Veteran rapper Reggie Rockstone has explained his decision to package Waakye, a popular rice and beans dish in glass jars.
Responding to critics of the controversial move in several Tweets, Rockstone said it was a purely business decision.
According to him, the Jar-Waakye is in fulfilment of a contract to supply the dish under his Rockz Waakye brand to hotels and for export.
He said although it is not meant for consumption locally, it will be available on the market for persons who want to try it.
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"The jar-waakye is for specialists, the money hit the bank, we looking good... It's a specialist for hotels for folks out of town, the package is dope and environmentally friendly," he said.
The move did not prove to be popular with Ghanaians on Twitter.
It spawned the trending hashtag #WaakyeLivesMatter which many used to question the rationale behind the packaging.
Other Twitter users backed the move for being environmentally friendly.
The dish which is served with stew/black pepper and garnished with pear, spaghetti and salads is usually sold in plastic bags or leaves.
Listen to Reggie Rockstone below;
IT IS LUNCHTIME ROCKZWAAKYE IS IN YO LIVES! FEAR NOT GH U STILL GOODY WITH YOUR ORIGINAL PACKAGING WAI😂😂 THE JAHWAAKYE IS NOT FOR YALL BUT GREAT BIZ PAI SO CLAP FOR US AND GH! HOTELS N SUPERMARKETS OUTSIDE AND IN GH STEPPED IN🙏🏿 TOLD U WE WERE GOING GLOBAL! 🙏🏿🇬🇭😜 pic.twitter.com/aR7lAIZi92
— Reggie Rockstone (@ReggieRockstone) June 17, 2020
Read some of the reactions below;
This branding deɛ it is not not not.
— Je Suis Benson (@JayBee10110) June 17, 2020
Looks like soil profile #WaakyeLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/vSVtAdmBxs
Let me tell u why a jar makes sense:
— Me (@montelewa99) June 17, 2020
1. It is recyclable
2. It reduces cost
3. Saves the environment
4. Stays hot for longer (glass)
5. Saves delivery space
6. Easier to 'pour' into a plate #WaakyeLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/XJMwgsn6xV
This is how we all love our Waakye #WaakyeLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Q24bCkr9o5
— OKYERE KWAME TAWIAH 🇬🇭🦅 (@okt_ranking) June 17, 2020
How can you suffocate the best food in Ghana in a jar like that. You're clearly infringing on the rights of the Waakye. This has to stop now. #WaakyeLivesMatter
— Mr. Prεssdεnt🇬🇭 (@Opresii) June 17, 2020
Stop Jar(rification) of our beloved waakye. #WaakyeLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jjqrtOf4Nf
— Playboi Young (@Playboi_Young) June 17, 2020
This reminds me of “Layers of soil” 😂 way back in Primary school.
— Perri-Greno 🇬🇭 🇺🇸 (@gyina_yie) June 17, 2020
#WaakyeLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/bXu8csZU6n
You are suffocating our waakye in that glass 🤧💔 they deserve their breath ✊🏿 #WaakyeLivesMatter
— Ekow Hatman 🕵🇬🇭 (@_tibuu) June 17, 2020
Metɔ waakye 3 bottles😂😂 #WaakyeLivesMatter
— Nungua Mr Bean🎭🇬🇭 (@NanaThanos) June 17, 2020
