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When it comes to anything concerning Ghana, I can go on and on because deep down I love my country and love to think I am a patriotic citizen (or used to be).

Yesterday, on the 6th March 2024, Ghana celebrated its 67th independence celebration and I did not know how to feel. In fact, I was not in a celebratory mood – which is very valid. The deteriorating state of the country would not allow me to celebrate our so-called independence. This is not to say I am expecting a perfect Ghana – there is no perfect country, not even the developed ones but after 67 years of an independence our forefathers fought for so tirelessly, you would think that the black man was indeed capable of managing his own affairs. Is this really the case? I have always said Kwame Nkrumah must have definitely been on something that night because as we have seen and still seeing, that is definitely NOT TRUE.

Ghana has been more retrogressive than progressive for the past decades not because we don’t have the capabilities but because of the greedy and wicked people we call leaders. It is pathetic and such a shame! In 2024, our education, health and welfare system as a country is in total disarray – most people are on a survival mode. One of the few things we still boast of as a country is peace which is true. But till when? And is peace an indicator of a progressive economy? 

Yet every 6th March, there is a parade where long speeches are made yet little to no action. Aren’t we tired of this charade? We as young people especially are being robbed of our future in a country where the life expectancy is age 64. So imagine being in your early 30s (like myself and most of my friends), employed but earning chicken change as a single person. So imagine wanting to start a family and, own a house (which is almost impossible for young people with the ridiculous prices of houses and building materials) and live a decent life in present day Ghana – almost impossible. So the probable solution for most people is to leave the country – the brain drain problem which never stops but our so-called leaders are not bothered! 

This evening, I hosted a Twitter space discussion on the ‘Impact Ghana’ account and it was similar to the views I had on the state of the country. Someone made a point on extending grace in our conversations as Ghana is just 67 years young. I believe two truths can co-exist. Yes, we are 67 years young but we could do far better than we are doing currently – especially our government and citizens alike!

I am not a happy Ghanaian and I did not feel like celebrating independence day which I didn’t. I don’t have anything against those who did because they may have had reasons to celebrate whereas I didn’t. I hope one day, I have a reason to celebrate but until then, I hope for a better Ghana and as someone passionate about my country, in one way or the other, I intend to contribute my quota towards its progress!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I hope your day and life is surrounded with love, joy and blessings all round.

This is my first official post of the year! So a Happy New Year to you all too!

Just like that, we are a month and a half into the year, 2024! Just like every other year, I am sure this year came with wings to fly and before we know it, it’s December again.

Today, I would like to share ‘a love project’ – a not for profit organization I co-founded with a friend and fellow activist, Lemona Chanda – Global Activists Network.

As someone who has been an activist for 7 years and counting, I am elated to have co-founded an initiative where I get to implement my own initiatives and ideas within the international development space and get to highlight and uplift the voices of grassroots activists. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to build an organization from the ground up and watch it blossom into something great.

We launched GAN last weekend on the 10th February which saw about 40 participants join us to hear from our seasoned speakers/changemakers – Jensine Larsen and Eden Tadesse. It was amazing to hear from these women who are leaders in their own field and killing it. I am also very grateful to all the people within my network who showed up – I am so grateful. May God bless you all. I do not take this for granted!

Please follow our socials: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for our upcoming programs and sessions. Be part of the movement!

This February has started well for me and I cannot wait to see what this year brings – and all the amazing opportunities and impact I am able to work on in my personal and professional life.

That is all for now! I just wanted to update you on what has been happening in my professional life – please stay tuned! Follow our socials and support the movement!
Have a lovely day and be great! See you soon with another post soon!

Whoosh! 2023 has almost ended! What a year. What makes this year special is that I turned 30! I am in a new decade of my life. 

This year was hard! Well, life is made up of good and bad moments but this year in particular, I was faced with some very tough situations but somehow I survived. One thing I have realized in my life thus far is that I always survive (even when I think I wouldn’t). GOD IS GOOD!

I am grateful to God for always being there for me and all the amazing people he has put in my life who have been so supportive. What more could I ask for?

This year, I traveled to five countries: Portugal (The Algarve), Leiden (The Netherlands), US (New York), Malta and Wales (Cardiff). 

Traveling to Portugal at the time I did was quite bold. Girl was broke but still said (FUCK IT). My mantra, ‘You only live once’ is so strong! I have always said that it doesn’t make sense to wait till I have the money I want before I do the things I want to do (especially travel) – tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed my lovelies!

I finally had the opportunity to have a ‘graduation ceremony‘ three years after completing my Masters degree – especially to take pictures with my certificate and I DID! I am thankful for this experience and looking forward to another ‘graduation’ maybe an Honorary Doctorate? AMEN!

I was selected to attend the GoalKeepers summit by the Gates Foundation in New York – FULLY FUNDED! I was ecstatic about this because I was meant to attend in 2022 but for some reason, it didn’t happen. But GOD DID! It was an amazing experience! I flew Business Class too (for the FIRST TIME). I am officially a Goalkeeper!

On my birthday every year, especially since my early 20s, I make sure I do something exceptional – which is mostly travel to a country on my travel list. For my BIG 30 (which is a BIG DEAL), I traveled to Malta! A small country but with so much to see. I had such an amazing time overall!

