Aben wo Ha' - No Ban

Following the announcement by an Accra FM station last week that it had suspended the playing of Daddy Lumba's newest song titled Aben Wo Ha on that radio station, speculation has gained grounds in many parts of the city that Aben Wo Ha has been banned.

Contrary to the speculation the National Commission on Culture which exercises authority over the music industry in Ghana says that it has no intention of banning Aben Wo Ha or any such song currently on the market.

Mr. Ebow Hawkson, Deputy Chairman of the Commission on Culture says that indeed the Commission has no authority to ban any song or any artistic expression because the Constitution of Ghana provides for freedom of expression.

Mr. Hawkson was of the opinion that if the public did not want any works all they can do is to show their disdain by refusing to patronise them.

A survey conducted by Graphic Showbiz this week among a cross-section of the public reveals that while one school of thought holds that the recording should be banned, another school of thought is vehemently opposed to the song being banned.

The survey shows that those who advocate a ban of Aben Wo Ha on radio are predominantly senior citizens who are aged 45 and above while majority of those who do not support a ban are mostly the youth below the age of 40 and a few senior citizens who are still young at heart.

One respondent, Mr. John Mante, a retired teacher, was of the strong opinion that the song should be banned "because it is simply indecent". To him, "the song should not be allowed to be played on our airwaves". He asked, "How can we allow our children to sing such a song and then we turn round to condemn teenage pregnancy?"

"In the past, before a song was released for public consumption, the music was subjected to critical analysis by a competent body, but what do we see today? Now, anybody can string together any immoral words, accompany them with instruments and pass them off as music. This particular song is immoral, a recipe for the corruption of our children. It should be banned!"

Madam Florence Kosi, a cloth-seller in her mid-40s however saw nothing wrong with the song. "I don't understand the lyrics completely but to me, it is not the meaning of the song that matters but the beat. It is so nice. It should not be banned" she said.

Mr. Yaw Amoafo, 30, a music seller was rather surprised about the fuss being raised about the song. "It is not always the lyrics, but the rhythm of the song that matters to the music lover or listener. It is so with Aben Wo Ha. It is easy to sing, that is why people who do not even understand Twi enjoy the song. To me, it is a beautiful song that should not be banned".

Another music shop owner of Kantamanto in Accra, Mr. Samuel Odum of Uncle Sam Music Shop had this to say: "Considered seriously there is no reason why Aben Wo Ha should be banned, because it is too late in the day. When Rex Omar's Abiiba and Gyedu Blay Ambolley's Besia N'Yaase have been allowed airplay why not Lumba's song which is far more decent?

"People patronise particular songs because they are inspiring to them especially gospel music. In the case of Lumba's Aben Wo Ha, it is because the lyrics are easy on the tongue. It is like a popular slogan which has caught on with the people. It should not be banned".

Mrs. Mary Cofie, a mother of four was however vehemently against such songs being played on our airwaves. "It is one of the most degrading songs against womanhood which no decent parent should allow her children to sing. It should be banned. My daughters, thank God, won't go in for such a song!"

Similarly, Pastor Buckle wonders what thoughts go through the minds of the composer of the song and those who enjoy it as they listen to the music. "It is simply a measure of the moral decay of our society. The authorities must ban it".

To Nii Adjetey, 25, however, this is the best piece of music to come from Daddy Lumba. "It is a great work of art. It should not be banned".

Comfort Gyan, 24, also thinks it is rather the noise being made about Aben Wo Ha which is making the song more popular. "Until all the hullabaloo about the song, I was not particular about the song, but after listening to it critically, I have come to like it. It should not be banned".

A 50-year-old mechanic, Kojo Dadzie of Kokompe however summed it up with "Music is like a piece of cloth. There are many designs and colours. Everyone of us has his choice".

Meanwhile, a survey of the music shops in Accra indicate that Aben Wo Ha continues to be the fastest-selling cassette album on the market today. Source: Graphic Showbiz