Otumfuo strums Nsenkuo to revive traditional music
As he walked into the office of Graphic Showbiz, his regal presence was unmistakable. Clad in a kente cloth, traditional music artist, Otumfuo Owusu Ntiamoah, widely known as Otumfuo, exuded the confidence and pride of a traditional leader.
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His signature instrument, the nsenkuo, a lute instrument, used by the likes of King Ayisoba, was by his side.
His mission? In a world where modernisation and westernisation have become the norm and having a bite on Ghana's music, he is on a mission to keep traditional music alive.
For patrons of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Otumfuo may not be a new face since he has been a regular performer at the memorial park since it's re-opening after refurbishment last year.
While Otumfuo narrated his disappointment with how Ghanaian patrons receive his craft, he was particularly excited that foreigners who thronged the tourist centre appreciated his craft.
His regular base at the entrance of the park has been a good spectacle for foreign tourists who visit the memorial park to enjoy his performances
Turning Point
On April 28, a day that Otumfuo fondly recalls as the turning point in his life, he received a prestigious honour that would forever change his path. Snr Commander of the US Marine Corps, European and Africa, Major General Majgen Robert B.Sofge Presented Otumfuo with the esteemed US Marine Corps Award Medal in recognition of his efforts as a cultural and tourism ambassador, specifically for his dedication to promoting traditional music.
This occasion, according to him, marked a significant milestone in his journey, inspiring him to continue championing the rich cultural heritage of traditional music.
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“I've always said Ghanaians look down on what we have and don't project our identity. We are always ready to place less value on what we have and sets us apart and rather embrace what doesn't define our identity.
It's surprising that it took this kind gesture from a foreign national to encourage me not to give up on promoting my traditional music. There are some Ghanaian patrons who come to the park and just the look on their faces discourages you, you feel like you are on a wild goose chase but that perception has changed for me now because I know I’m doing something right, Ghana has a unique traditional music sounds that I intend to promote as a self-appointment tourist ambassador for my country,” he said.
Struggle for home acceptance
Many traditional artists such as King Ayisoba, Atongo Zimba, and Wiyaala, among others, seem to struggle for home acceptance. King Ayisoba and Wiyaala, for instance, have been very vocal about their ‘home rejection; yet they are enjoying global attention for the same music style they are not getting the recognition back home. And just like many young artists who want acceptance, Otumfuo kicked off his music career doing popular music before switching to traditional music. I
In an interview, he mentioned that the reception has rather been hostile to his new style. He pointed out that same industry players, including Disc Jockeys, are quick to write you off immediately when they hear your music, describing it as outmoded.
However, his confidence in traditional music has been strengthened since the honour on April 28, and he regularly reminds himself of the toils of King Ayisoba, his mentor, who faced similar treatment.
Dream
“My dream is to promote traditional African music and showcase its beauty and richness to the world, Otumfuo says with conviction, I want to inspire a new generation of musicians to embrace thier cultural heritage and keep the tradition alive.
“Musicians are tourist ambassadors and one of the ways people hear and get to know of a country is through music and here we are as a people who can't even appreciate what we have ( Traditional Music ).
“We think everything we own is kolo, so we will rather abandoned what makes us unique and chase after others. Music tells a lot about our identity, and if we are really serious about making progress internationally with music, then we need to give more attention to traditional music”, he said.
Otumfuo's passion for traditional music was nurtured at a young age when he spent countless hours listening to stories and learning the ancient rhythms and melodies that have been passed down through generations.
Interestingly, that wasn't the music path he initially took until later years when his ambition to promote his music identity pushed him to go traditional.
Otumfuo, who has released a number of songs including Ghana, Peace and Africa since he heeded the innate desire in 2019, said he was on a quest to share that rich cultural heritage with the world.
“My music is not just entertainment, it’s a cultural revival, a celebration of heritage and tells the power of our tradition as a people,” he said.
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