Changing Trends In Ghanaian Music

Not too long ago in the 1980s, Ghanaians were entertained, inspired, motivated and informed by dignified songs presented by musicians in the land.

Musicians at the time through their lyrics advised the young ones and instilled in them the cultural values of the land through dressing, language and various ethnic dances.

As said by Jean Cocteau, “all good music resembles something. Good music stirs us with its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivate it.”

Musicians like Nana Ampadu, Lee Duodu, Amakye Dede, Ben Brako, Daddy Lumba, Kojo Antwi, Obuoba JA Addofo and CST Amankwaa are few of the many who through their music educated, inspired, advised, informed, healed and promoted peace, love and harmony among Ghanaians.

Their innovative soul-stirring music really depicted rich Ghanaian culture.

The trend has not been the same as it was in the days of the past in the music industry in Ghana. Our music industry seems to have departed from the purpose for which it was instituted.

The kind of musicians we have in the system do not care about their lyrics or words they use, the kind of clothes they wear, the various stages, dances they use and the kind of information they carry in their songs.

They seem to have got it all wrong since the liberation of the music industry from censorship.

All the youth including some adults have got to learn from some musicians today is violent and aggressive language, profane and abusive talk, and indecent Western styles of dressing where young girls and women go almost naked, exposing their private parts in video clips.

In fact, many of the music videos on the markets now are full of pornographic characters while their lyrics have no meaning and for that matter make no sense.

It is about time musicians in the land come to know their usefulness as powerful instruments or media planted on earth to foster peace and integrity into the general public through our Ghanaian culture.

New ones must therefore follow the footsteps of their predecessors and live exemplary lives so children can learn and internalize good moral values from them.

Let’s not so quickly forget the days of censorship where a number of musicians, example AB Crentsil, fell foul of the law with his song “MOSES.”

We must not allow our passions to destroy our dreams, roles, objectives and cultures. For us to be able to live our lives at ease, we must do what we ought and not what we please.

A survey conducted at five music shops indicated zero percent sales of the old time Ghanaian music.

The shops were full of modern hip-life/pop songs, both local and foreign, rap music and a few of what we term, “Gospel music” which also comprised of local and foreign categories.

“I find it very difficult to sell those CDs. Latest songs from Sarkodie, Castro & Asamoah Gyan, D Crime, Obrafour and Buk Bak sell faster at good prices compared to those of musicians like Nana Ampadu, Lee Duodu, Addofo and likes,” a seller commented.

Other responses at different music vending locations were no different.

In order to restore discipline, peace and cultural values, authorities such as MUSIGA lead by Bice Osei Kufuor, popularly known in the music industry as Obour, music and film producers and all stakeholders as well as presenters of both radio and television shows should play their role of gate keeping.

This is by making sure that their outlets would not be used to propagate and promote the bad songs and music videos. They must see to it that only the best is aired.