Kweku Dallah, Poet de Politician: Making A Case For Spoken Word

Cape Coast, May 31, GNA- Poetry, no doubt is a major genre of literature. Its various forms have inspired many artists to exhibit their talents using that medium. It is said that poetry is the most terse of the arts, yet it is the most loose and its interpretation dicey.

Poetry has been part of the Ghanaian Culture for centuries but today, musical genres of Highlife, Hiplife and even Dance-hall have contributed to its low popularity.

Until recently poetry was not performed in pub and clubs, but thanks to efforts by poets like Mutombo, Sir Black and other poetry lovers in Ghana, this is gradually changing even though the audience in these places are in smaller numbers.

This is indeed an example of the difficulties faced by people plying this particular trade in the entertainment industry in Ghana, but all is not lost, there is a thin line of light in the tunnel.

Talents like Mutombo, The Poet and others have paved the way for many artists to follow. Kweku Ddallah- 'Poet de Politician', is no exception. He is gradually taking the industry by storm and making a strong case for poetry and spoken work in the central region of Ghana where the art is yet to be appreciated.

His talent and passion for spoken word has propelled him to the top where he acts quickly in a unique way as he joggles with words.

His deep interest and love for poetry has made him set up an artistic development Agency known as the Creative World-Ghana (CWG) with the aim to nurture the professional development of people interested in poetry, drama and literary work in general.

It is also to create the platform for poets and writers in Cape Coast to share ideas and find ways of harnessing their talents and combining forces to further promote the art in the Region.

He said the initiative hinged on his strong believe that poetry has the potential to build the confidence and move minds and hearts of young people in a positive direction.

'I am often encouraged by the power of poetry and will use it to talk about some of the current ills in our society', he added.

Currently, he organises, promotes and supports literary events, such as Poetry Festivals and educational activities by providing information, advice and support to anyone interested in anything in connection with poetry.

Creative World-Ghana has nurtured some great talents in Cape Coast and other parts of the Central Region including Nii Awuley Junior.

Kweku Dallah, a trained Journalist, writes on varied issues especially on politics and social matters to critique the wrongs in the Ghanaian society. He also writes about spiritual and personal life experiences.

When asked who or what has been his greatest motivation and inspiration in the world of African and world poetry, he responded that 'Obviously Spoken Word is all about inspiration'.

'But I can say I discovered this beautiful art form, through reading about renowned Ghanaian poets like Ama Ata Aidoo, Mohammed Naseehu Ali, Kofi Anyidoho, Ayi Kwei Armah, Kofi Awoonor and other foreign poets including Mohammed Iqbal and William Wordsworth among others.

'I also enjoy listening and watching contemporary Ghanaian poets like Nana Asaase, Motumbo, Poetra Asantewaa and others perform.'

Kweku Dallah's public performances started first time in Accra in 2012, even though it is not lucrative as he would have wished it to be.

He moved to Cape Coast in 2014 and has since been performing on some huge platforms such as the Ghana Writers Awards, the Founder's Day Poetry festival, Cape Coast poetry festival and at the Central Music Awards.

He has become a household name in the Central Region when it comes to spoken word with many of his poems centring on patriotism, nationalism and a critique of social ills, titled, 'Mourning Nation'- part one and two, 'The Pride of freedom' and 'This is Ghana' are some of his intriguing patriotic poems.

Kweku Dallah is currently working on the video of his patriotic piece 'This is Ghana' and 'Mourning Nation' hopes to publish an anthology going forward.