People & Lifestyle

A Literature Review of Kofi Kinaata’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Amu Mawutoh

Published

4 years ago

January 14, 2020

In October 2019, a month ago, the Things Fall Apart writer and singer, Kofi Kinaata (formally called Martin King Arthur) released his song that took to the music industry and caused a stir online and on the airwaves. Ghanaians on Twitter reacted to the song by tweeting their opinions of the song – some quoting their favourite lines of the song and many more hailing him for the message of the song.

The Western Regional award winning song-writer and singer came to the limelight when he featured on Castro’s Odo Pa (2013). Two years later, he collaborated with Donzy and released The Crusade (2015). He is also known for hits like Susuka (2015), Sweetie Pie (2016), Confession (2017), Time No Dey (2017), and very recently, Things Fall Apart.

Kofi Kinaata, is a Highlife/Hiplife musician who comes from a Christian home in Takoradi. Born into a Christian home with a father who is a past or and a bible studies teacher in his church, it is expected that he is raised with Christian moral values and with the Bible. It is therefore not a wonder that many of his hit songs such as Confession, Susuka and Things Fall Apart appear to draw from his family and Christian background with references to God and Christian lifestyles. According to AnswersAfrica.com, Kinaata is influenced by the reggae musician, Joseph Hill and his songs which preach love, unity and peace.

Since hearing Kinaata’s music in 2015, when he released The Crusaders – I will always have it in my memory as the song that brought him to my attention – I have found his sense of humour as a musician refreshing as well as his choice of language when rapping and singing. These set him apart, in my opinion, from other musicians. More than that, I respected him for the themes he addresses in his songs and his innovative and ingenious music videos also were not in the usual trend – there was no use of nudity which many artists use in their videos to pull certain viewers with a taste for women nudity – he chooses very traditional settings that showed a true reflection of the reality of the time. His themes have always had a social import and dealt with issues that plagued the Ghanaian. These elements are not absent in

Things Fall Apart.
The title of this new song immediately brings to the mind of any literature student or African novel lover, Chinua Achebe’s popularly known novel of the same title which portrayed a protagonist who did not want to accept the changes of the colonial era, especially with the coming of a new religion and education. It is however, clear from the lyrics that he is referring to falling standards of morals in today’s Ghana. And he chooses to use a familiar ground – church members and leaders – to channel his message.

His refrain which translates in English as “And so is this how we are worshipping God?” is the rhetorical question directed to the church in Ghana and the Christians in Ghana. The title is mentioned once in the song when he refers to the churches with schools that their members cannot afford. It is absurd and really goes to support his claim that things have indeed fallen apart there.

The introductory lines are profound and attest to Kinaata’s skills as a songwriter. Without saying much he makes use of metonymy and imagery and paints a picture of double standards of most church members in Ghana. As depicted in the poster for the song, a black man holds up the alcoholic bottle that is laced with the rosary. In Ghana, Fridays in the Christian circles are associated with all-night church services where the congregation is believed to be praying and warring against the devil who is blamed for all their problems.

At my first hearing of the song, I played with the idea that Kinaata may be addressing the colonial theme when he says that the colonial forces that brought the Bible also brought the alcohol. I wondered if he wanted to tackle the double standards from the colonial point. I settled with the opinion that he uses it as an extended metaphor to propagate his theme. The mention of the alcohol and Bible, coming from the same source is, first of all, used as the excuse for living double standard life by those who are two-faced. Secondly, that all humans are capable of good as well as evil, but it is our responsibility and we must choose the right path.

Thirdly, that the colonial experience brought some good and also bad experiences and again, we should be able to discern and choose the good experience and use it for our development. In sum, we learn from the past, use it in the present and look forward onto the future.

Another strong message that resonates in the refrain is the issue of hypocrisy. And though the framework is as I have mentioned earlier his most familiar setting; the church, he strings this hypocrisy theme through the religious, to the political and to social institutions. He sings to every human being that can hear and understand the song, asking a question that demands his listeners and fans to (ask their friends and ask themselves to) examine their lifestyles, if they are worshipping God right? or as the refrain says “… this is how we are worshipping God?”