Christmas was such a big deal when I was much younger in Ghana. In recent times, it is not much of a big deal (at least to me) but I still try and do something. For this year, I visited Wales (a country part of the UK I hadn’t visited yet). Though it was cold, I mean this is the UK we are talking about but I had a good time! I needed that change of environment and time for self reflection as well. 

Apart from the places I traveled to by God’s Grace I achieved other feats which I will briefly share:

I assumed leadership on the ONE UK Community Leaders Programme which I am a part of – working closely with the Programme Coordinator as a team leader. It has been an amazing experience so far contributing towards the coordination and delivery of the programme. A double WIN! 

On this programme too, I achieved personal feats:

I led our first CL produced newsletter detailing our campaign actions, engagements and overall achievements as CLs. 

I was involved in the recruitment of our new cohort of CLs – it was nice hearing all the incredible experiences of the applicants, getting to be in the shoes of recruiters having to decide on hiring an applicant – not easy!

I led a petition hand in at No.10 Downing Street (Prime Minister’s seat) Hand In urging the Prime Minister to attend the Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris. This has got to be one of my biggest highlights of the year especially as this petition was from over 174000 ONE supporters globally and it was on the climate crisis. I also had the opportunity to meet ONE’s President, Tom Hart (who I met at the GoalKeepers in New York as well). 

I met with the UK Minister of Energy Security, Graham Stuart, where I had the opportunity to talk about my involvement in climate activism and also urge the UK government to commit to ending the climate crisis (by investing in climate financing schemes) especially in developing countries. 

I did a Twitter Takeover on International Youth Day (via the ONE in the UK account) where I shared with their audience on my involvement in climate activism. It was my first time doing something like that – it was FUN! 

I met my MP, Richard Burgon who has been incredibly supportive of my campaigns in the past and still is among other things. This time we discussed ONE’s new campaign on In Donor Refugee Costs (IDRCs) – which he received well as always and agreed to write to the Chancellor on this. 

I attended a lobby day at the Houses of Parliament to lobby MPs on the East Africa Hunger Crisis. This was an opportunity to hear from diverse UK MPs and how they are working towards ending the crisis as well.

I participated in an Africa Day photshoot with fellow African CLs on Africa Day, an opportunity to showcase our diverse and rich culture and to reflect on the development and progress on the continent.

I also met and interacted with the winners of the 2023 Michael Elliot Award for Excellence in African Storytelling in July 2023. It was incredible to hear the motivation behind their award winning articles and the challenges they had to overcome to produce them. HEROES!

Moving on, I got a job – not quite in my field. It was in communications – working as an Account Executive. I was elated to get to experience what it was like in the working world and specifically in a different field. Unfortunately, it did not go the way I quite wanted so I resigned. It was an amicable ending from both sides but either way, I am very much grateful for the experience! 

I also returned to my former university where I earned an MSc in Public Administration; Leiden University. I participated in a tradition at the university (signing in the sweat room) and also took pictures with my certificate – such a bummer that I did not have official graduation pictures – due to COVID!

I was selected as a UN Women UK CSW 67 Delegate where I joined other women activists across the UK to engage in discussions and sessions on promoting gender equality for women and girls. 

Public speaking has been such a nightmare for some time now (though I have gotten better over the years) but guess who spoke at 2 events this year. ME! I spoke at the SDGs Student Programme Global Issue Forum on ‘Extreme Poverty’ and RESULTS’ National UK Conference on ‘The Power of Youth Voices’ and I KILLED IT! I am so PROUD of myself! 

I joined a group of young Ghanaians demanding for good governance in Ghana for the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in London. We caused a stir among the NPP footsoldiers and made our voices heard! I AM PROUD! As part of this, I am currently helping establish ImpactGhana (the organizer of the protest) – an organization geared towards impacting Ghana through special initiatives and programs. 

I was selected as a Mentor on the Nurturing Talent Mentoring Scheme (NTMS), an initiative of my alma mata, University of Leeds (Business School) whereby I have the opportunity to mentor a current student guiding them in their academic and professional journey. I benefited from this scheme when I was a student and it is an amazing experience to give back. 

I was selected for the Junior Research Fellowship with the European Institute of Policy Research and Human Rights (EIPRHR) where I conducted research on public policy, defended my research paper and participated in an online exam which I excelled in!

I also attended the Westminster Awards (ONE Changemakers’ Award) in Parliament where two individuals making a difference in their communities across the UK were duly honored.  

I have been chosen to deliver a training session on SDGs and also speak on a similar topic in a UK university early next year! My prophecy of being a speaker is finally taking shape. I am ECSTATIC!

As a lover of classical music – after being introduced to Ludovico Einaudi by a friend in uni. His album, In a Time Lapse was my saviour some time in university (story for another day). I was ecstatic to see him perform live in concert in October, shortly after my birthday! Woosh! I had a swell time. It was a FUN night!

I have 100 posts on this blog as well! My consistency in writing frequently has been great! I hope I am able to keep up with the momentum in 2024 and beyond.

There are other exciting things I am working on that I cannot wait to share! 2024 looks exciting and promising!

