Should we play your great grandfather’s songs to mourn Kofi B? - Asamoah-Baidoo jabs ignoramus

In the wake of criticisms against radio presenters for playing Kofi B's songs after news of his demise was reported, entertainment analyst Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has asked critics to shut up.

His reaction, as usual did not come without a jab as he wondered if these critics expected the radio presenters to play their great grandfather's songs in mourning the Highlife musician.

"Ah wait oo, the guy is dead; whose song should we play? Your great grandfather’s?” he asked in a brief Facebook post.

Kofi B was reported to have died on Sunday.

According to musician Kofi Nti, the deceased, known in private life as Kofi Boakye Yiadom, had told him a week ago he was not well and was receiving treatment at End Point Homeopathic Clinic. 

A report by Graphic Showbiz quotes Kofi Nti to have said he and Kofi B were booked for a birthday bash for a chief at Abaase Domenase on Sunday February 2. 

He explained that they lodged in a hotel in the town ready to play the show only for Kofi B to bang on his door around 2:30 am that he was not feeling too good. 

“The sad news is that Kofi B died at dawn today [February 2, 2020]. He is no more and I am really going to miss him because he was more than a brother to me” he said. 

Moments after his death was reported, various radio stations started playing his songs - an action that was met with backlash from a section of the public.

They argued that Kofi B's songs would not have been played in that manner if he hadn't died.

Radio presenters were not the only people to have received backlash as some showbiz personalities including musician Tic and Efia Odo suggested that the many Ghanaians who joined the chorus of tributes to Kofi B, calling him a legend in the music industry were hypocrites.

For Mr. Asamoah-Baidoo, the criticisms are rather unjustified.

Below is his full post:

..OF KOFI B, HYPOCRISY& LACK OF KNOWLEDGE!

Kofi B is dead; and as always, there’s a tense debate on the sort of support he garnered in his lifetime and the aftermath of his untimely demise.

This matter has been thoroughly discussed. I won’t go into it.

The other contentious matter that irks me a little, just a little, is the chatter that, radio presenters and by extension, music lovers are exhibiting some level of hypocrisy by playing his songs after his death.

Ah wait oo, the guy is dead; whose song should we play? Your great grandfather’s?

The fact is; the death of an entertainer elicits the play/exhibition of his/her works as a sign of respect, recognition for their work. It is a normal phenomenon that transpires everywhere – every freaking where. In 1977, when Elvis Presley died, his album hit No.1.

When Michael Jackson died in 2009, his album hit No.1 and when Amy Winehouse died in 2011, her album hit No.1. The examples are endless. In fact, there are so many musicians whose songs/albums have hit No.1 posthumously.

If we had proper data and records system, you’d realize that the likes of Mr. A.A.A, Daasebre Gyamena,Danny Nettey, Michael Dwamena, Terrry Bonchaka and the many we lost would have hit No.1 with the play and patronage of their songs after their demise.

It is normal – so check, learn about it and stop shouting!