Sing, rap in the language you’re comfortable with - Lydia Forson 'rubbishes' call for English language

Have you ever thought of the reasons why our music finds it an uphill struggle to make it to the global market? Pretty sure, there are a number of these reasons running through your mind.

One of the heated debates ongoing currently on social media is language as the barrier in music.

The discussion monitored by GhanaWeb, was started by Youtuber Malik Ofori on Twitter, February 4, 2020. He argued that Ghanaian musicians are lagging behind on the international market because they fail to sing in English.

Comparing Ghana to neighbouring country Nigeria, he added that Nigerian musicians have crossed over due to the fact that they sing in English more than their local dialect.

“For Ghana music to take over African music again, Ghanaian artiste need to sing or rap more in English than in Twi, Nigerian’s are dominating cos others can relate and understand them better,” he said.

for Ghana music to take over African music again, Ghanaian artiste need to sing or rap more in English than in Twi, Nigerian’s are dominating cos others can relate and understand them better

— Malik Ofori (@malikofori) February 3, 2020

Not so convinced about the call for Ghanaian musicians to use the English language, Miss Lydia Forson thinks otherwise.

She insists that Ghanaian musicians should sing or rap in the language they are comfortable with.

"Dear Ghanaian Musicians, Please sing/rap in the language you’re comfortable in. I listen to Swahili music without knowing the words but it makes me feel good; Angelique Kidjo has won 4 Grammys singing in her language. I’m sorry but this tweet makes me uncomfortable."

Dear Ghanaian Musicians,

Please sing/rap in the language you’re comfortable in.

I listen to Swahili music without knowing the words but it makes me feel good; Angelique Kidjo has won 4 Grammys singing in her language.

I’m sorry but this tweet makes me uncomfortable ???? https://t.co/Wf0UiizFmL

— Miss Forson (@lydiaforson) February 4, 2020

Some months ago, award-winning rapper Sarkodie also advocated for his colleague musicians to be proud and sing in their native language.

Read the various thoughts below:

Music ain't much about language ,I think it's all about marketing. Nigeria dominate because they are plenty than us, n we hv to be proud of our numbers n keep working hard.

Eg: when Sark get 1.5 million views on YouTube a month on a music video, it much than WizKid with 3m

— BRAIN???????? (@MrChrisbrain1) February 5, 2020

I can agree to some extent, not on the English part. Twi a must to distinguish us, pidgin English and more hip hop type beats and arrangement with local instruments incorporated. Quality production

— Kobe Barksdale???????????????? (@xHeadHoncho) February 3, 2020

Matter of fact u are wrong. The world wants to listen to real african vibe, it interests them. You think me as an american will listen to Manifest rap in english over J cole or kendrick lamar? Or Will choose King Promise over justin bieber? Never.

— Port of Miami?????????????????? (@DutchYusif) February 4, 2020

I love @Zlatan_Ibile I don’t understand what he says, so it’s not language. It’s more about making people want to listen to you.

— iDeals (@i_Deals_Gh) February 4, 2020

Expect that you don't speak for Ghana. It's such a shame how you exposed yourself on this. Your reference is even worst when you choose Nigeria. Well I don't remember listening to any Nigerian song without their local dialect. This is just another (loose-talk).

— Ofeets) (@kwesi_kudoh) February 4, 2020