A collective of prominent Ghanaian musicians, led by award-winning artist Kuami Eugene, released a new rendition of the historically significant patriotic song "Yen Ara Asaase Ni" on November 17, 2024, aiming to promote national unity ahead of the country's general elections scheduled for December.
The project reimagines the composition by the late Dr. Ephraim Amu, a revered Ghanaian composer and musicologist, whose works are deeply embedded in the nation's cultural and historical fabric. The original song is widely recognized as an unofficial national anthem, frequently invoked during moments of national reflection and commemoration.
The contemporary version, produced by Kuami Eugene himself, features a wide array of artists from Ghana's diverse music scene. Participants include Sista Afia, Jupiter, Mo Jigger, St. Lennon, Lyrical Joe, Fameye, Sefa, Rap Fada, Rain Gad, Wendy Shay, Hajia Police, Strongman, Maya Blue, DSL, Kasar, Lasmid, and Yaw Darling.
In a statement accompanying the release, disseminated via social media platform Twitter, Kuami Eugene articulated the initiative's objective: "We came together to remind Y’all to choose peace come December Elections." This message directly addresses the period leading up to the presidential and parliamentary polls, a time often marked by heightened political campaigning and potential societal divisions.
The release includes an accompanying music video, made available on the global streaming platform YouTube. The video features appearances by the participating artists and includes a cameo by Afua Asantewaa, a journalist and designated Ghana Tourism Ambassador. Asantewaa, also the founder of Askof Production, recently gained national attention for an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the longest individual singing marathon. Her inclusion further underscores the project's appeal to national identity and cultural figures.
Ghana has established a reputation for democratic stability in West Africa, undergoing several peaceful transitions of power since returning to multi-party democracy in 1992. However, election periods often witness intense political rivalry, primarily between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Initiatives like this musical collaboration are viewed by organisers as contributing to a climate of tolerance and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
By leveraging a cherished piece of Ghana's musical heritage, the artists intend to foster a sense of shared identity and collective responsibility for maintaining peace during the electoral cycle. The project seeks to resonate across political lines, reminding citizens of common values that transcend partisan allegiances.
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