Elections and Peace in Ghana : Edem’s “Warrior for Peace” Song is an Insightful Reminder

Whenever there is an election in any African country, tension can be felt in the air, due to the unknown. Whether people are NDC,NPP,or CPP supporters, the one thing that ties the people together is their hope for a peaceful election. During President Mills' visit to the White House in early March 2012, President Obama credited Ghana for having peaceful elections, and stated that Ghana is a “model for Africa in terms of its democratic practices”. As Ghana approaches a new election season, it is important that all people, regardless of their political affiliation, maintain the peace in the country.

Edem, a popular Ghanaian musician, has just released his ”Warrior for Peace” song. This song is simple yet cleverly written and the words are interwoven in a classical way. Edem, who was recently nominated for his song ” Ghetto Arise” seems to be the voice of the people, whether it be the poor and underprivileged, or the youth. The beginning of “Warrior for Peace”, starts off as a conversation, in which Edem is expressing his wish for free and fair elections and unity, and he is encouraging the leaders to listen to him and his message. After expressing his wish, Edem starts singing about how Ghanaians should be a warrior for peace, and not a warrior for war, in the motherland of Ghana.

The song then breaks into a mini-story, a type of song writing Edem has mastered over time, as evidenced in his “Ghettor Arise” song. In “Warrior for Peace”, Edem tells the story about two neighbors who are friends and do favors for each other. But then during election time, they change their behavior because they are affiliated with different parties. During and after election time, they become enemies and frenemies. Either way, as Edem states, at the end of the day, there should be peace.

“Be a warrior for peace, not a warrior for war, in this coming election” are the words that are delicately interwoven throughout this masterful song that Edem has created. This song, produced by Genius, is so unique in its formation and creativity, making it a timeless song. Fifty years from now, this song, “Warrior for Peace”

will still be a strong song because Edem has crafted it in such a way that it will never become useless or “old”.

After the chorus of “ I see the children crying out for peace..be a warrior for peace, not a warrior for war in this coming election” is repeated in the song, Edem introduces the listener to mini-story # 2.

Edem discusses Ghana's independence and how children , who know nothing about politics, simply want to grow up , having the love and care of their parents, and the opportunity to be successful citizens of society, whether they become “a doctors, a pilot, a politician”.

The children are crying out for peace. In order for the children of Ghana to live to see their dreams fulfilled, it is important that the country of Ghana have free and fair and peaceful elections. In order to stress this message about the youth, the song introduces a strong layer of drums being beat in the background. The beating of drums is like the “wake up call “ in the song—it is at this time that the song reaches its climax , not only verbally, but musically as well. The upbeat tempo that is introduced at the end of the song awakens the senses, and instills a sense of pride and unity in the listener.

As you prepare yourself for this year's election, remember that no matter what party you are affiliated with, the one thing that should tie everyone together should be their desire to be a “warrior of peace”.

Listen to "Warrior of Peace" song here: http://www.hulkshare.com/fa3zvj4gfae8

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