On the other hand, I missed out on two opportunities because I could not get funding to attend but we MOVE! 

I strongly believe my 30s will be more LIT and I am here for it! Girl is about to SHINE BRIGHTER than ever. Break glass ceilings, sit on tables and in rooms with influential people and get invited to many more exclusive events. I am beyond thankful for these achievements and even the challenges that strengthened me. 2024, BRING IT ON!

I want to add that, even if I had not achieved all these, I will still be very grateful for seeing another year. Not many had that opportunity and besides the gift of life is the most important. A Twi proverb sums this up nicely, ‘Wow) nkwa a, na wow) ade’ which means ‘You have something when you are alive’.

HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE! May 2024 be kinder to us all! See you soon with another post!

We live in a society where it is almost as though if you are at a certain age and you are single, you have committed a crime (especially 30 and above). You are not spared criticisms, nasty looks and constant reminders of how your biological clock is ticking and how you need to settle down and all sorts…from churches, families (the WORST!), neighborhoods, friendship groups and so on. 

It is quite unfortunate. Because you would think that you are living your life for people or you owe people explanations regarding how YOU choose to live YOUR life. IT’S CRAZY!

What triggered this post is that a few weeks ago, a certain ‘prophetess’ and her ‘prophet’ husband based in London were dragged on social media, especially on Twitter (my favorite app). I hardly say this but they did DESERVE every bit of it! 

So these two people are not married yet (they only got married last week). They thought it wise to organize a ‘Kingdom Relationships Masterclass’ and charge ridiculous prices for it – all in the name of influencing young people especially women to date right or whatever. 

First of all, I will not attend a masterclass on relationships/dating. It is a COMPLETE waste of my precious time. Secondly, I will not attend a masterclass with two young people who have not even married yet. What are you going to tell me that I already do not know or experienced? (We are both not married? HELLO?). Thirdly, these things don’t guarantee you will have a successful relationship (based on whatever you are taught). I strongly believe that relationships are a matter of luck. You can do all the right things, be the right person and will still be screwed up BIG TIME! Life does not have a manual nor do relationships! Lastly, these guys are SCAMMERS! They found a smart way of paying for their wedding because why should I pay £350 (early bird) and £500 (late) for a ‘masterclass’ which will be held virtually and add insult on top of the injury that I will have ‘a full livestream of your wedding’. As what exactly? Even the Royal Wedding we watched on TV for FREE! Let’s be SERIOUS please!

I am glad people spoke against how some churches and preachers go on and on about marriage, dating, relationships and so on and so forth in most of their sermons. I am not totally against these but it’s the signal they are sending that worries me. It is almost as if being single especially as a woman is a SIN meanwhile I am yet to see anywhere in the Bible or any other religion that says so. I would prefer to see more balanced sermons on relationships that inasmuch as marriage may have its benefits, it is NOT for everyone. Let’s be realistic! Being single or getting married is a choice and everyone should decide what they want. 

Some preachers need to stop targeting their sermons at single women hence influencing their desperation to settle and to get married (just to fit in) only to be filled with regrets later on. These things happen every now and then. Some churches are known for encouraging women to marry early; so they can have children early and so on and so forth. What makes you think the fact that someone marries early means they will have children early or want to have children that early? Life will SHOCK you! 

I mostly see all sorts of ridiculousness on social media day in and day out but what takes the cake is when I saw a video of some women wearing wedding gowns in the name of manifesting their weddings (GOSH!) The most cringey thing I have seen in a while! You can defend this all you want with scripture but it screams DESPERATION! I am yet to see men do these. It is mostly women who are on the altars of prayer praying for marriage and children too. This echoes my thought that society has always been unfair to women because from a young age you are conditioned to want marriage (whether you like it or not). Thus, for some women, their life’s goal is to get married at a certain age (especially in their 20s) and they are GOOD! Whilst there may be nothing entirely wrong with this, it is dangerous to build your whole world around one person or an institution. What happens if it doesn’t happen or if it does and it is not how you envisaged it? Or it wrecks and ruins you? (because the stories about some marriages I read these days convince me that it may not be for me).

I really pray that people have discernment to navigate this crazy world that we find ourselves in because some people have made it their life’s mission to make others miserable by their words, actions and inactions. Don’t be that person or don’t be influenced by them. Like I always say, there is more to life than marriage, careers, friendships among others. Your purpose! Find that and walk it in boldly! If it includes marriage then so be it. If not, so be it! If you desire marriage, take your time, date wisely, pray and be vigilant. Also, be extremely careful of the content you consume on social media, the sermons you listen to, or the youtube/social media couples you follow. They won’t be entirely honest with you (We have witnessed the break ups of some recently). Resist the urge to be pressured into marriage or pay for any ridiculous masterclass on relationships you may not benefit from. Marriage is not the beginning and end of life. Live your life audaciously and be HAPPY! That is all that matters! We are all not getting out alive and as far as I am concerned, there is no marriage in HEAVEN.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay tuned for the last blog post of the year! 

Exactly a year from today, Ghanaians will be going to the polls to elect a new president for the next four years. Phew! I remember vividly when the 2020 elections were conducted. When they say ‘Time flies’, it really does! 

