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Condemn songs with profane lyrics… Ras Appiah-Levi urges public

Roots Reggae Music Singer and Performer, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, has encouraged local musicians to produce songs that unite and rally citizens for social and economic development.

He believed musicians must use their platforms to justify a nation­al course or help people express their feelings, instead of endorsing profanity.

Making reference to Ivorian singer Alpha Blondy and Nige­ria’s Sonny Okosun and other renowned acts, he agreed that mu­sicians “are not mere entertainers but philosophers, social commen­tators and freedom fighters who use their voice to reinforce public sentiments or rise up against injus­tices in society.”

He said though there were some exceptional artistes in the country, a number of indigenous musicians still produced songs in bad taste and must, therefore, be called to order.

“Most of our current songs encourage nothing but sexual activities. Things previously done in secrecy are now public due to the irresponsibility of some musicians who com­pose certain songs,” he noted.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday on the theme “A Clarion Call to the Afri­can Youth,” he contended that the circulation of profane songs was partly to blame for the “wayward­ness of the youth” in recent times.

Urging the public to be bold in condemning songs with inap­propriate lyrics, he said explicit music videos and composi­tions tended to influence young people negatively hence the need for producers to properly screen the work of artistes before they went public.

Mr Appiah-Levi, also the Founding President of Pan-Africa Ghana (PAG), said there was “lack of proper direction, guidance and counselling” for young people, and therefore called for “re-redirec­tion.”

He said PAG – a group of professionals championing African ideals would, among other things, promote African enterprises using music, arts and culture for socio-economic development.

The organisation again aims to deepen ties between the African continent and the Diaspora while working towards the enlightenment of African men and women.

In line with these objectives, Mr Appiah-Levi said young people “must learn their history and re­discover themselves as the country would have no future if the youth do not know themselves.”

Okatakyei Nana Anim I, Saana­hene (Royal Treasurer) of Ati Amanfrom near New Tafo Akyem Abuakwa in the Eastern Region, commended PAG on its objec­tives and initiatives and called for promotion of local music, cuisine and culture on the continent and beyond.

Mrs Fidelia Graand-Galon, the Ambassador of Surinam, praised organisations working to empower the youth and encouraged citizens to “embark on a journey of discov­ery” to other countries, including the Kingdoms of Suriname.

Community Education and Youth Development Activist, Dr Akosua Abdallah, also urged the youth to be curious, open minded and make good opportunities to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

The executives of the association were also introduced at the event.

Mr Gerald Myers Biney, Public Relations Officer, PAG, said the group would help the youth devel­op their potentials as it planned a number of initiatives to achieve the objectives of the association.

 BY ERNEST NUTSUGAH

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