# MzVee

Vera Hamenoo-Kpeda (born 23 June 1992), better known by her stage name MzVee, is a Ghanaian singer, afropop, dancehall and R&B artiste.

## Quotes

* I am from a very poor background so I only need to work hard to achieve success and be who I was before i became a star and that had made me very unique and to remain simple as well.
** Isaac Donkor Distinguished, MzVee, Kafui Danku explains their humility to fame, Modern Ghana, 20 June 2022.
* It's not just about music but everything we just love the foreign stuff so looking at our numbers and the way our system has been infiltrated with foreign things how can we get the level where people are complaining about.
** The conscious effort to play 80% of Nigerian music has yielded results – MzVee on Grammys, Ghana Web, 12 November 2023.
* I like to mind my business all the time so I’ll advise that you also mind your business, and you’ll avoid all the wrinkles. Also, be grateful and content with what you have. I know we hear this all the time, but someone doesn’t even have what you have.
** I Look Fresh Because I Mind My Business - MzVee, peacefmonline.com, 24 October 2023.
* You think you have only 5 cedis, but guess what, someone doesn’t even have anything, so be very grateful and just keep fighting. As for the Akpl3, that’s the number one secret to my evergreen forever young looks, but the other one is that I mind my business.
** I Look Fresh Because I Mind My Business - MzVee, peacefmonline.com, 24 October 2023.
* The song Destiny, basically, I'm taking control of my life, and I am the one in charge of it. Nobody else can move my life in any other way. Just me. It's inspired by everything my life is saying today. Like, I have just been moving like this at my own pace, in my own time.
** I experienced many mental struggles in my early days in music - MzVee, Ghana Web, 19 September 2023.
* Destiny just has to do with me as a person and my journey so far. I started from, like, a very low point in my life. Very timid, very shy, not confident at all. I had so many... If I say mental, people will take it out of context, but I was not very okay here (head) and here (heart). But just going through life, going through music, people I've met on the way, it just brought me to a very beautiful point.
** I experienced many mental struggles in my early days in music - MzVee, Ghana Web, 19 September 2023.
* Trends are not timeless, timeless songs are unique in that they are something that comes out of specific moments. They are things that come from the heart but the danceable songs will always come and go and we all have some of these songs.
** Why trendy and danceable songs aren’t timeless music – MzVee explains, Ghana Web, 1 October 2023.
* I don't see when I am performing unless I take a really good look and stare, but not really. It helped me when I started music and I was very nervous about the crowd because, when I got on stage, I will not see anybody.
** I don't see when I am performing on stage - MzVee reveals being partially blind, Ghana Web, 22 February 2023.
* I think music is free. You can't tell a painter what to paint because they are from Ghana. It's a feeling so when you enter the studio and you feel like singing a French song, sing it...it's a creative art so people create...so you can't force anyone into a box.
** Don’t force musicians into a box- MzVee, Ghana Web, 4 March 2023.
* I’m not an expert in dating. So, I didn’t know how to read red flags and all that, but now I can spot a red flag from a man. You have to be a Christian. I don’t want to be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t believe in God, who is not saved.
** Joan Nyaame, You have to be a Christian to win my love – MzVee, Myjoyonline, 23 February 2023.
* I picked home economics because I was lazy. I didn’t want to learn. I came to understand that it is one of the toughest things to actually do. Because the practical consumes so much of your time that you are unable to read your book. It was tough, and that’s where I learned my first lesson: nothing in life is easy. Everything is difficult. So far as you want to succeed at it, it is difficult,
** I studied Home Economics in SHS because I wanted an easy way out – MzVee, Myjoyonline, 21 February 2023.
* It’s crazy, it’s not easy to come up with an album. There’s so much work around it.
** Rebecca Tweneboah Darko, It’s not easy to come out with five albums – MzVee, Myjoyonline, 8 August 2022.
* We jell on the creative level, so you know music is a universal language and it brings everybody together. It doesn't matter where you are from or what language you speak so that's what we always vibe as musicians.
** MzVee speaks on why she often features Nigerian artistes in her songs, Ghana Web, 12 October 2021.
* If you have realized, I don't use alcohol, drugs and dress half-naked. This is because of what my parent thought about the music industry. I want to clear that thinking.