Unfortunately for us, we are still stuck with the two major political parties: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are currently in power and the major opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC). The reason why I use ‘unfortunately’ is because these two political parties have been in power since 1992 and I can boldly say there has been little to no progress in the country (this is not even up for debate).

Personally, I have never voted before. 2012 elections would have been my first chance to vote but I was not in the country at the time. But I honestly thank God I wasn’t because I am almost certain I would have voted for NPP (Geez! I would have deeply regretted this!) – Why do I say this?

The current president of Ghana, Nana Akuffo Addo, contested for Presidency on three different occasions before winning on his third attempt; 2008 (lost), 2012 (lost which ended up in court proceedings) and 2016 (He finally won!). I need to borrow a leaf from his resilience because man must have thrown a lot of money away campaigning and all sorts on those three occasions (He found a way to get all the money back anyways). Well, his dream of becoming President finally came to pass on the 8th December 2016 when he was declared President Elect of the Republic of Ghana. A lot of people were happy for him! Not only because he won on his third attempt but the promises he made to Ghanaians. Among them is the infamous Free SHS Program, 1 District 1 Factory (1D 1F), reinforcing the healthcare system by building more hospitals among others. 

The sad and painful truth is that Akuffo Addo has scammed Ghanaians – really done us dirty – this is coming from someone whose family is a staunch NPP supporter. My grandmother (RIP), woe betide you if you speak ill about NPP or even Akuffo Addo will literally come for your head. I remember how she had Akuffo Addo’s stickers around the house months leading up to the 2008 elections and refused to remove them even after the terrible loss NPP suffered at the polls that year. For some reason, I also supported NPP and would have casted my first vote for NPP in 2012 (Again, thank God, I didn’t!). Tribal politics is deeply rooted in Ghana such that Ashantis (which I am) are known to be NPP supporters whilst Gas, Ewes, Northerners and even Fantes (mostly because of the late President Atta Mills) are mostly known to be NDC supporters. 

This is ridiculous especially in this day and era but unfortunately not most people change with the times – some are still stuck in their traditional/superstitious beliefs among others.

Akuffo Addo’s governance has been a monumental disappointment and nothing to write home about. He may have delivered on some promises but that is definitely not enough – at least compared to his campaign promises. And the annoying thing is that they detest it when you refer them to what they said they will do and haven’t done. It’s the audacity for me when you were literally begging us to vote for you in order to make our lives better. When you come to power and you do the exact opposite, we HAVE EVERY right to call you out! The point is, he lacks accountability just like his predecessors and has done nothing to ensure transparency in his government. WHAT A FAILURE! Meanwhile, this is someone who said there will be no room for corruption in his government but they were all BIG FAT LIES! We have witnessed most of them – right before our eyes including the Late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie’s (popularly known as Sir John) controversial will which included part of the Achimota Forest Reserve (a national treasure) being willed to one of his family members. Not to talk of Cecilia Dapaah’s scandal!

The crux of the matter is that the NPP government has done nothing to make the life of the average Ghanaian better but WORSE day in, day out. To top it all, they aren’t a LISTENING government either. They introduce taxes every now and then including the infamous ‘E-Levy’ but only God knows where these monies go (probably under someone’s bed). Ghanaians are still paying ‘Covid Tax’, ‘NHIL’ (National Health Insurance Levy), ‘Tourism tax’ yet NOTHING is working in the country and I cannot pinpoint one sector doing SO WELL! Big time THIEVES and SCAMMERS! Yet they get mad when they are called out. Then DO BETTER! 

With all the scandals and deterioration this government has caused the country (setting us back to about 50 years or more with their unnecessary borrowing and massive misappropriation of government funds), the current Vice President, Dr. Bawumia (the so-called ‘economic wizkid’) still has the guts to contest for the presidency in next year’s election. I really need this man’s guts to pursue my goals in 2024! All of a sudden, he can lead Ghana to the promised land with his fabulous ideas. It’s as though he is not part of the current government. What a JOKE! Unfortunately, this scammer has people following him and cheering him on. In fact, he was declared the official flagbearer for the NPP after their delegates’ elections. In a sane country, the NPP should not even get up to 10% votes in the upcoming elections but we all know that is only a dream. 

This is not to say the NDC is a better option. To be honest, I am tired of these two parties. Two sides of the same coin. So what happens in 2024? I recently learned Ghana has 24 official political parties. Why are the others sleeping? Because we need a strong third force and a competent leader to lead us. Enough of these political gimmicks! I have always said that if a competent leader emerges with good policies and vision for Ghana, I will make sure I will be in Ghana next year on the 7th December to vote for the person but I can’t see any yet.

Ghana is my home, my country. So dear to my heart. It hurts to see the country falling apart because of these thieves in power. I believe we still have time and opportunity to take our country back but we need a fresh face and leader, not NDC and definitely NOT NPP! But we are just a year from our next elections. Who is our competent third force? 

Thank you for reading. Please like, share and comment. Stay tuned for the next post.

Just like highlife and hiplife music, I grew up listening to spirit filled as well as amazing gospel music! I believe these are some of the contributing factors to making my childhood memorable.

