In a recent appearance on the Day Show with Berla Mundi on TV3, renowned Ghanaian Hi-life musician, Fameye Peter, added his voice to the growing chorus of artists who are concerned about the aversion of Ghanaians to using local languages like Twi in their daily activities. The conversation centered on the importance of embracing Ghana’s linguistic and cultural heritage, especially in the realm of music and artistic expression.
Fameye Peter’s sentiments came in the wake of fellow singer Abiana’s passionate remarks on the same subject. The two artists share a new hit single titled “Far Away,” and during the show, they both highlighted the unfortunate reality that, despite Ghana’s rich cultural gems being appreciated globally, the local Highlife genre doesn’t always receive the recognition it truly deserves within the country itself.
Abiana had expressed her frustration with the persistent perception that Highlife music was being looked down upon by some sections of society. She noted that this attitude was still prevalent and that Ghanaian artists often found themselves hesitant to fully embrace their roots in their music. Instead, they frequently opted for languages perceived as more sophisticated, such as English, due to the way audiences react to songs in local languages.
Fameye, known for hits like “Susuka,” opened up about his perspective on this issue. He highlighted the cultural and linguistic complexities that artists navigate when deciding which language to use in their music. He remarked that many Ghanaian artists were hesitant to use local languages like Twi because they felt that speaking English was a sign of sophistication and that using their native languages might be seen as less refined.
“Our people are shy of the language. When I sit here and speak Twi someone will sit at home and feel like Peter can’t speak English,” he revealed, shedding light on the societal pressure to conform to certain linguistic norms.
Fameye’s insights didn’t solely pertain to the realm of music; he also shared personal anecdotes that illustrated how language choice can significantly impact both artistic expression and personal connections. He shared that he found it easier to express his feelings and emotions in his native language, Twi. Even when it came to personal matters, like propositioning a girl, he preferred using Twi, as it allowed him to communicate more effectively and authentically.
Interestingly, the conversation took an intriguing turn when Berla Mundi, the show’s host, asked Fameye about his approach to courting his girlfriend and baby mama. In response, Fameye revealed that he had used the Fante dialect, a language spoken by his girlfriend’s tribe, to express his feelings and connect with her on a deeper level.
“For example, my girl when I started speaking to her, I spoke Fante to her to express my feelings,” he detailed, showcasing how language can serve as a bridge between individuals from different linguistic backgrounds.
In a world where globalization and the influence of foreign cultures are ever-present, the conversation between Fameye Peter and Abiana brings to light the ongoing tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing international trends. These artists are advocating for a renewed appreciation of Ghana’s linguistic and musical legacy, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether the tide will shift towards a greater acceptance and celebration of local languages and cultural expressions within the Ghanaian context.