With regards to religious institutions, the song addresses the silence of pastors over the bad lifestyles they witness in their members and how the Bible is used to their convenience to become sovereign in their ways. He uses in particular, the verse in 1 chronicle 16:22/Psalm 105:15, which says “do not touch my anointed and do my prophets no harm”. According to Kinaata, this verse becomes the trump card these pastors pull on the masses to avoid being checked or spoken against when they are clearly in the wrong.

In the name of God they do the unspeakable and use the name of God as a cover. Not too long ago a pastor with many followers was arrested for promoting wee smoking in his church. Stories of pastors who also verbally and sexually harass their members, are not wanting. He does not leave Muslims and traditionalists out. There is a mention of Muslims who drink and claim they are “American Muslims”.

With regard to the political setting, he bemoans corruption and the disservice to the citizens who voted these politicians into power. The reality of bad road networks that prevail in the country is given a mention and the floods that come with rains, rendering many homes inhabitable and some roads that cannot be plied after rains.

In the social setting such as educational institutions, the issue of “sex for grades” is brought to the light. A lot of these lecturers are Christians or Muslims whose religious tenets forbid such immoral actions. Kinaata also focuses on people who covert their fellow’s partner (husband/wife) and properties to the point of shedding the blood of their neighbours in order to own what belongs to their neighbours. Also mentioned are those who cannot be patient and work through the process to succeed but want everything on a silver platter and thus will resort to blood money to become rich.

I mentioned earlier that his sense of humour is an element that I find refreshing in his art. I will point out here some of the elements of humour that I find in the song. Kinaata may not have meant to be humorous however, I found myself laughing from these. The first is the mention that on the Day of Judgment, God will have to make some considerations else he will have nobody in heaven. Of course, this is not something to laugh about if you believe in heaven. This implies the lack/falling of standards to a low level in modern times that God may have to lower his standards to get people in heaven.

So many people will not make the mark due to us falling short of his glory. Second is the mention of the Jehovah Witnesses. So many humorous stories abound on the topic of Jehovah witnesses especially with regard to their persistence. But what is hilarious is the imagery of people running away from them and giving all sort of excuses to avoid them; a realistic painting of today’s society. Their attitude to propagating their gospel is I must say, admirable yet sometimes a bit intruding, for lack of a better word. Thirdly, the metaphor Kinaata uses in comparing husband snatchers is, without doubt, a rib-cracker.

Kinaata compares them to plaster on a wound: that these “side chicks” stick so close unyieldingly to another woman’s husband. Lastly, what many people find as a punch line, towards the end of the last verse, when Kinaata says, “Part-time Christian you wan’ fight full-time devil”. I agree that it is a heavy punch line and incredibly weighty with a truth while being humorous for its suggestion of part-time and full-time jobs. There is no winning for the part-time Christian.

Things Fall Apart is a song that describes, unbiased, the realities of a religious country struggling to find the thin line between morality and religion. The two can be confusing sometimes as clearly painted by the Kinnata’s lyrics. It offers a pearl of subtle wisdom that only answers to the questions posed by Kinaata can uncover. Despite its many philosophical intakes, the song can be grooved to by those who prioritize instrumentals and those who consider content before taking a liking to songs alike. Both factions are in good luck. They will be delighted to sing along to the agreeable didactic content of the song while tapping their toes to the instrumentals. Kinaata does well to sing clearly, paying attention to diction so that listeners can hear and ultimately absorb his message.

Hmmmm
The sky is definitely the limit!!!
Keep up the good works

People & Lifestyle

MTN Climax Eidul Fitr with Cultral Day Celebration

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Salihu Abu of MTN Senior Manager for Customer Relations and Credit Management presenting the items to Alhaj Latif PRO of the National Chief Imam

MTN Ghana concluded this year’s Eidul Fitr celebrations with cultural events in Accra Newtown and Kumasi. The cultural events brought together various ethnic groups in the communities to showcase their rich culture in vibrant durbars.