Anyone who grew up in Ghana in the early 90s through to the early 2000’s will be familiar with the likes of Esther Smith, Mama Esther, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Bishop Michael Osei Bonsu (RIP), Hannah Marfo, Prophet Seth Frimpong (RIP), Moses OK, OJ, Noble Nketiah, Kwaku Gyasi, Suzzy & Matt, Stella Seal, Tagoe Sisters, Jane & Bernice, Elder Mireku, Grace Ashy, Philipa Baafi, Obaapa Christy (formerly Christiana Love), Cindy Thompson, Ama Boahemaa, Comfort Annor (RIP), Diana Asamoah and the likes. The list is indeed tall! The crux of the matter is their songs are powerful and spirit filled! Recently, gospel artistes from the early 2000s were trending on Twitter Ghana and it was interesting to see comparisons regarding who is the greatest Ghanaian gospel artiste of all time, who has the most hits etc.

But to the question: Who is Ghana’s greatest gospel artiste of all time? This is a very tough question to answer given the wide range of great gospel artistes we have been blessed with over the past decades and most importantly their dexterity and depth of their talent. Unfortunately, that cannot be compared to the gospel music that comes out of the country these days (not saying that the current crop of artistes aren’t doing well).

Personally, I have a few favourites and these are in no particular order: Esther Smith, Cindy Thompson, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Christiana Love & Hannah Marfo. This does not mean I do not have any favourite male artistes though…I love Bishop Michael Osei Bonsu, Ernest Opoku, Moses OK, Yaw Sarpong & the Asomafo and Elder Mireku.

A lot of people have described Esther Smith as the greatest gospel artiste of all time and I can agree. This woman has hits! I am not talking about a song that hits for few months and then disappears. I remember vividly how most of her songs were used in Sunday Schools for choreographies including ‘Nipa’, ‘Ma Wonsan’, ‘Gye no di’, ‘Agyidifo) Ataban’, ‘May3 nhyira’ among others. These songs reigned for years and anytime I listen to it, it sounds fresh and puts me in a certain mood. And oh, I can sing most of them word for word. She is a LEGEND!

Cindy Thompson has my HEART. If you don’t know any song at all you will know the famous ‘Awurade Kasa’ released in 2000 which was used as former President Kuffour’s official presidential race song in the same year. WHAT A POWERFUL SONG! Some people have said her album ‘Cindy’s Messiah‘ is the greatest gospel album to have come out of Ghana. I AGREE. Out of the 10 songs on the album, 8 of them are certified hits which received massive airplay back in the day and still does! My favourite song on the album is ‘Nyame Eguamba’ which means ‘The Lamb of God’. I play this song at least thrice a day…or even more.

I do not think Daughters of Glorious Jesus have received their due flowers yet. They are an incredible trio. In a music industry full of drama and competition, it is commendable for three ladies to have been together for over 3 decades and still reigning together. I really want to know how they did it because it definitely takes more than just prayers. Some of my favourite songs of theirs include ‘Yesu Mo’, ‘Bebree’, ‘Asomdwe3 Hene’, ‘Aseda B3n’, ‘Fawas3m to Awurade Anim’ and MANY OTHERS! All their songs carry messages and are indeed spirit filled! Whoosh! Check out a few of these hits here.

There is so much more to say about my other favourites but wanting to keep this post brief, you should check these phenomenal artistes out. I am certain you will be blessed!

To conclude, I will acknowledge the gospel artistes who made solid contributions to the industry and are no longer with us: Bishop Michael Osei Bonsu (RIP), Comfort Annor (RIP), Danny Nettey (RIP), Rev. Prince Nyarko (RIP), Prophet Seth Frimpong (RIP), Rev. Kusi Berko (RIP), Philip Nyarko (RIP). May their souls rest in peace!

Who was your favourite Ghanaian gospel artiste growing up and who is your current favourite gospel artiste?

Currently, I will be lying if I say I have one but I love Diana Hamilton and Joe Mettle. I think they are doing well and have taken gospel music to another level and sold it internationally. Now you have Joe Mettle collaborating with foreign artistes and performing on global stages. Most importantly, they are the only two gospel artistes to have won the coveted ‘Artiste of the Year’ award at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) since it started. AYEKOO!

Thank you so much for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for another interesting piece real soon!

Take care.

My love for highlife music is unmatched. To be honest, I am of the opinion that music these days, cannot be compared to the music I grew up listening to. What and who did I grow up listening to? The answer is not that simple.

Hiplife was birthed in Ghana by Reggie Rockstone in the early 90s which is a combination of ‘Hip Hop and Highlife’. Hip Hop as we know originated in America whilst Highlife was birthed in Ghana somewhere in the early 1900s circa (1930s). Reggie combined traits of the already established Hip Hop at the time (in the 90s) and highlife to create a new genre called Hiplife. Some of the pioneers of this new genre apart from Reggie himself include: Lord Kenya (one of my favourite rappers), Obrafour (another fav), Akyeame (Okyeame Kofi & Okyeame Kwame), Obour, Sidney, Castro (RIP), Tinny, Samini (then Batman), Buk Bak, VIP, 4X4 among others.

Now back to my answer, I grew up listening to these guys mentioned above. The late 90s and early 2000’s was the BEST time in Ghanaian music history. Hiplife was on the rise and our music transcended the borders of Ghana including Nigeria and other African countries. This resulted in classic collaborations with Nigerian artistes such as Tic Tac’s ‘F3f3 n3 f3‘ ft Tony Tetuila (STILL A JAM), Obour’s ‘Shine Your Eye‘ ft Tic Tac & Baba Shanty, VIP’s ‘My Love‘ ft 2 Baba (then 2 Face). Apart from these collaborations, we had our own sound, rhythm, great lyrics and danceable tunes. If I start to mention them, this post will not be enough but I will go with some very popular tunes anyone who grew up in Ghana in the late 90s and early 2000s should know: Batman’s ‘Linda’, Lord Kenya’s ‘Me d)‘, Tic Tac’s ‘Philomena’, Akyeame’s ‘Mesan Aba’, Obrafour’s ‘Who Born You By Mistake’, VIP’s ‘Ahomka w) mu’, Castro’s ‘Toffee’, Mzbel’s ’16 Years’, Jay Dee’s ‘Alampan’, Batman’s ‘Linda’, Obour’s,‘Konkotibaa’, Tinny’s ‘Makola Kwakwe’ and many other HITS.

On the other side, the highlife scene was also active especially with the GREATEST to ever do it in the Ghanaian music industry; Charles Kojo Fosu popularly known as Daddy Lumba. Don’t play with this MAN! He has done it all! I mean this is someone who has 34 albums to his credit. Gospel, highlife, dancehall….and most importantly, he has a song for every life’s situation (love, heartbreak, death, celebration, throwing shade….just name it). Check his music out. You would love it! Almost every Ghanaian (both old and young) loves Daddy Lumba. Those who may say they don’t know his songs would definitely know the hit ‘Aben Waha‘ (released in 1998 but still a JAM!). Some of my personal favourite highlife artistes include Kojo Antwi, Amakye Dede, Oheneba Kissi, Daasebre Dwamena (RIP), Ofori Amponsah, KK Fosu, Dada KD among others.

I also love the ‘Burger Highlife‘ era which saw the emergence of George Darko with hits such as ‘Odo Colour’, ‘Obi Abayewaa‘ (a fav) among others. I can definitely not talk about highlife and forget to mention the legendary Osibisa who dominated Africa and the rest of the world in the 70s, 80s and 90s with hits such as ‘Welcome Home’, ‘Dance the Body Music’, ‘Sunshine Day‘ among others. I remember playing ‘Sunshine Day’ to a Hungarian buddy once and he was like ‘Oh yeah, I know this song’! And I was like yea…it’s a Ghanaian song!

Above all, one of the reasons I love highlife is not only because of the instrumentals but also the lyrics and the weight it carries – the proverbs, idiomatic expressions, story telling which you will not find in hiplife and especially music these days. The only hiplife artiste who comes to mind when it comes to richness in storytelling is ‘Okomfo Kwadee‘. Give him a listen. A GENIUS!

I will conclude by acknowledging those who made a solid contribution to the highlife genre and are no longer with us: Nana Ampadu (RIP), Alex Konadu (RIP), Akwasi Ampofo Agyei (RIP), Daasebre Dwamena (RIP – went too soon!), A. B. Crentsil (RIP), Paapa Yankson (RIP), Jewel Ackah (RIP), Nana Tuffour (RIP), Dr. Paa Bobo (RIP) Akwaboah Snr (RIP), C.K. Mann (RIP), Tommy Wiredu (RIP). And in the hiplife genre: Ronnie Coaches of Buk Bak Fame (RIP), Castro (RIP), Bak Tye (RIP), Sonni Balli (RIP), Omanhene Pozo (RIP), Michael Dwamena (RIP), Terry Bon Chaka (RIP), OJ Blaq (RIP), Ebony Reigns (RIP). May their souls rest in peace!

P.S. I am currently listening to ‘Nsadwaase’ by Alex Konadu (RIP) and ‘Enowaa Ko Hene’ by Canadoes Super Stars of Ghana Band led by Big Boy Danso. They are both fire! The instrumentals alone…..

Thank you for reading. Are you a fan of hiplife or highlife music? Who is your favourite artiste? I will follow up with a part 2 soon – focusing on the Gospel music scene.

Take care!

I am a big fan of movies, specifically African movies. I am not a big fan of Hollywood movies – it was not until a few years ago that I was introduced to movies and series such as ‘Power’, ‘Greenleaf’, ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, ‘Orange is the New Black‘ – which I LOVED! I still do watch some of their flicks every now and then.

Growing up in the late 90s and early 2000’s, I watched mostly Ghanaian movies and Nigerian movies sometimes. There were great Ghanaian content on TV such as ‘Cantata’, ‘By the Fireside’, ‘Kwasasa’, ‘Kyekyekule’, ‘Smart Kids’, ‘Obra’, ‘Akan Drama’, ‘SunCity’, ‘Things We Do For Love’, ‘Tentacles’, ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Dada Boat’ among others. What a time to be a child! There was always something to look forward to on TV especially during the weekends! On the Nigerian content side, we had ‘Super Story’, ‘This Life’, ‘Clinic Matters’, ‘Everyday People’, ‘Family Circle’ – these are the popular ones I can remember.

