Accra: Music is more than just a business, but a powerful tool that influences behaviours either positively or negatively. The spiritual value of music cannot be underestimated, from the exquisite harmonies and melodies to the impact that the words or lyrics may have on one’s life. The scene during various musical concerts is nothing short of fantastic, some breathtaking as fans emotionally connect to the songs and rhythms of their adored artistes. Even in our daily lives, music clearly changes and influences us, with musical artistes becoming heroes and in extreme cases, cult leaders.
According to Ghana News Agency, regardless of the positive aspects of lyrics, it is obvious that in today’s music industry, lyrics are being used to promote drug use, prostitution, pornography, and the ‘get rich quick’ mentality among the younger generation. The exposure of the youth to such unsuitable language in songs is steadily weakening society’s moral standards and values, which may have a negative impact on the country’s future.
Dr. Moses Nii-Dortey, a renowned ethnomusicologist, says music has some major strands: one which is purely instrumental and then purely vocal or a combination of both. He describes lyrics as the voices of the masses and serve as a linkage between the powerful in society and the less privileged, especially in a world where the voices of a few are heard, whether on the radio or television.
Ghanaian musician Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo, popularly known as Epixode, pays attention to his lyrics as an extremely powerful thing that goes beyond melody and speaks directly to people’s hearts and minds. He believes that when someone hears words that resonate with their struggles, hopes, or dreams, it inspires change, brings healing, or even pushes the person to take positive action.
The use of lyrics to portray vulgarity in Ghanaian music was previously masked with proverbs, euphemisms, and idiomatic expressions. However, recent times have seen a shift to more explicit language, easily comprehensible by even children. Renowned entertainment personality David Adjei Frimpong, known as MC Portfolio, attributes this change to market forces that popularise songs promoting profanity over those that inspire or motivate listeners.
The emergence of new musical genres, including dancehall and hip-hop, has also contributed to the rise in profanity. Artistes are often compelled to include explicit lyrics to demonstrate loyalty to these genres. MC Portfolio notes that record labels are more willing to invest in commercially viable genres like hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall, rather than traditional genres that tell the Ghanaian moral story.
Epixode believes the use of profane language is more of an artistic expression rather than a commercial tool. He stresses that while shock value can sell, the use of strong language should reflect reality and not be used carelessly. He advocates for responsible lyricism without the need for censorship, emphasizing education for artists on the impact of their words.
The digital era has made music more accessible, exposing fans to explicit language without traditional media’s control. Dr. Nii-Dortey suggests that while censorship might stifle creativity, controlling radio play and parental guidance can help mitigate exposure to profane lyrics.
MC Portfolio highlights the role of award schemes in reducing explicit content, noting that certain genres with refined lyrics, such as Highlife, often receive less recognition. He argues that rewarding artists who promote positive messages could discourage the use of vulgar language. However, he also notes that some award schemes inadvertently validate inappropriate language by not offering substantial rewards for refined lyricism.