What legacy are we leaving behind? — Akwaboah Jnr. asks musicians

AFTER what seems to be years of struggling to be accepted not just as a prolific songwriter, Highlife musician, Akwaboah Jnr, has built a strong brand and is respected for his craft and performances.

And for one whose songs are aimed at longevity, Akwaboah is worried about the kind of songs current musicians are churning out and is asking what legacy they are leaving behind.
 
“Why can’t our music stand the test of time lately? Why do we still jam to songs from Amakye Dede, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba but our songs expire five to six months after their release?

“The way things are going, I wonder the kind of legacy we are living behind for the younger generation who want to do music,” he told Graphic Showbiz.

Giving his view about what could account for this trend, Akwaboah explained that a lot of musicians did not care about the production aspect of their songs and were only interested in its trending.

“I spend not less than GH¢5,000 on just one song because I want to get the best sound and quality production. Other musicians will pay GH¢ 1,500 or GH¢ 2,000 to record a song and might get something cheap in return but I don’t do that. I am very concerned about what I put out because, in the next 30 years, I want my children to also follow my legacy.

“The lyrics and the quality of sound from our legendary musicians still appeal to the ear even 30 years after their release and that should tell you what went into their production but that cannot be said of some of our musicians today.  We need to write deep songs that can be played 30 years and over,” he said.

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Akwaboah stated that his works over the years attested to where he was heading and that was to make evergreen songs.

“Musicians should not deceive themselves that Ghanaians don’t know good music. They might not come out to say it but they know the musicians doing very good songs. I got to know that when I started doing my own concert Shades of Love.

“An hour after the start of the event, the whole place will be packed. That should tell anyone that Ghanaians are now ready for good music,” he explained.

Akwaboah, whose real name is Gladstorm Kwabena Akwaboah, says his musical roots are well known, and that he cannot afford to lower the standards his grandfather and father have set.  

“When you come from a family which abounds with music talents, you do not want to lower the standard and I am happy my dad is proud of me now,” he said.

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The award-winning musician has been in the industry for more than a decade and has released songs such as Posti Me, I Do Love You, Hold Me Down, Hye Me Bo, Matters Of The Heart, Forget, Hello, among others.