Ayisoba states case for batakari

Distinctive, award-winning musician from Bongo Soe in the Upper East Region, King Ayisoba, is once again on the campaign trail for more people to patronise batakari  or smock from northern Ghana.

Also referred to as fugu, a batakari is made of handloomed strips of cotton. The strips are sewn together by hand or machine and it is common to have embroidery on the neckline.

The process of making a batakari, right from kapok collection through to   spinning, weaving, dyeing  and sewing all create employment and wealth in northern  Ghana. 

Ayisoba loves everything Ghanaian and initiated his campaign for batakari patronage two years ago. 

In an interview with The Mirror, he said  we would be  making very positive statements about ourselves if we patronise made-in-Ghana clothing including smocks.

“Look at our state officials. Most of them are supporting industries in Europe, America and China because they are always  wearing  Western suits. It is surprising they don’t realise  that wearing stuff made here creates wealth within this country,” Ayisoba said.

The artiste shined brightest in 2006 when he released the ‘Modern Ghanaians’ album that contained the famous ‘I Want to See My Father’ song. 

He won the Most Popular Song of the Year honour  at the 2007 Ghana Music Awards and has since won other awards here and abroad.

Currently one of the most popular African artistes on the world scene,  Ayisoba will stage a show dubbed ‘Batakari Night’ on January 30 at the Alliance Francaise in Accra to help push his call for use of the  smock.

Apart from him, the show will also feature other kologo players from Bolgatanga such as Ayuune Suley, Agongo and Stevoo. 

The evening also features keyboardist Opoku Mensah and his band as well as Wanlov and Yaa Pono.

Ayisoba says there will be an exhibition and sale of various batakari designs at the 8.00pm programme.