Veteran and Proficient Ghanaian musician Edem Doe known widely as Olonka Gagba has asked musicians in the country to be intentional in promoting Ghanaian original cultural heritage in their artistic and music recordings in ways which will enrich and enhance educational purposes for growth and development.
In an exclusive interaction, Olonka Gagba admonished the importance of promoting indigenous Ghanaian culture through music and other talented avenues, adding that, it portrays the values and traditions of the Ghanaian people, hence the need to devote special attention to it.
“I believe and adhere to the principle that, it is better to promote the Ghanaian culture through music rather than becoming a refugee in someone else country. It will shape, and broaden our Ghanaian scope to a broader level. We have a lot to talk about concerning our culture as Ghanaians. We can do that through music, movies, among others” he said.
The musician with high following on social media further called on other creatives to use their music as an instrument to preach peace to Ghanaians as the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections approaches.
He said, colleague musicians have a greater influence and could keep youth in order for them not to engage in violence during and after the December elections.
He observed that, musicians can be used effectively as a unifying force across barriers of conflicts as well as bridge ethnic and religious barriers to observe peace, adding that artiste’s participation in politics should not breed conflict and abuse.
“There need to be peace in the country as December election approaches, sustainable development requires an environment of peace and to make progress as a country, musicians have to preach to the citizenry to reject instability and settle for peaceful coexistence. We as musician have this mandate”.
In conclusion, Edem Doe stated plans by his management to groom young and underground artistes free of charge, starting this November to enhance on peaceful coordination. He indicated that, the grooming process would focus on training them on proper song writing skills concerning cultural values as the motive.
“This will be an initiative spearheaded by myself and my management with focus on grooming young talents for free of charge. It starts from this November and even continues after the elections. Promotion of our Ghanaian cultural values will be the theme of this initiative. I seek to enhance on the writing skills of our young talents, I want to them to learn the new enhanced way of doing music right” he added.
Olonka Gagba music over the years has traveled far. His talent has been proven beyond doubt as the best in the Ghanaian music circle. He has worked and recorded with other creatives like Wisa Greid, among others.