Don’t expect all musicians to be vocal on social and political issues – M.anifest

Ghanaian rapper M.anifest, real name Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, has told music lovers to limit their expectations of some artists.

He noted that citizens have been waiting to hear singers voice out on social and political issues both in their songs and on social media.

But according to the renowned crooner, not all creative people can be social activists because most of them don’t have the urge to embark on such a sensitive path.

Speaking at one of the University of Ghana’s 75th anniversary events, dubbed "M.anifest in conversation with Akosua Hanson on the creative economy and our collective future and development," he noted that being an activist is different from putting a song together.

"Imagine Adele tried to do Kendrick Lamar's 'We gon' be alright'. Not every artist is supposed to be a voice for you outside of their music. They might not even have the capability.

"You don't develop that capability overnight to be able to have clarity of thoughts about social issues, your political views, and your ideology. It is very different from being able to put a song together that's a rallying cry," said M.anifest.

Those who want to toe the activism path in addition to their music were advised by M.anifest to be abreast with knowledge about such issues before they come out to speak on them.

He also noted that Ghanaians also have the responsibility to help groom singers who want to be addressing social and political issues in the country by lifting them.

"And if you want to, be prepared yourself. You want artists to speak for you learn to uplift the artists that have the capability because not every artist is supposed to be that," he explained.