By: Jeremiah Nutsugah
There have over the years been an unending call to the current section of music talents in Ghana to embrace live band performances of their songs and gradually a few are living up to the call and task. Notable among them are Samini, Stonebwoy, Ayisi and Sarkodie. All these artists have on many occasions performed shows with live band music to prove their prowess and versatility.
A recent electrifying performance by Ghanaian hip-life artist Fimfim with the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra at the National Theatre for the unveiling of his album “Boasiako” has left an indelible mark on the faces of Ghanaian music lovers.
The seamless blend of symphony and rap during that magical night has not only captivated Ghanaians but also garnered commendation from the Originator of Hiplife in Ghana, Reggie Rockstone. Reggie Rockstone could not hide his admiration for the performance by the young Artist during a social media post.
This exceptional showcase has sparked a thought-provoking consideration: Should more Ghanaian artists, like Highlife sensation Kuame Eugene, the talented Kidi, rap maestro Sarkodie, dancehall artists like Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, consider incorporating symphony orchestras into their performances? Such collaborations could potentially propel them onto the global stage, gaining recognition at prestigious awards like the Grammys.
Ghanaian artists, celebrated for their creativity and versatility, possess the potential to infuse classical elements into their compositions, offering a fresh perspective to their works. The marriage of modern genres with the refined sound of a symphony orchestra promises a unique and unforgettable experience for both artists and audiences alike.
This collaboration has the power to contribute to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. Imagine top artists like Sarkodie, Kuame Eugene, Kidi, Shatta Wale, and Stonebwoy harmonizing with a symphony orchestra is a prospect that excites music lovers and could further elevate Ghana’s cultural imprint.
In conversations with Ghanaians, the sentiment is clear – blending our musical styles with symphony orchestras aligns with global preferences and could be a strategic move for international recognition, particularly at the Grammys.
JeuQid, an emerging underground artist, emphasizes the need for Ghanaian musicians to embrace their unique style. He advocates for blending hip-life with Symphony, echoing the successful fusion demonstrated by Fimfim at his concert a few months ago. This, he believes, is a departure from mimicking Nigerian trends and an assertion of Ghana’s musical identity.
In essence, the magical performance by Fimfim has not only set an example but has ignited a conversation about the potential of Ghanaian artists collaborating with symphony orchestras.
According to Fimfim a true pioneer of the Ghanaian music scene expressed his vision of his collaboration saying he has always believed that music has the power to connect people across different worlds. Performing “ Boasiako” with the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra is a dream come true and it’s my way of bringing the magic of music to an even broader audience.
As the music industry continues to evolve, such innovative ventures could be the key to not only captivating local audiences but making a resounding impact on the global stage.
