self-belief, determination and the chance to bring long-held ambitions into the open.

The song reflects the experience of people whose potential has remained overlooked and connects to the album’s wider purpose of giving talent an opportunity to be heard.

For Yohanne, “Bosses Outside” is also a personal statement about returning to music after years of challenges.

The song reflects his belief that ambition should not be abandoned simply because success takes longer than expected.

Yohanne D’Gang's musical identity has developed through different stages, from early songwriting about social realities to gospel recordings and contemporary African popular music.

His current musical direction combines Afro-fusion, dancehall, Afrobeats and high-energy street anthems, emphasizing memorable rhythms, relatable messages and music that connects with audiences both on the streets and in entertainment venues.

While his earlier recordings reflected his spiritual journey, Yohanne does not define himself exclusively as a gospel musician.

His broader artistic interests include faith, everyday struggles, celebration, ambition, perseverance and the experiences of ordinary people.

After stepping away from active recording and promotion because of financial limitations and competing responsibilities, he began a renewed chapter in 2026.

His return to Ghana represents an opportunity to develop his sound, reconnect with his Ghanaian heritage and introduce his music to wider audiences.

Through “Bosses Outside,” Yohanne aims to establish a new phase of his recording career while maintaining the storytelling and determination that have characterized his musical journey.

Yohanne’s return to Ghana in 2026 is both a personal and professional milestone.

Ghana is his father's homeland and a country where he spent formative years between late 2005 and 2013.

He associates his return with the Ghanaian concept of Sankofa: reconnecting with one's roots while moving forward.

For Yohanne, returning to Ghana is not simply a promotional visit. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with his ancestral heritage, strengthen his cultural identity and build a new foundation for his music career.

His immediate focus is the planned release and promotion of “Bosses Outside,” alongside awareness for Harris Moses Set It.

Proposed activities include outreach to Ghanaian radio and television, DJs, entertainment bloggers, digital media and community audiences.

Specific appearances and release dates have not yet been announced.

The partnership between Yohanne and Harris connects an artist's personal experience with an executive's commitment to opening doors for performers.

Yohanne brings years of songwriting, gospel recording, creative development and work outside the music industry.

Harris contributes the vision and leadership of MosMove Entertainment.

Although “Bosses Outside” is central to Yohanne's current campaign, Harris Moses Set It is designed as a broader multi-artist project.

The promotion aims to build recognition for the individual performer and the collective album.

Through Good People Social and MosMove Entertainment, their collaboration also reflects an interest in creating a platform through which talent, business and creativity can develop together.

From childhood in Slipway to education in Ghana, gospel recordings, construction work and a return to contemporary music, Yohanne D’Gang's path has involved setbacks, work and persistence.

His journey has not followed a conventional route, but his experiences have contributed to the identity he now brings to his music.

Through “Bosses Outside” on Harris Moses Set It, he is preparing to share his perspective with a wider audience.

The song represents a personal comeback and a contribution to Harris Moses Wogbeh's vision of creating opportunities for talent.

For Yohanne, the new chapter is also an opportunity to reconnect with Ghana, celebrate his heritage and continue developing as a recording artist.

The central message of his journey is one of resilience and the belief that ambitions deserve a chance to be realized.

Date of birth: March 15 (year intentionally withheld)

Nationality and artistic identity: Ghanaian recording artist

Family heritage: Ghanaian father and Liberian mother

Genres: Afro-fusion, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Street Anthems

Songwriter and performer: Yohanne D’Gang

Album creator / executive producer: Harris Moses Wogbeh

Yohanne D’Gang's recording history includes gospel projects, collaborative recordings and contemporary music.

His early recording experience provided a foundation for the renewed artistic direction he began pursuing in 2026.

Yohanne D’Gang is developing his public music presence through digital platforms, social media, music distribution and promotional activities.

His current focus is establishing a recognizable artistic identity, connecting with audiences in Ghana and beyond, and preparing his music for wider distribution.

His official artist presence includes the YouTube channel @yohannedgangofficial, alongside his other social media and music platforms.

As his new recordings become available, these channels will serve as sources of information about his music, performances, projects and career development.

His long-term artistic ambition is to build a sustainable recording career while using music to communicate messages of resilience, confidence, hope and determination.