When it comes to Ghanaian classics, I think of ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Okukuseku’, ‘That Day’, ‘Matters of the Heart’, ‘Asoreba’, ‘Who Killed Nancy’, ‘Babina’, ‘Diabolo’, ‘Kae Dabi’, ‘Kumasi Y)nko)’ among others. These movies had great storylines coupled with GREAT ACTING and directing. With the limited resources they had (primarily money and the technology in that era), we had great films. Fast forward to mid 2000s, the Venus Productions gang came along and they gave us some ‘near classics’ such as ‘Beyonce, the President’s Daughter’, ‘Princess Tyra’, ‘The Game’, ‘4 Play’, ‘Who Loves Me’, ‘Girls’ Connection’, ‘ The Heart of Men’, ‘Crime to Christ’ among others. These movies gave the Ghana Movie Industry or like some prefer to call it ‘Ghollywood’ a firm standing in Africa and beyond. It also introduced to us a new crop of actors such as ‘Yvonne Nelson’, ‘Yvonne Okoro’, ‘Jackie Appiah’, ‘John Dumelo’, ‘Majid Michel’, ‘Van Vicker’, ‘Nadia Buari’ among others.

The emphasis won’t be on their acting (as most of them were and are still subpar) but rather how they sold Ghana or like others will say, they put Ghana on the map. This was between 2005/6 to around 2012/13. Most of them went ahead to act in Nollywood (The Nigerian Movie Industry) and beyond. They got the fame, money and solidified their celebrity status.

I’d daresay that for the past decade, our movie industry (that’s if we can still call it one) has been non-existent – which is very sad! So what happened?

I have watched most of the prominent actors go for interviews and asked the same question over and over again about how we can revive our movie industry and always the answers evolve around the lack of structure and investment within the industry. So I ask, why wait on the government? Because most of them end on the note by calling the government and the Ministry of Creative Arts (I wonder what they actually do for the industry) to come to their aid. But does it look like they have heard or even care? Does that mean the industry dies? Because it is DEAD. I always ask myself, why can’t the actors themselves come together, put their resources together, use their fame and star power to call for investors to invest in the industry. I believe it is possible! But I guess that is asking for too much because another thing is I believe there is no unity within the industry which sucks. You can’t want something so bad when it is just one person putting in the effort – it takes more than one person’s effort. I must commend the efforts of producers such as Yvonne Nelson, Shirley Frimpong Manso (who has also held the industry down with some great films such as ‘A Sting in the Tale’, ‘The Perfect Picture’, ‘Adams Apples’) and the likes who still produce some movies often – but this isn’t enough! We need more people on board and most importantly INVESTMENT.

When I look at Nollywood, I am so PROUD! Like they have evolved and now have partnerships with Netflix and Prime Video. Netflix and Prime Video have been financing some Nollywood movies over the past years. This did not come by chance. They put in the work. Film makers, individuals and private organizations invested in quality movies and today they are reaping the results! Clearly, they deserve all the wins! So why can’t Ghana do the same? Our movies were once up there. We have the talent, just not the resources but we can do better by investing in script writing, training actors and directors, building film villages, film studios, cinemas – private organizations and individuals can do this – waiting on this current government or the next is a WASTE of TIME and we know this.

I could go on and on because a single blog post cannot capture all I want to say. I would like to go into film making one day as an executive producer probably because I love movies. Given the resources, I would also like to invest in the Ghanaian movie industry because even if the present and previous governments keep on messing the country, our entertainment as Ghanaians cannot be taken for granted. Our movie industry NEEDS to be saved at all costs. We (and I mean any Ghanaian out there with an interest in the creative arts) need to invest and help our industry rise again. I BELIEVE we can.

Thank you for reading today’s post. Do share your thoughts in the comments section. Also share with your friends and loved ones. Stay tuned for more :).

A lot of thoughts go through my head mostly…sometimes I talk to myself, other times, I have conversations with friends, then once in a while I write a blog post (this is actually the reason why I started this blog).

Upon turning 30, I have learned some hard lessons related to career, grief, family, friendship, love, spirituality and life in general. I do not regret the lessons but I do regret some of the experiences I had to go through to learn those lessons.

In my opinion, growing up is a blessing but not filled with good experiences alone – sometimes blessings come in the form of the bad experiences we have to go through. When I was younger, I had less problems, worries and B.S to deal with. All I cared about was going to school and learning hard to get good grades. Being an adult now comes with lots of freedom (something I did not have much growing up) but way more responsibilities and life LASHING you left, right, front, back (style biaa bi) and still not stopping – you have to keep going, they say!

So, what is the point of life? A life none of us asked for. We were just born onto this earth to live life, deal with all sorts and then die at a certain age (for some during childhood, others in adolescence, others as adults and some fortunate enough to die in their old age). Death, is a very uncomfortable subject for me – in fact, I do not like going for funerals. It always leaves me in a certain state I do not want to be in.

