Musicians Union of Ghana slams ‘profane’ lyrics

In an open letter shared on the union’s social media page on Thursday 26 May, Kuffour, who won a second term in office last year, notes that, “This current trend is particularly disturbing considering the fact that these songs are played without any radio edits on primetime radio and given wide currency on social media.”

The full letter is reproduced below:

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has noted with concern, the rising incidence of profane lyrics in songs released by Ghanaian musicians. This current trend is particularly disturbing considering the fact that these songs are played without any radio edits on primetime radio and given wide currency on social media.

In that regard, the Union is calling on musicians and song writers in Ghana to desist from writing songs with profane lyrics. As much as the Union appreciates the creative liberties of song writers to freely express themselves, it is essential that artistes appreciate the impact of their songs on the public especially in an era where technology has made it relatively easier for songs to be heard.

MUSIGA is therefore urging all musicians to be mindful of the need to provide inspiring and positive lyrics in our songs. In the same breadth, we are also calling on radio and television station operators to be mindful of their role as gatekeepers of society and be circumspect in what they play on air. We are also calling on the National Media Commission to throw their spotlight on the content of music played on air not only on the political content of programmes.

As the nation prepares for elections in November, we of the Musicians Union of Ghana would like to urge all Ghanaians to be vigilant in ensuring that the elections are peaceful and credible.