Leaders of the ethnic groups led their delegations with traditional performances. The event featured live performances from dance groups and artists during the durbars. The cultural day platforms were used to share goodwill messages and to address community issues. In Kumasi, chiefs paraded from the central Mosque through Manhyia, Allabar, and ended at Kumasi Zongo. Health screening exercises were also included in the activities. Residents were screened for Hepatitis B, Blood Pressure, HIV, Malaria, and had their sugar levels checked.

In addition to these activities, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, in solidarity, celebrated with Muslim employees at MTN House. MTN Regional leadership also held similar engagements with Muslim employees in all 16 regions.

Before the cultural day, MTN Ghana presented food items and cash to the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and Regional Chief Imams in Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions. This year, a total of GHS100,000 was committed to the purchase of items for the celebration of Eidul Fitr in the three regions. The items presented included rice, cartons of vegetable oil, packs of mineral water, soft drinks, rams, and cash.

In Accra, Salihu Abu, Senior Manager for Customer Relations and Credit Management, led the delegation to the National Chief Imam and expressed his appreciation on behalf of MTN for the support, patronage, and loyalty of MTN’s customers across the country. He expressed gratitude for their continued support of MTN’s activities and the warm reception the company has received over the years.

The National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, received the items and thanked MTN for its continuous support. He also prayed for the company’s success, saying, “We are grateful for this gesture that you have done. May Allah increase your business and activities.”

The donations in the Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions were led by Mr. Simon Amoh, Senior Manager Regional Sales, Prince Owusu Nyarko, Senior Manager Southwest, and Kwame Aseye Akude, Manager Retail Experience Northern Business District.

MTN has been supporting the Muslim Community for 16 years during Eid-ul Fitr celebrations through donations and the organization of events in Nima, Accra New Town, Kumasi, Kasoa, and Tamale. The company also supports the National Hajj Board annually in the organization of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

People & Lifestyle

Gavi and UNICEF welcome approval of new oral cholera vaccine

Published

22 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF welcome the news that a new oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Euvichol-S, has now received WHO prequalification and can be made available to countries around the world. The prequalification of this new product will help EuBiologics, the manufacturer, produce more volumes of vaccine, faster, and at a lower cost – a key step to expanding supply amidst the ongoing acute global upsurge of cholera outbreaks.

Today’s approval will help increase the overall supply of OCV available in 2024, with approximately 50 million doses now forecasted to be available to the global stockpile this year, compared to 38 million in 2023. Euvichol-S is an important product innovation: a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus that reduces the number of vaccine components – delivering a vaccine that studies have shown remains equally effective against key cholera serogroups while lowering production cost and complexity – thus allowing for larger volumes to be produced faster.

Cholera has been surging globally since 2021, with high case fatality rates despite availability of simple, effective and affordable treatment. The large number of outbreaks has led to unprecedented demand for vaccines from impacted countries. While global OCV supply has increased eighteen-fold between 2013 and 2023, the large and sustained spike in demand has put a strain on the global stockpile of OCV. Partners and countries are working urgently on cholera response, prevention and control measures in the face of this crisis, and have called on countries, manufacturers and others to support. Most recently, Gavi, UNICEF and partners announced the largest ever global deployment of cholera diagnostics to support surveillance and response.

“Prequalification of Euvichol-S represents a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world,” said Dr Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi. “Every vaccine dose delivered through Gavi programmes today represents years of planning and investment to shape the market so supply matches countries’ needs. The approval of this new product could not have come at a more important time given the acute upsurge of cholera outbreaks we are seeing worldwide. We commend EuBiologics for their role in ensuring countries around the world have access to cholera vaccine as part of their response toolkit.”

EuBiologics is currently the only supplier of OCV to the global stockpile, although other manufacturers are expected to have products available in the coming years. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance works to shape the OCV market, and funds the global stockpile of OCV doses, along with transport and vaccination activities in lower-income countries. UNICEF leads on procurement and delivery of doses to countries. Use of the stockpile for emergency response is overseen by the International Coordinating Group for Vaccine Provision (ICG), led by WHO.

