Use African music to propagate its values - Chief Mokwugwo

Accra, Sept. 11, GNA - Ichee (Chief) Geoffery N. Mokwugwo, Managing Director of Worldwide Electoral Limited on Saturday urged Africans not to abandon African music and culture because of the enticing presence of other cultures.

Rather, they should "study them critically, recreate, modify or expand them in the light of our experience or new ideas," he stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the launching of Soul Entertainers Band of Nigerians latest album: "Stop The Rush," in Accra. Chief Mokwugwo said even though African culture may appear to one generation as a crooked tree, it must be remembered that, "it is the crooked tree that bears straight branches."

He said Africa does not only need political, economic and technological experts to move the continent forward but artistic men and women who through their musical performance model and the use of forms of traditional knowledge that have contemporary relevance and address the challenges of the time.

Chief Mokwugwo described African Musicians as cultural ambassadors who must use the power of music to fight against Western influences on its tradition.

He urged African Musicians to adopt traditional wear and use it during their performances and condemned artistes who attempt to adulterate African unique culture with foreign ones.

Africa abounds in profound musical thinkers and philosophers who could assert the African identity through the medium of their musical performance, songs and deeds, especially on stage and off stage, he emphasis.

Chief Mokwugwo also called for collaboration between musicians and media practitioners as well as entices the private sector to support their production.

He noted that the other cultures have used the medium of music, art, entertainment and drama to colonise the African mentally, adding, "the time has come for we, now to use the same medium to liberate ourselves." He also called for injection of professionalism in the production of music, entertainment, films and other cultural expositions about Africa. Mother Jolly Abani, the artiste, entertained scores of music lovers who congregated at the La Palm Royal Hotel for the launch with melodious songs intermingled with swift enticing romantic body movement and inviting gestures to the admiration of the audience.

With a unique costume portraying the African woman's vital shapes, Mother Abani moved the audience to the dance floor at every stage of the four-hour performance.