** ‘My parents associated music with drugs and prostitution’ - MzVee, Ghana Web, 28 June 2022.
* Coming this far has not been easy, I feel older and wiser now. It also feels good, it has been an interesting journey with a lot of highs and lows, loads of lessons learnt which have all made me a much better person. Just like anyone else in this world, life is not a bed of roses all the time, somethings have come through from learning from one’s mistakes, but we thank God for where we are right now.
** Delali Sika, I am wiser now says musician MzVee, Graphic Online, 10 July 2022.
* It's sad because there are women who are making it through hard work and just going through the way life is. So, people shouldn't judge quickly but at the same time, at the end of the day, people also have their own opinions. Most at times, some of these opinions are not true...People should just mind their own business.
** Mind your own business - MzVee to critics of Jackie Appiah, Ghana Web, 1 July 2022.
* Thinking about it, my lows have brought me this far, so I can't even complain and highs have been that I have just grown into myself a bit, the confidence is there, the music is more matured, yeah, I'm just loving everything I'm doing, the exposure is great, I'm meeting amazing people, just learning from them and my pocket is full.
** MzVee recounts her longevity in music industry, Ghana Web, 26 October 2021.
* This music thing was never a part of my plans at all, I grew up really confused, I had no idea what I wanted to become so every time my mind was changing on what profession I want to do. Music is a blessing I stumbled upon because I was so confused about what I wanted to do until it just came to me accidentally, coming into it from my life before where I was very reserved and quiet.
** I never thought of becoming an artiste – MzVee, Ghana Web, 12 October 2021.
* Our generation is so pressed! So fast! And so unhappy. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Get present in the moment and ask yourself what is important this very second.
** MzVee advises dispirited youth to slow down, Ghana Web, 10 January 2022.
* It was fantastic, this is actually my first event that I have planned with my team like this is the first time I've been very involved in a concert concerning me. So it was very interesting to see how the process was like and it was very nice to know that I have so much love from my colleagues in the music industry.
** Copy of MzVee’s new album 10:30 bought for GH¢200,000, Ghana Web, 3 July 2022.
* I get a lot of people trying to get me into trouble by saying things about me that are untrue. I hear stuff about me that I sometimes want to respond to but when I look at my brand and my focus, I intentionally forget about everything and let it go. Staying out of trouble is so easy for me but I wonder why some celebrities are not able to do so.
** Kofi Duah, Very easy ignoring my haters —MzVee, Graphic Online, 18 October 2021.
* Going online to exchange words or explaining myself about a particular issue about me is the last thing I would ever do. Ignoring my haters is so simple for me. I have been doing it over the years and it has really helped my brand. That is the reason my issues are not out there. More so, I want to work with serious brands and I know good brands don’t want celebrities with too much drama around them.
** Kofi Duah, Very easy ignoring my haters —MzVee, Graphic Online, 18 October 2021.
* I am very emotional and the last thing I want to see is for a friend or someone I know to betray me. I cannot just stand that so I keep very few friends I trust so that I don’t get hurt. It takes a while for my heart to heal when it gets broken.
** Kofi Duah, Very easy ignoring my haters —MzVee, Graphic Online, 18 October 2021.
* I’m really grateful for the love, truth is, I was not expecting it like that and I am grateful to everyone. I must say, the love and affection shown me since I my come back is more than before and I’m humbled. You see, there are others who take a break, come back and it doesn’t work out for them but I have been showed something different.
** Delali Sika, Comeback love is overwhelming—MzVee, Graphic Online, 24 June 2020.
* Music is what I do, I love music so yes it has been worth it, it was very necessary that I come back and I’m glad I did.
** Delali Sika, Comeback love is overwhelming—MzVee, Graphic Online, 24 June 2020.
* I am not one of those who concentrate on regrets, I believe everything we go through are life lessons, the mistakes, they all make us better people.
