Patronise “traditional rap” to revive the music industry – Agya Koo Nimo

Agya Koo Nimo

Veteran folk musician of high-life music, Agya Koo Nimo has advised contemporary musicians to avoid the use of pidgin English and use more of “traditional rap” to promote the rich culture of Ghanaian songs.

He said that the music industry was dying due to high patronage of modern rap. He therefore, admonished new artistes to value “traditional rap” as it portrays the unique Ghanaian culture.       

The 86 year old leading folk musician said this at Amu Theatre, Central Campus at a workshop dubbed “The Legendary Agya Koo Nimo in a live music workshop and performance” on Thursday 2^nd November, 2017.

“Musicians are like painters therefore, you select the paints you want for your work. But in Africa or Ghana in particular we are concerned about language. That is the decent practice of Ghanaians.

“At the moment, some of the songs are in pidgin English; again, modern rap is destroying the industry. Let’s endeavour to use traditional rap in our songs to revive the industry.” He said.

He warned musicians to act instinctively, exercise patience and sit down to write their songs properly before releasing them. “Make corporate studies, share ideas and opinions. There is something called rudiments of reading; desist from over reliance on the computer and learn the rules of quality music so you can breakthrough. Be versatile, dynamic and create contents on your own.” He cautioned.

He accused radio stations and DJs as being responsible for the dwindling industry. He said radio stations and DJs must scrutinize songs before giving them airplay since their duty was not only to entertain but to educate as well.    

The former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) also advised parents to keep a closer eye on their children. “Let’s get closer to the children, create and have time with them. The problems of our children these days are bigger than that of ours. Therefore, it is important to know the kind of songs they listen and sing so we educate them on what to hear and sing.” He hinted.

Born Kwabena Boa-Amponsah and baptized Daniel Amponsah, Agya Koo Nimo apologised to the people of Effutu for never setting foot in the town until he was invited by the Department of Music Education of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to share his experience with the students.