In an age that almost all Ghanaian musicians have chosen the easier way out singing to
appease the people, one out of them has kept to the well-known philosophical path
traversed by musicians of yore.
We are talking about Obiba Sly Collins, veteran highlife musician, singer and multi-
instrumentalist, who has continuously regaled us with melodious, philosophical and
sometimes controversial songs which have nevertheless pricked our consciences over
the years. Unlike others, he has kept to his roots – highlife music – and has added his
touch to it as one can hear elements of other genres but he does not compromise on his
roots.
‘Why Africa’ his latest, for all intents and purposes is not for jollification or for those who
want to do asabone nkuma asaase; this is music for deep meditation and reflection as it
speaks directly to your conscience making this song a must on all highlife music
programmes on radio from next week on.
To avail every Ghanaian the opportunity to listen to this thought provoking music, it has
been rendered in English for all to listen and understand. Interestingly, its release
coincides with our country’s original Republic Day, July 1, which day must rekindle in us
the words of our founding fathers.
Listen To The Song Here On Audiomack
Obiba Sly has regularly released these singles which apart from receiving critical
acclaim has spoken about societal issues of the day, reminding us of what we are
missing as a people: love, empathy and the desire to make the society better than we
met it.
In some previous songs, he has extolled some leading lights of the society whose
lifestyle and comportment are worthy to be emulated. On other occasions he has
advised the youth against all forms of get-rich-quick scams including sakawa and blood
money.
This time in ‘Why Africa’, one could feel the anguish in his voice as he apparently took a
long look at Africa, shook his head in frustration and wrote this song, which though is
admonishing us to be conscious of who we are and lay a solid foundation for the youth,
he nevertheless warns that the corruption, fraud, nepotism, xenophobia and greed
which pervades the African continent will lead to our doom.
For example when he sang: ‘I don’t know why my people … black people are still
suffering? We are blessed with gold, but … still hungry, we’ve got diamonds
everywhere, but no shelter for the workers, …we endowed with natural resources, but
my people are wailing, we are blessed with crude oil, but no good roads … Why can’t
we be nationalistic, and live as one,political colors, are diverting our focus, …
discrimination is destroying my people, covetousness is killing the future of Africa’ he
was virtually crying in a very, solemn, mellow and sonorous voice, reflecting his deep
emotional pain.
