Give Sarkodie a break; he does not need to apologise to Krobos

Chiefs and ordinary citizens have accused the musician of mocking Krobo women in a song titled “Jennifer Lomotey” by Kurl Songx, who won the MTN hitmaker show in 2016.

A line in the song attributed to Sarkodie mocked: “Krɔbɔ nii baa papa a ahweneɛ da ne sisi. Ɔkɔmfo Anɔkye de adwaman no abɔ ne dua.”

This translates: “A good Krobo lady with beads around her waist. Okomfo Anokye has cursed her with promiscuity.”

The line has angered many Krobos, who have called on Sarkodie to apologise.

The Paramount Chief of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite II has since said that the artiste may be ignorant about the story he sought to say in the music.

“That Okomfo Anokye thing is ignorance because with all the marks on the Krobo woman, telling her you can’t do this – if you do this, this is what will happen to you, most women don’t do that," he said.

"So that guy [Sarkodie] should retract that song otherwise we would have to meet him at the appropriate quarters," he warned.

The reactions from the Krobos and their traditional leaders are expected, considering the issues are related to ethnicity, and many of us probably know how individuals are very loyal to their ethnic groups and would therefore not be enthused if derogatory words are used against their group.

What really is the basis of the hullabaloo about the song?

Growing up, many have been told of some myths about several ethnic groups in Ghana. Such stories are usually taken lightly considering they cannot be substantiated. And one of such stories is about Krobo ladies where the legendary character, Okomfo Anokye is believed to have cursed Krobo ladies of purportedly being promiscuous. This was after some Krobo ladies reportedly glanced at his nakedness at a time he was bathing in a river somewhere in the 15th Century.

Note that this is not the only ethnic group that has been stereotyped. The Ashantis, Ewes, and Fantes have had their own share.

So the question is: Can’t people make jokes anymore without being lambasted?

This is music and hence I wonder where all the fuss is coming from. If that is the path we would want to follow, then maybe we would need to go back and listen critically to music from the likes of Daddy Lumba, Ofori Amponsah, Shatta Wale, and former musician A-Plus whose lyrics are believed to be insulting to women and politicians.

Besides, I strongly believe that Sarkodie’s line in the “Jennifer Lomotey” song has been misinterpreted. When trying to analyse the meaning or intent behind the lyrics of an artiste, one must not forget the context within which the words were used. Thus, the surrounding words accompanying the lyrics being analysed must also be taken into consideration.

Kindly listen to the lyrics of the song carefully, and you would realise that Sarkodie was basically complimenting his loved one, Jennifer Lomotey through words.

For instance, he used the word “adwaman” [promiscuity] in his “infamous” line and perhaps many Ghanaians, especially the Krobos have not taken it lightly as they feel insulted.

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But I do not think Sarkodie planned this to make any ethnic group feel bad.

As one blogger, David Mawuli puts it: “Sometimes, when the beat is so good and hits your heart straight, you have no option than to LET IT OUT. You spit whatever comes from the heart. Only better rappers will understand what I am talking about.”

Sarkodie was basically saying that Jennifer Lomotey is good in bed and therefore, competent enough to give him sexual satisfaction. This should not necessarily be identified as promiscuity or prostitution.

And as earlier indicated, myths are not peculiar to only Krobos. And imagine what would have happened if all the other ethnic groups are to express their sensitivities caused by the myths? We may not be able to live at peace with each other.

In effect, I can confidently say I do not find any basis upon which Sarkodie should apologise. Those who are fuming over the music should relax, sit back and listen to the masterpiece.