** Delali Sika, Comeback love is overwhelming—MzVee, Graphic Online, 24 June 2020.
* I will not give away my freedom for anything, I was not enslaved but it had its advantages and disadvantages but I have come to like being on my own more. I don't want to give this up, maybe not just yet. At a point, I was lost and really didn't know what was going on with me.
** Lynx Entertainment didn't enslave me but I don't want to give up my freedom - MzVee, Ghana Web, 9 October 2021.
* So I knew that this day will come and people will see that it was a lot of work I was putting into my craft so i wasn't worried at all at first.
** Being successful after my comeback has proven my critics and doubters wrong – MzVee, Ghana Web, 11 October 2021.
* Our (music) industry is one that has a lot of things going on; everyone is fighting for fame so I will say it is a dirty one but in the sense that, the industry is really crazy so they have to be patient.
** Delali Sika, Music industry is ‘dirty’ - MzVee, Graphic Online, 3 July 2020.
* The music industry is progressing, I don’t see Ghana music today the same as it was. Things are getting better every single day; the shows and security have become better. There’s more room for improvement on everyone’s side.
** Delali Sika, Music industry is ‘dirty’ - MzVee, Graphic Online, 3 July 2020.
* I was deeply sad all the time. Very angry all the time, I didn't want to talk to anyone...I was just really away from everybody. Depression gets to a point where you don't even know what in particular is worrying you. It's so many things you've harboured for so long and you explode at a point and you don't know why but you are just sad. I've always known that I was not okay but 2018 was the height of everything.
** Going to church helped me overcome depression – MzVee, Graphic Online, 15 January 2020.
* If we don't speak up, nothing will change. Join me in taking a stand against all forms of child abuse. Be a Ghanaian Against Child Abuse.
** MzVee Joins Fight Against Child Abuse, Modern Ghana, 12 July 2018.
* Most often, we talk and act like we can do things on our own but that is not the truth, we all need help at some point in our lives and I believe our music industry is not different. We first have to admit we need help, put down the kind of help we need and we move from there.
** It’s Time To Admit Music Industry Needs Help - Mzvee, peacefmonline.com, 31 March 2021.
* If I was not doing music, my life would have been boring. I do not see what I would be good at, I can’t do an 8 to 5 job. I am the kind of person who wants to be on the go every time, music is my everything.
** It’s Time To Admit Music Industry Needs Help - Mzvee, peacefmonline.com, 31 March 2021.
* Girls, we are a different breed, we have too many things going on with us and girls live by what they hear and how they feel. Girls easily fall for pressure. If you are not brought up with that confidence and you don't have people who keep telling you being you is 100% enough you will fall really easily.
** Female Celebs Mostly Fake Their Lifestyle – MzVee, Modern Ghana, 31 July 2018.
* I am not jealous at all. You know per the human nature, it is expected that someone gets jealous when things like this happen but the truth is, I am not all because for me, music is not a race or a competition, it is about passion.
** Delali Sika, I’m not jealous of label mates - MzVee, Graphic Online, 16 November 2017.
* When I started music, some people were telling me to deviate a little bit from my personality, that is, wear something more explicit and sing more explicit songs, but I told them it wouldn't last because I couldn't sustain it. I have been this way from the beginning and I would not change, and that is why my brand has lasted.
** I Was Told I Wouldn't Succeed Because I Looked Like A Gospel Musician" - MzVee, peacefmonline.com, 21 June 2022.
* It hasn’t been an easy journey on a truthful note, God has been good to me. Many people started long before I ever dreamt of charting this path but I can boast of awards and many international nominations as well. I think it’s not by my might but the handiwork of God that I have reached this height of my career.
** Gifty Owusu-Amoah, MzVee gives glory to God, Graphic Online, 6 October 2016.
* Dance moves do not make me good in bed neither am I what they perceive me to be when they see me on stage or in my music videos. The truth of the matter is that, I love to dance and I am good at twisting and winding my waist which so far, I think has been very helpful to me as a performer.
** Yes, I rock; but only on stage -MzVee, citifmonline.com, September 12, 2014.
* Well, I am that kind of person who just does her work and any awards that comes surprises me. I don't put my mind on awards or anything like that so when they come they do surprise me.
** "I Was Not Expecting To Be Nominated"- MzVee, peacefmonline.com, 20 May 2016.

