Traditional music not “colo,” says Sherifa Gunu

Ghanaian artiste Sherifa Gunu has raised concerns about the negative labelling of traditional music, noting that the music style isn’t colonial (colo), as had been projected, but a true reflection of Ghana’s music culture.

She’s saddened that at a time when Nigerians are busily promoting their identity and culture through their traditional music, Ghanaian musicians continue to shun and look down on a music genre that projects their uniqueness.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, the artiste, real name Osman Sherifatu Gunu, revealed that the dyed-in-the-wool damaging labelling of traditional music discourages some Ghanaian musicians from collaborating with her.

According to her, these same musicians who look down on traditional music and artistes back home in Ghana are quick to play local/traditional instruments on their European tours for global appeal.

“It will interest you to know that many Ghanaian artistes don’t want to work with traditional musicians because they think our music is too outdated and too “colo”. They act very big here, sounding like foreigners, but go abroad and suddenly play kora and drums. That’s just hypocrisy.

“Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria have seen the light and are seriously promoting their traditional music, and we sit back here and want to sound more original than the owners of the sound.

“Nigerian artistes are leading because they know how to sell their culture. But here, when you even sing in your mother tongue, people describe it as too “local” and “colo,” like it’s a bad thing. Until we fully embrace our sound, we’ll keep falling behind,” she said.

While admitting that following music trends is attractive, Sherifa also cautioned young artistes not to be swayed by ‘fast food’ music but to be authentic and walk in the paths of music greats such as Osibisa, Amakye Dede and Angelique Kidjo, who are still relevant after many years because of their style.

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