Ghanaian musician, Atongo Zimba has shared his thoughts on what can be done to promote and preserve Ghanaian culture.
He noted that although Ghana has a rich culture, unnecessary competition has robbed the country of its fortunes.
“Highlife came from Ghana, Nigerians took over it and it went viral. We keep on condemning everything about us. When someone is climbing a coconut tree, we keep on complaining so the coconut is there and nobody can get it. This is our problem. This attitude of ours must change so we can build Ghana and take it to the next level.”
Atongo Zimba
He, therefore, emphasized the need for a change in attitude, encouraging Ghanaians to focus on building each other up rather than bringing each other down.
“Everybody must do their thing, focus on it and not criticize. People used to criticize me because I played on the streets because I was very strong and thought I could carry things. We are not doing well because we like to compete with each other.”
Atongo Zimba
To encourage this mindset, it is essential to promote values such as empathy, respect, and inclusiveness. Education and awareness campaigns play a vital role in highlighting the benefits of collaboration and building each other up.
Additionally, creating platforms and networks that encourage cooperation and support among Ghanaians further strengthens this culture.
By focusing on building each other up, Ghanaians create a society that values unity, progress, and collective well-being
Atongo Zimba revealed the benefits he has gotten from playing the ‘kologo’ instrument, which has been his constant companion throughout his journey.
He fondly referred to it as his ‘passport’ because it has allowed him to travel across Africa without needing official documentation.
“This instrument is my signature. This is my ‘passport’. This is what I took around Africa with no passport. That’s why Fela couldn’t know where I came from because I didn’t have an ID card.
“I made this instrument myself because my grandfather knew how to make an instrument. I grew up with an instrument at home. I didn’t know I could make money out of it until I came to Accra.”
Atongo Zimba
Recounting Ordeal at the Beginning of Career
Atongo Zimba recounted the ordeal he went through to gain acceptance for his music at the beginning of his career.
According to him, music patrons were more focused on songs done in Twi, those themed on gossip, or women.
“In other countries, they don’t care about how you sing but rather the spirit and the message and also the energy you bring from your heart. They value that which in the end makes you have a good life too. But those days when I was in Ghana, you had to sing in Twi, gossip, or girls before people would listen to you.
“Ghanaians at that time were listening to the stories in the song and not the music. My message and stories in my songs were boring for Ghanaians.”
Atongo Zimba
The musician also recounted his humble beginnings as a young musician struggling to make ends meet.
According to him, he was left with no choice but to play on the streets, he gratefully accepted whatever people gave him.
“Some people gave me pepper, salt, coins and anything that they had on them. I did not have a choice so by the end of the day, if you give me salt and pepper, I had a bag by my side which I put inside and the coins and the notes go into my instrument.
Atongo Zimba
“If I start by 6 o’clock in the morning and close by 6 in the evening, I will need paracetamol to sleep because I was tired,” Atongo Zimba added.
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