Music is a powerful tool that influences and shapes society. In Ghana, musicians play a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape and influencing the thoughts and behaviors of the people.
However, with this power comes great responsibility, and Ghanaian musicians should be mindful of the lyrics they put out into the world.
Ghanaian music has a rich history and diverse range of genres, from highlife to hiplife, gospel to afrobeat. These genres often reflect the social, political, and cultural issues facing the country, providing a platform for artists to express themselves and connect with their audience.
Nevertheless, some musicians have come under fire for promoting negative messages and harmful stereotypes through their lyrics.
Some artists use their platform to promote a lifestyle that is destructive and harmful, leading to an increase in crime and antisocial behavior among young people. This harms society as a whole, perpetuating a cycle of violence and criminality.
Musicians use derogatory language and imagery to degrade and demean women, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing gender inequality. This damage affects the self-esteem and self-worth of women and girls, contributing to a culture of misogyny and discrimination.
In addition, some musicians use their lyrics to spread hate speech and incite violence against certain groups of people. This has serious consequences, leading to social unrest and conflict within communities. Musicians need to be mindful of their words’ impact on society and use their platform responsibly.
There is a growing movement in Ghana to hold musicians accountable for their lyrics and to promote positive messages and values through music.
Rapper Derrick Sarfo Kantanka, known in showbiz as Amerado, has urged all musicians to be mindful of the lyrical content they create when recording songs.
This comes in response to the Ghana education system’s new initiative of capturing artists’ lyrics as part of the questions in examinations, including the ongoing 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Following the artist’s post about a portion of his song, ‘Kweku Ananse’, used for a question in the Creative Art and Design paper, Amerado expressed that the action shows how influential musicians can be in society.
“It shows that what we are doing could go as far as being positively impactful on people’s lives. So, as an artist, if you’re going to the studio to record a song or going out to perform, you should check your dress code, the way you portray yourself, and the kind of words you use in your songs because someway, somehow, you’re having an impact on people’s lives.”
Amerado
Ghanaian musicians should be mindful of the lyrics they put out into the world and the impact they have on society.
They have a responsibility to promote positive messages and values through their music and to use their platform to inspire change and uplift their communities.
By being conscious of the power of their words, musicians help to shape a brighter future for Ghana and its people.
Modern Fashion Choices of Celebrities and Concerns Raised
Fashion has always been a form of self-expression and a way for individuals to showcase their style. In recent years, celebrities have become influential figures in the fashion industry, setting trends and pushing boundaries with their bold fashion choices.
However, concerns have been raised about the modern fashion choices of celebrities, particularly their tendency to reveal parts of their bodies that should be concealed per the Ghanaian culture.
In Ghanaian culture, some traditional norms and values dictate how individuals should dress and behave in public. Modesty and decency are highly valued, and it is expected that individuals, especially women, should dress in a way that covers certain parts of their bodies.
This cultural expectation is rooted in respect for oneself and others, as well as a desire to uphold traditional values and morals.
However, in recent years, some celebrities have been criticized for their fashion choices that go against these cultural norms.
Many celebrities, both locally and internationally, have been seen wearing revealing outfits that expose a lot of skin, including low-cut tops, short skirts, and sheer fabrics. This has sparked a debate about whether these fashion choices are appropriate and respectful of Ghanaian culture.
Veteran Ghanaian actress, Dr. Akosua Abdallah raised her concerns about the modern fashion choices of celebrities.
She emphasized that such fashion trends do not align with Ghanaian culture, describing them as overly influenced by Western norms.
“I think there is too much to reveal with these young people, everything is defining the laws of gravity (pointing to the boobs and butt), checking the upstairs and downstairs. This is Africa, this is Ghana, we do have our own culture. We do have our own sense of beauty. I don’t believe in throwing everything out there. No! it’s so Hollywood-like.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
Celebrities need to be mindful of the impact of their fashion choices on society, especially on young people, and to dress in a way that respects and upholds cultural norms and values.
By promoting modesty, decency, and respect in their fashion choices, celebrities set a positive example for others and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society.
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