Al Jazeera recently released a documentary titled Ghana Controversial, in which local artists question global powers and local values through their music.
Music has always been a major force for social change in Africa. The continent – plagued by corruption, poverty and religiosity, among many other issues – has always found a voice through music, and the music of talented Africans has been a powerful tool in achieving development, good governance and enlightenment.
A first research trip in 2013 took the documentary's filmmakers to Ghana where they were introduced to a thriving, young and alternative music scene. The two main musicians they met were Wanlov the Kubolor and M3NSA of the FOKN Bois, who ended up being the main protagonists of the documentary.
The documentary also follows Adomaa, Worlasi, Akan, Mutombo Da Poet and Poetra Asantewa as they shake things up at home, using their music to challenge the status quo. Employing the tools of parody, humour and protest, they highlight social issues and call for political change. The musicians wrote and produced new songs and videos exclusively for the film in collaboration with the Swiss filmmakers.
The young Ghanaians use a stark satirical approach that reverses African stereotypes. One scene sees them soliciting money in the streets of Accra to help feed the poor in the US. "Ghana, we don't have any problems. Americans are suffering," they say, passing vendors and shopfronts.
Religious charlatanry is also addressed in the documentary by showing a flashy Ghanaian pastor throwing out candy that can supposedly impregnate women.
The documentary is available via the Al Jazeera website until 18 September 2019.
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