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12.04.2015 Opinion

Opinions: VGMA 2015- A Kutu Acheampong Toast To The Volta Brand

By King Nobert Akpablie
Opinions: VGMA 2015- A Kutu Acheampong Toast To The Volta Brand
12.04.2015 LISTEN

After so many years of struggle to bring the Volta brand on to the musical stage in Ghana, some determined and talented young ones are finally making breakthroughs.

Although some contemporary artists from the Volta region do argue that the ewe language is one of the difficult languages a musician can use to create rhythms, others are beginning to defy the odds by skillfully weaving words in the language into melodious rap songs.

It all started when Chicago made the first attempt to rap in the ewe language and it became a hit. Thereafter few others like Agbeko, Togbui Africa sprung but failed to sustain the heat.

At the time where most of people thought the region has lost the battle, came the young man with an undisputable energy. His high voltage and thought provoking lyrics stemmed from his passion for music was infectious enough to make most people in Ghana and beyond appreciate the Ewe brand.

And its on this note that I crave your indulgence to celebrate one of Volta's icon Dennings Edem Agbeviade. From his humble beginnings this young man with determination and perseverance managed his ways through. Edem started in a region where conditions are not enabling enough to breed stars. That however didn't dampen him. He trudge along competing with others amidst the challenges. His performance at the last night's Vodafone Ghana Music Awards swept me off my feet.

It never came as a surprise to anyone when Livingstone Etse Satekla known on stage; stonebwouy took the day as the VGMA Artiste of the year. The impeccable talent of the young Rasta won the admiration of many.

For me,am particularly elated at the fact that the Volta brand is becoming visible in our music scene. We can never go wrong when we the sexiest and slickest female voice of Vera Hamenoo-Kpeda aka Mzvee backs her brothers.

With the likes of Edem, Stonebwoy, EL ,Manifest, Mzvee, 4x4 we can never err in celebrating our owns. My calabash is overflowing with palm wine from my grandmother's earthen pot in Dzodze to toast their hard work and success.

I see this as revolution and we couldn't have reach this feat without the sense of peaceful coexistence and tolerance displayed by all tribes in the Volta region to one another. Undeniably the diverse dictions from these tribes (Guans, Akans, Ewes, Kokomba, Nanumba) have influenced the depth of lyrics composed by our emerging heroes.

My hopes are still high as I can see brighter days for the Volta brand. Our upcoming artiste should take a cue from this. Life is not won by chance; if you leave your live to chance, you will live to regret it. So instead of complaining that the system is not good rather make yourself good. If your friend can lift up a table and you cannot lift that same table, know that the table is not the problem but you. It is the same boiling water that hardens an egg softens the potatoes; you either choose to be hard or soft.

Do not be entertained by complacency; if you think you are good in your backyard, try elsewhere!! Ambition they say is the seed for all greatness in the world.

And now to the accomplished artistes from the region. I believe this is the time to support and encourage our young brothers and sisters; they need us more than they need themselves. As the old adage goes; ''you don't put stone in a fellow's mouth and then say his teeth are not good''. Let us create an ambiance where they can also thrive. Promoters in the region (Media Houses, Dj's, Bloggers et al) the time to promote the Volta brand is now. And if you ask me, I HAVE PLEGED MY FULL SUPPORT.

In my little corner I see young artiste like KULA GH, Belce GH,JJ Gonami, Kelz, Enamily,Dylan, Agbesi Denanya, Static GH, Magesty et al taking center stage in GH Music in few years to come so let's boost their aura.

It is only when a man calls his basket useless that children would use it to collect rubbish, let's be proud of our own not only because of identity but also for their excellence.

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