“Despite cholera being preventable and easily treatable, children continue to suffer from this potentially fatal disease. UNICEF has already secured access to all the available doses of the just-approved vaccine and will deliver these to the countries at the highest possible speed,” said Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division. “The approval means that UNICEF can increase the procurement and delivery of cholera vaccines by more than 25%, pushing back harder on deadly cholera outbreaks.”

People & Lifestyle

Isap Music Drops ‘Naomi’ As First Single of The Year

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Ghanaian Hip-Life/Hip-Hop artiste, Isap Music has today officially released his premiere single of the year, “Naomi” on all digital streaming platforms.

The new single is an Afrobeats record that boarders on the thin line between love and obsession.

Isap Music opens with a reassurance for that special someone as he plans to put a ring on her finger soon. His sweet-singing voice together with the charming lyrics not only wins the heart of “Naomi,” but the listener as well.

On the DCM Records produced track, Isap Music brings a different energy to his first single of 2024, building a strong anticipation for subsequent releases as the year progresses.

However, until then, “Naomi” is simply one of the best Ghanaian Afrobeats songs released so far this year.

Isap Music’s spectacular performance on the two minutes 27 seconds track has everything; vocals, lyrics, storytelling and ad-libs, all on point.

It’s hard to believe such a good song was produced from another person’s experience but that is exactly how the song came to life.

In an online interview with Amplify Ghana, Isap Music disclosed that “Naomi” was inspired by a friend.

“The love song was actually inspired by a friend who was so much into his girl that he couldn’t stay a day without hearing her voice,” he said.

The latest single comes after his collaboration with 2022 VGMA Best Rap Performance award winner Lyrical Joe, Suuparstar TZ and Siicie on “Yesu Frɛwo” released last year.

Isap Music is one of the exciting new voices in the music scene. This new release, “Naomi” continues his streak of superb releases. Gaining recognition as one of the few street preachers, Isap Music’s versatility as an artist is of no doubt. He continues to share different messages and produce bangers in many genres.

“Naomi” by Isap Music is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Listen to “Naomi”

People & Lifestyle

Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Within the ever-changing financial environment, it’s an issue of immense importance that an investor remains at the forefront. Immediate Nexus is a beacon that avails the indispensable resources and insight to navigate an investor through manning the complexities in investment come 2024 and thereafter. Let’s delve into why immediate-nexus-ai.com is your ultimate gateway to free investment education in 2024.

Understanding Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

It is nothing less than a whole ecosystem to be built with the idea of allowing investors at different levels of experience to obtain the knowledge and tools needed to gain a foothold in this business. Whether you are a seasoned investor or one learning the ropes of how to dabble in the finance world, the Immediate Nexus has got your back.

The Evolution of Investment Education

Traditional teachings of investment have a very short shelf life due to the fast pace with which technology and the trend of the global markets move. Immediate Nexus fills that need by providing modern investors with current, readily accessible, practical information.

Free Resources for All

But what really strikes the most is the kind of free education toward all people without having any expense of seminars or the elite high-cost memberships. Truly, Immediate Nexus advocates that financial literacy should be made available to all, no matter where you come from or belong in terms of background or current financial status.

Expert Insights and Analysis

Investment can be cumbersome to wade through, especially for beginners. Immediate Nexus makes it easier with an expert insight and analysis curated from none but the best sources. Be it market trends or effective investment strategies, everything is there to make your decision wise.

Harnessing the Power of Community

It doesn’t need to be a lonely journey. Immediate Nexus is a dynamic, live community where investors network, share ideas, and draw wisdom from one another. That interactive approach makes it conducive to learning at the same time, availing valuable networking opportunities.

Why Choose Immediate Nexus?

While Immediate Nexus may be a new kind of educational platform, in many ways, it is poised to soon become the go-to solution for those seeking to grow and succeed in the world of investing. Here are ten great reasons why you need to make it your go-to resource this year.