## Quotes about MzVee

* If she (MzVee) says she does everything on her own, I wrote most of her songs, I don't think it's disrespectful. I wrote Daavi, Come and See My Mother featuring Yemi Alade, and I Don't Know so she didn't do anything by herself. She doesn't do stuff on her own, as she claims. I have helped, so I'm just hoping that she will appreciate rather than making it look like I never did anything for her. Because I never took even GHS1 from her.
** Kuami Eugene as quoted in I didn’t take GHC1 for the songs I wrote for MzVee - Kuami Eugene, Ghana Web, 25 November 2021.
* I watched MzVee's recent interview with Delay, she is not cured. MzVee is still depressed because depression is not cured - it's manageable. The church does not manage depression, it would rather give you false hope. MzVee currently into the music scene is no different from the depressed MzVee. She broke bounds from the house, an indiscipline behaviour that she should be disciplined.
** Counsellor Lutterodt as quoted in MzVee still going through depression – Lutterodt, Modern Ghana, 18 February 2021.
* Yes - her (MzVee) colleague musician Efya could offer help but that's not enough. The last time I watched her interview with Delay critically, she's still going through depression. When you're treated properly out of depression, the sort of things that earlier made you feel bad, you'll be okay with it now no matter how long they say to offend you. We call it total recovery in professional counselling. She needs to seek professional counselling if she wants to go ahead with her music, else whatever happened to her when it's being repeated, she'll break down.
** Counsellor Lutterodt as quoted in MzVee still going through depression – Lutterodt, Modern Ghana, 18 February 2021.
* She is MzVee. She has been in that legendary state. She’s released back-to-back so you can say she wants to rest for some time and give the new guys some room to propagate.
** Kuami Eugene as quoted in Reserve your questions for MzVee till she returns - Kuami Eugene and Kidi, Graphic Online, 10 January 2019.
* I always see Wiyaala on TV. I sing MzVee's songs everyday. Today I am seeing them. I think I am dreaming.
** M.anifest, MzVee, Wiyala And Gary Al-Smith Support 'Left-Behind' Campaign, Modern Ghana, 28 February 2018.
* MzVee and I work together a lot so we spend a lot of time together. We have become good friends and nothing more, there is nothing romantic between us.
** KiDi as quoted in No ‘feelings’ for MzVee…Kidi, Graphic Online, 3 October 2016.
* MzVee is a woman I feel. She is beautiful, intelligent and has the shape I want from my ideal woman. Most of all, she is a Dancehall artiste and based on this, the two of us click very well.
** Stonebwoy as quoted in No broken heart over Stonebwoy’s marriage — Mzvee, Graphic Online, 26 June 2017.

## Lyrics

* I am a winner; I am a superstar How you see yourself is just how you are No compromising, no second-guessing Stay true to yourself and you’re gonna make it far! Can’t stop my Destiny, it’s my Identity!!.
** Destiny (2023), MzVee Releases ‘Destiny” After Celebrating A Decade Of Making Music, Africa.com, 21 September 2023.
* I will rule my destiny I’m unique, I’m not common Let me tell you where I come from In the ghetto, not London Mama told me you’re a champion You gon make it on the long run.
** Destiny (2023), Review: MzVee and Cina Soul sing about chaos and focus, musicinafrica.net, 28 September 2023.
* I go like spend my life with somebody like you Give me the ring I will collect Mama I'm coming home, tell Papa am coming home Take my hand and carry me go.
** Coming Home (2021), Mzvee,Tiwa Savage's 'Coming Home' hits 1 million views, Modern Ghana, 6 November 2021.