GuiltyBeatz narrates how he was selected to work with Beyoncé

Ghanaian sound engineer and producer GuiltyBeatz has shared the story behind how he was selected to work on a project with global superstar Beyoncé.

Speaking in an interview with Sincerely Accra, which was shared on X on Monday, June 23, 2025, Guilty Beatz recounted how he, together with 20 other producers, was allowed to display their craft for a career-defining moment.

GuiltyBeatz narrated that he had just landed in Ghana from a trip when he was scheduled for the studio session, hence he was beat-blocked and had nothing in mind to play.

“I had just landed in Ghana from a trip. I was a bit jet-lagged but had a session scheduled with a few other producers. We were just vibing in the studio when Beyoncé’s team suddenly showed up,” he stated.

“I just landed and they took me straight to that conference room and they were passing the Aux cables around and they were like you play, you play. No, she wasn’t around, so I was like What kind of pressure is this?” he added.

When it was his turn, he decided to play the instrumental for ‘Thomas Pompoyɛyaw’ a track he had previously produced for Ghanaian rapper Pappy Kojo.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, honestly. It’s a very local, highlife-inspired beat, very authentic to the Ghanaian sound. But to my surprise, they were feeling it! They liked the energy, the bounce, everything. That was the beat that caught their attention,” he recounted.

Shortly after, GuiltyBeatz was informed that he had been selected to work with Beyoncé on a project.

“The very next day, she came to my studio with her entire team. We locked in and started working right away. It was surreal. She was down-to-earth, focused, and really open to experimenting with African rhythms,” he said.

This collaboration also led to Beyoncé’s highly acclaimed 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, in which she highlighted African musicians and sounds.

He later contributed to several songs on the album, such as “Already” featuring Shatta Wale and “Keys to the Kingdom.”

Reflecting on the experience, he said, “It taught me that sometimes, all you have to do is show up and stay true to your sound. You never know who’s listening.”