Holistic Content: From the guidelines of a beginner investor to the strategies which are to be followed at an advanced level, Immediate Nexus encompasses and provides information relevant to every single stage an investor might be in.
User-Friendly Interface: The platform friendliness comes with ease of navigating through the site, intuitive design, and a friendly interface.
Timely Updates:** Actual happenings in the capital and financial markets, economic development, and investment opportunities.
Interactive Learning: Engjson Quizzes, Interactive Tutorials, and Live Webinars assist learners in polishing skills and strengthening their learning.
Community of Trust: Be a part of an elite community of like-minded investors, share knowledge and support each other in growth.

Conclusion

Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024 is not a platform—it’s a revolution, an immediate nexus revolutionizing ways people think about investment education. Equip your financial future with all the expert insights and resources that you would have needed, including a lively community. Join the movement today and take your first steps toward financial freedom.

People & Lifestyle

Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage: A Path to Financial Freedom

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

The financial opportunities, though, in mastering the trading Bitcoin are huge in this dynamic world of cryptocurrency. BitLQ Matrix strategy stands like a beacon of assurance and profitability among the myriad strategies available. This paper, therefore, seeks to detail the encapsulated greater benefits within the bitlq.app Matrix and illustrate how one could optimize his trading to achieve financial freedom.

Understanding Bitcoin Trading

Bitcoins are the first and leading cryptocurrency ever to evolve, and it altered the thinking of how the world used to look at finances. Bitcoin trading is a process through which one can speculate on the price movements of them and, in turn, takes home profits by analyzing the markets and makes a deciding move. Trading in bitcoins is very demanding in nature since it is very unpredictable. Good knowledge and strategic acumen are expected to surge through the market fluctuations victoriously.

Embracing the BitLQ Matrix Advantage

Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage

The BitLQ Matrix is not some trading strategy but a whole, complete framework aiming to trade optimal results while controlling risks most efficiently. This revolutionarily uses LQ to guide traders through informed considerations in making decisions for the best possible profits with the least possible vulnerability to market volatility.

Liquidity: The Backbone of Trading Success

Liquidity is the base that underlies any trading pursuit to support transactional ease and participation in the market. Priority to the BitLQ Matrix trade is given, executed seamlessly without slippage, or at least at the most minimal level, for the efficient trade execution at the best entry and exit levels.

Quantity: Balancing Risk and Reward

In this respect, good risk management becomes highly imperative while trading in Bitcoins, and with the BitLQ Matrix, there is a good balance since traders can put in the emphasis on the importance of trade quantity. By doing so, the traders will accurately calibrate the position sizes to market conditions and the risk-taker’s risk-bearing ability to ensure they make a better risk-reward ratio and protect the capital from likely losses.

Quality: Elevating Trading Standards

Quality, in this case, regards the level of trades executed within BitLQ Matrix. This gives traders the opportunity to spike up their trading standards further, promoting the desired consistency and profitability from their undertakings.

Unveiling the Benefits

The BitLQ Matrix offers a plethora of benefits to traders seeking to master Bitcoin trading:

Increased Precision: With these details of liquidity, quantity, and quality at disposal, traders can be able to execute their trades with pinpoint accuracy, zero error tolerance, and hence reap all the profitability possible in their trades.
Risk Mitigation: The strategy of risk management integrated into BitLQ Matrix enables traders to be in a position where they could avert their possible losses and preserve capital in times of market downturn.
Consistent Profjson: The BitLQ Matrix principles will assure that you profit on a consistent basis, fostering sustainability for long-time success in trade.

Conclusion

This exciting journey into Bitcoin trading within the BitLQ Matrix soon turns into an adventure of financial independence and prosperity in one of the most lively and fast-changing cryptocurrency markets. You apply liquidity, quantity, and quality principles toward revealing limitless opportunities for profit multiplication and growth sustainability. Seize the advantage today and embark on your path to financial freedom with the BitLQ Matrix.

People & Lifestyle

Nana Quasi-Wusu Celebrates 10 Years In Broadcasting

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2024

VJ Scaro

Renowned multiple Award winning Ghanaian media personality and a Humanitarian, Nana Quasi-Wusu, popularly known as PM, commemorates a decade in media as a broadcast journalist filled with exceptional stories and excellence. (more…)