I have lost friends and acquaintances within the neighbourhood I grew up in, in the last couple of years – they were too young to die but they died. Sometimes, when their names pop up in my head, I cast my mind back to years back when I was much younger. When we were all teenagers growing up. Just like myself, they had dreams and goals to accomplish in life. But they died without achieving some or all of these goals (I am certain) and life still goes on. Reflecting on these situations always leaves me with one conclusion that; ‘Death can happen to anyone at anytime, if there is something you have to do or want to do, do it as soon as you can or are able to because the next minute, hour or day is not promised’. I lost my grandma in December 2021, three days after I had seen her. It was one of the biggest shocks of my life. She raised me and growing up, she was like a mother to me. Losing her was tough but I was glad I got to see her before she passed on. She was quite old, but I still wish she lived a bit more so I could do more for her like I promised….but God knows best (so they say).

I have learned to take life not too seriously..like for what! None of us are getting out here alive. This is not to say I still don’t have my goals to pursue but then even if my plans fail or things don’t go according to as I planned, I do not let it get to me that much (this wasn’t me before – but thank GOD for growth!), because after all WHAT? (Like one of my French teachers in Gey Hey used to say). I am only HUMAN. I can only try, do my best. If it works fine, if it doesn’t WE MOVE! In reality, it can be tough sometimes but once you mature into that kind of person, you learn to take it easy on yourself.

One thing I have learned over the years is sometimes COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Yes! I may not have this (yet) but I have this (now). It is very easy to focus on the things you don’t have yet because we live in a society where it is all about getting 6 figure income jobs, winning awards, getting invited to high profile events and then broadcasting them on social media to get likes, comments and shares. Personally, I have only gotten into the habit of sharing personal wins on social media not too long ago. I only used to share with a few people and that’s that or update my LinkedIn if is career related…But for the most part, I have a limit to things I share on social media (I am not looking for a large number of following or likes or whatever…)

In all the hustle and life’s uncertainties, it is important to have your own tribe. I cannot stress the importance of having people who you can trust (to an extent), have deep conversations and be vulnerable to. No matter how private you are, you can’t carry the burdens of life alone. You are human and part of that is having relationships which are mutually beneficial. I have been blessed with such relationships and they form part of the ‘little’ blessings in life – knowing that someone has your back no matter what and you have theirs too.

I would end here. Could do this once in a while…just REMINISCE.

My birth month has also come to an end. I am grateful for 30 and looking forward to see all that it brings in this decade. Cheers! Have a fantastic NOVEMBER.

So I turned 30 – precisely on the 4th October. A 1993 born.

It still hasn’t really sunk in yet – personally, it takes some time after I turn a new age to get used to the age. Especially when I turn a ‘big age’. Yes, 30 IS A BIG AGE.

My auntie asked me on the day I turned 30 – how does it feel to be on the 3rd floor? I was like ‘Uhmm, auntie, I literally just got here and I do not even know! Let’s give it a couple of months and then we can discuss (LOL!)’

But seriously, I am not too age conscious – the older I grow, I realise that it is unhealthy and unecessary to be so stuck on one’s age – you start acting ‘old’ or take life so seriously and forget that it is really not that deep! Life is meant to enjoyed and lived every single day (easier said than done but it is what it is) – turning a certain age doesn’t mean you all of a sudden become this person to fit into some societal standards or whatever.

Growing up, I am sure most of us – including myself, had certain things we wanted to achieve by a certain age and oh the disappointment that comes with not actually achieving those things by the said age. This is why it is dangerous to follow societal standards and get mad that things did not quite go the way you wanted. I have had so many of those disappointing moments (I bet I am not the only one) hence, I freed myself of the bondage of societal standards and expectations to be able to live freely!

When I turned 25 five years ago, I wrote about lessons I had learned as I turned the big age of 25. On this occasion, I am not going to do that but rather be thankful for how much I have grown since then and especially in the past decade. For me, my 20s has been my biggest growth period and to be very honest, I do not know what other experience I am yet to learn from because I feel I have ‘kind of’ seen it all. I do not say this to sound like all grown up (even though I feel kind of old now) but BRO! the things my eyes have seen and what I have been through – it feels I am double my age.

But one constant thing for me has been GOD. To be honest, God has kept me. I say this with all honesty that I would not have lived to see 30 if not for Him (I may share this story soon – I am ready to tell it all). I would not have travelled to all the places I have been to and still want to go, I would not have met all the amazing people I have met since then, I would not have graduated from University of Leeds not to talk of pursuing a Masters Degree at Leiden University. I would not have attended those conferences and programs, won those awards, got invited for GoalKeepers by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation! I would literally have missed out on so many beautiful things life has to offer – but GOD DID.

I had a lovely birthday getaway (like I usually do) and of course I could not slack as it was my 30th! I am officially in my DIRTY 30s season y’all! I have not even scratched the surface yet because I have told God that I have put in the work and done my bit in the last decade – from now onwards, if it isn’t ENJOYMENT, I do not want it! He knows my heart desires, so I pray He fulfills in this new decade and I know He will!

Happy Birthday to ME! I am officially in my FLOURISHING/RICH AUNTIE/BABY GIRL season! If it isn’t SOFT LIFE, I do not want it!

Here are a few photos from my 30th Birthday celebration!

See you soon with another interesting piece! Stay safe and God bless you!