Social networking sites Twitter and Facebook as well as traditional media platforms such as radio and television have for the past few days been buzzing over news of a new mixtape titled “Free Press” released by BET, MTV and GMA Awards winner Michael Owusu Addo who is affectionately known as Sarkodie.
The song through which the artist makes known his feelings about the Ghanaian media and how unfair it has been to him and other showbiz personalities has received mixed reactions from the Ghanaian media and hence my decision to put my own opinion in this piece although friends on Facebook, followers on Twitter and listeners of other entertainment review shows have read and heard respectively my take on the particular song.
First of all, I must state that if any Ghanaian artist has enjoyed so much media support in Ghana in the past few years, I dare say it will be none other than Sarkodie and therefore such song with some derogatory remarks to address his issues make him sound ungrateful to the same media that has shown him so much love and support.
It is without doubt that the media has a lot of influence and has since time immemorial checked on the ills of society all in the bid to get the best of what could be. It has also in the same light brought to light the great works of people who are worth commendation and have been honoured. With regards to showbiz, a lot has always been said about industry personalities also in a bid to bring out the best in such personalities but the question is, who also checks on the media that seek bring out the best in other people?, hence this particular title, “WHO WATCHES THE WATCHMAN?”
At the first hearing of Sarkodie’s song “Free Press”, I felt the brother had done exactly what established bodies paid to work in Ghana are not doing, checking on the media and asking “us” media (with myself inclusive) to sit up so I asked why the FUSS? In fact, it was and will never wrong to let public what he feels about the Ghanaian media but as my old boy always told me, “your argument might be sound but the manner in which you choose to address it might make you the loser in the end” and in this case, that is what Sarkodie might have done.
No single person can deny the fact that MOST media platforms have been saturated with entertainment critics who attach so much sensationalism to their work and turn deaf ears or blind eyes to the realities and therefore speak ill of people they do not have very good ties with which Sarkodie clearly stated in his song.
He asked that the media worked with all diligence and objectivity and not as fans and I see nothing wrong with calling for objectivity. As I have always maintained, no one can ever be neutral in any case so far as we are humans but objectivity must not be pushed to the gutters and Sarkodie was indeed spot on with the line in the song that called for that. This and many more Sarkodie pointed out to the media in his song but on the other hand, I think it will only be right to point out some few ignorant remarks he made in the song that are worth noticing.
However figurative the expression “I am putting Ghana on the map” is, I find it very annoying and disrespectful whenever any artist or personality quotes that as an achievement. Ghana has always been on the map unless the people who use that statement have different maps at their disposal which I would humbly ask be made available to me so I broaden my horizon.
A lot of people have argued that Sarkodie is putting Ghana on the map musically and that is totally a fallacy. Sarkodie is without doubt a very talented hardworking young chap of our time and deserves all the accolades and applause for his efforts but I wish to say that Ghana has musically been on that same map they refer to. Have we forgotten of the days of Osibisa. I guess NOT. If so, then I rest my case on that issue of “putting Ghana on the map”.
Now, Sarkodie also made reference to media personalities who he believes are not daring enough to move out of their territories or comfort zones to try international outfits which I feel was a bit below the belt.
I wonder how Sarkodie would have been the star we see at this moment had the very people who gave him the push from the start (Dr. Duncan and all other media men who in one way or the other supported his mixtapes) travelled to work outside the country.
I am not by this doubting the powers of God and how amazing he works but we must also remember, God even works through man.
A point worth noting is that working with an international media outfit does NOT necessarily mean a media personality is fulfilled or SUCCESFUL and Sarkodie must get that.
Finally to Sarkodie’s concern about the absence of the Ghanaian media at the BET Awards in LA but the ability to tweet and publish news on it and even to the extent that it was reported that he performed in front of cleaners.
After listening to that line of the song, the very first person who came to mind was Chris Vincent of Ghanacelebrities.com. The line sounded very funny to me as I knew exactly who he was referring to.
First of all it is not the responsibility of any media house to follow Sarkodie to the BETs and report on him? Do media houses or personalities run charity? Hell NO!! Big artists all over the world pay for the services of publicists who they travel with and make accessible all information, pictures etc to the press and public. Reference can be made to Lupita Nyong’o who after winning the Oscars employed a professional team that manages her social media platforms. Their sole work is to stay in touch with the media and fans so what was Sarkodie talking about?
Would it ever be out-of-place then for an artist like Sarkodie to have a publicist who will communicate with the media and make accessible information worth sharing with the media and the public?
I find it very interesting that an artist sees the essence to carry along a body-guard but finds it unnecessary to hire the services of a publicist who adds up to his brand. Does it really sound right for showbiz?
With all these said and done, I do not believe it was wrong for Sarkodie to put the media on its toes just as Kendrick Lamar did by calling the hiphop community to book but it is also worth pointing out to him some ignorant remarks he made.
Just before I end this piece, I wish to make reference to what my Dad always said which I quoted earlier, “your argument might be sound but the manner in which you choose to address it might make you the loser in the end”. I think Sarkodie could have ended his piece without hurting so many people without the remark that sought to smear in the faces of the listener or his target that he paid the likes of Clarence Peters with “Nku” pomade. It is disrespectful to ever talk to anyone in that manner.
A word to the wise is said to be enough. I know Sarkodie may suffer for this particular song and hey, just as showbiz is all about, he got us talking and that is a PLUS.
You may have your own opinions and I would appreciate it if you comment below. Try as much as possile to keep you language clean.
