Following calls to reshape the mindset of the citizenry for development through music, Ghanaian musician, Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, known as M.anifest believes it is possible, but says it must be done genuinely.
“I can say creative things, either film, music or theater, we can change people, especially people growing up. We can normalize some things. You can use film to normalize bleaching and you can use to it say bleaching is not good. Same thing with music.” – he explained.
The call was made by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, during his bid for flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he revealed his intention to initiate a transformative agenda aimed at reshaping the mindsets of all Ghanaians if elected president.
The MP said his strategy involves collaborating with musicians from across Ghana to create a collection of inspiring and heroic songs that will instill a sense of patriotism in Ghanaians.
In an interview with Bernard Lav on Atinka TV’s Morning show, the Music Pro, M.anifest, said, “It is not something we can achieve when we force somebody (artists) to go and do music about topics they don’t mean talking about. It has to be meaningful to the musicians singing the song. If it doesn’t mean anything to you, nobody will follow”.
“If I sing to tell people to move from Ghana to seek greener pastures abroad, my followers will first ask what is wrong with me because that is not the M.anifest they know. So, it’s not just about we just singing. It has the power if it is genuine and relevant to people’s lives. Music is a spiritual thing, not like Maths and people will believe you when you tell them 1+1 = 2. People will never feel it when it’s not genuine” – he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Music Department at Valley View University, Emmanuel Boahen, has also backed calls to consider music as a tool in reshaping the minds of Ghanaians.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our journalist, Ebenezer Kewaw Madugu after the Graduation Parade for the 2023 Course 2 of the Ghana Armed Forces Music Training School, Mr. Boahen said, music is the best tool to instill patriotism for the development of the nation.
‘Somebody once said, give me control of those who shape the country’s music. I don’t care about those who make laws. Music influences the listener, and this is why the people in the music industry must be guided to sing to ethics and morals. That is why naturally, we have songs that are loved by children and those that are patronized by elders. God in his wisdom made this principle”.
Ghana |Atinkaonline.com | Ebenezer Kewaw Madugu
