Ghanaian singer and songwriter Rie Osei has released her latest single, “Tell a Friend,” a rap-driven record that highlights her versatility while offering a closer look at the creative independence shaping her artistry.
Produced by Dab Beatz from Kumasi, Ghana, “Tell a Friend” finds Rie moving between sharp rap verses, melodic phrasing, and an increasingly confident delivery. Rather than presenting the song simply as an experiment with a different genre, the release reflects Rie’s willingness to explore new creative territory without feeling restricted by expectations.
The song explores themes of ambition, patience, self-belief and artistic ownership. Rie reflects on the experience of having a vision before others can recognise it, capturing the determination required to continue building even when the results are not immediately visible.
At the heart of the record is the idea of creating from personal conviction. Rie uses the imagery of putting the pictures in her head onto a canvas, a concept that extends beyond the lyrics and into the making of the release itself.
Rie painted the cover artwork for “Tell a Friend,” with Kay Anane contributing to the finished piece. She also recorded and engineered her own vocals, taking on several creative responsibilities throughout the process.
The result is a release that brings together music, visual art, and production under one creative vision.
Lyrically, Rie embraces the language of confidence and competition, positioning herself as someone who is willing to lead rather than follow. Her assertive delivery is balanced by a more vulnerable perspective surrounding the uncertainty that can come with believing in an idea before the wider audience catches up.
A voice note from Rie’s manager, Kojo Boakye, adds another personal dimension to the record. His message reinforces the importance of continuing to put in the work, even when recognition has not yet arrived.
That message complements the song’s wider themes of patience and perseverance, offering a reminder that creative progress does not always happen at the same speed as public recognition.
“Tell a Friend” also represents another step in Rie Osei’s evolving musical identity. Having explored R&B and Afrofusion, the artist now moves more directly into rap while maintaining the melodic instincts that have been part of her sound.
Rather than defining herself through a single genre, Rie continues to explore different sides of her artistry and challenge herself creatively.
The title “Tell a Friend” reinforces the communal nature of the release. It serves as an invitation for listeners who connect with the record to share it and introduce others to the world Rie is creating.
With Rie taking on roles as songwriter, performer, recording engineer, and visual artist, the release ultimately becomes a statement about creative agency. “Tell a Friend” presents an artist increasingly comfortable with shaping her own ideas from concept to final product.
Rie Osei continues to build on her artistic journey on her own terms, using each release as an opportunity to explore a new perspective while remaining committed to her creative identity.
