Music and Ghanaian Politics

Musicians have always sang about African politics and the poor governance all over the continent.

The iconic Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the amazing Beninese vocalist Angélique Kidjo are known for their advocacy, boldly calling out incompetent African Governments and relentlessly addressing poverty and discrimination throughout their careers.

There has also been a connection between music and Ghanaian politics. The songs political parties use for their campaigns are often aligned with the party’s tenets and may included sections of their manifesto.

Reigning political parties highlight their successes in these songs while the opposition point out the shortfalls of the incumbent and how they will be better managers of the country through their campaign songs.

The lyrics of most campaign songs  have been proven to help or harm the chances of political parties. One thing is certain, political parties must support their messages with very catchy campaign songs when canvassing for electoral votes.

A political party can have to best policies and plans to deal with most Ghana’s problems, but if they do not have an appealing song, they are probably not going to get far. Music and Ghanaian politics clearly have a strong connection, regardless of who wins the 2020 general elections, there will always be good campaign songs to carry us through the process.

Before Ghanaians go to the polls on 7th December, check out a few on the most notable Ghanaian Election campaign theme songs:

Nana Winner – Daddy Lumba

Ghanaian legend, Daddy Lumba is not scared to show where his loyalty lies. The musician originally released “Nana Winner” in 2008, but has remixed the song in subsequent elections.

Stream the song here:

 

Dee Aja – John Mahama (Onaapo)

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“Onaapo” which literally  means “not going to have it”, is a high tempo song composed by Dee Aja. This was the official campaign song for the National Democratic Congress in the 2016 general elections.

Check out the song here:

 

2020 4 More 4 Nana

This song is believed to be the official campaign song for the New Patriotic Party in the 2020 general elections. The composer touts the achievement of the current president and is urging the Ghanaian voter to renew his mandate.

Listen to the song now:

 

Mzbel – JM Toaso

Mzbel put this tune together for the National Democratic Party in 2016. The singer heavily endorsed the party’s candidate and reminded Ghanaian to vote for the massively for the party.

Play the song here:

 

Kwabena Kwabena – Number One

Veteran Ghanaian musician, Kwabena Kwabena dropped “Number One” in 2008 ahead of the general election throwing his weight behind the National Patriotic Party. The song sampled some local Ghanaian gospel song and resonated heavily with party supporters.

Watch the video below:

 

Shatta Wale – Mahama Paper

Ghanaian hitmaker and dancehall king, Shatta Wale releases his smash hit “Mahama paper” in 2016. Shatta Wale has never publicly endorsed any political party, yet, the National Democratic Congress used his song during their campaign and rallies in the 2016 general election.

Watch the video below:

 

Sarkodie – Happy Day Ft Kuami Eugene

Sarkodie dabbles in politics now and again. The rapper teamed up with Kuami Eugene on his latest record, “Happy Day”. The song is not your typical campaign song, however, there’s a line in there where Sarkodie give the Ghana incumbent president a thumbs up and highlights his successes.

Check out the video below: