Obiba Sly
Veteran Ghanaian highlife singer/producer, Obiba Sly Collins, has released a music video to promote his hit song titled ‘Why Africa’ to create awareness on the negative impact of corruption on the progress of the African continent.
The song blames political leaders for the high level of corruption in the corridors of power.
The musician stated that he is resolute in joining the public to fight corruption through music and he believes by using music, the increasing rate of corruption will reduce.
According to him, ‘Why Africa’, for all intents and purposes, is not for jollification or for those who want to do ‘asabone nkuma asaase’; this is music for deep meditation and reflection as it speaks directly on the need for Africans to fight against corrupt politicians.
“My song is admonishing our African leaders to be conscious of who we are as Africans in other to lay a solid foundation for the youth,” he disclosed.
He nevertheless warns that the corruption, fraud, nepotism, xenophobia, and greed which pervades the African continent will lead to our doom.
In the video directed by David Wincott, Obiba Sly Collins weeps bitterly with very touching lyrics about how Africa has been desolate and destroyed by the actions of its children.
He said, “I don’t know why my people … black people are still suffering? We are blessed with gold, but … still hungry, we’ve got diamonds everywhere, but no shelter for the workers, …we are endowed with natural resources, but my people are wailing, we are blessed with crude oil, but no good roads.”
Known for his unique delivery, Obiba Sly Collins, who announced his presence in the music scene over three decades, underscored that his new song is very educative and has good danceable beats.
.He has continuously regaled us with melodious, philosophical, and sometimes controversial songs which have nevertheless pricked our consciences over the years. Unlike others, he has kept to his roots – highlife music – and has added his touch to it as one can hear elements of other genres but he does not compromise on his roots.
In some previous songs, he has extolled some leading lights of the society whose lifestyle and comportment are worthy to be emulated. On other occasions, he has advised the youth against all forms of get-rich-quick scams including sakawa and blood money.
He urged everyone to pay attention to the messages in the song to be enlightened and inspired to champion a worthy cause to fight corrupt activities in Africa for a better living standard.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke