Okyeame Kwame argues why popular songs today don't create stories through their lyrics.
Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has expressed support for veteran broadcaster Tommy Annan-Forson’s critique of modern music, particularly the lack of storylines in contemporary songs. The veteran broadcaster had voiced his concerns during a conversation with Kwesi Kyei Darkwah on CTV, where he shared his dissatisfaction with the state of today’s music.
Tommy Annan-Forson lamented the decline in lyrical depth, stating that many modern musicians focus on meaningless chatter rather than crafting songs with substance. I virtually don’t listen to our [modern] music because there’s nothing to understand. There’s really nothing to understand. It’s just blabber music. There’s no storyline, he remarked, highlighting what he sees as a significant issue in today’s music industry.
Okyeame Kwame, a celebrated advocate for thoughtful lyrics and storytelling in music, responded to Tommy’s concerns in a Facebook post. He clarified that the broadcaster’s critique primarily applies to pop music, a genre often characterized by catchy melodies and repetitive themes rather than intricate narratives.
In his post, Okyeame Kwame acknowledged the validity of Tommy’s observations but placed them within a broader context. He explained that pop music, by its nature, prioritizes simplicity and mass appeal, which often comes at the expense of detailed storytelling. According to him, this approach does not necessarily diminish the quality of the genre but reflects its intent to connect with a wide audience.
Despite his agreement, Okyeame Kwame also highlighted the diversity within contemporary music. He pointed out that while some modern songs lack depth, many artists across genres continue to produce tracks with rich narratives and meaningful lyrics. He called for a balanced perspective, encouraging listeners to explore a wide range of music to appreciate the storytelling efforts that still exist within the industry.
The conversation sparked by Tommy Annan-Forson and Okyeame Kwame underscores an ongoing debate about the evolution of music and the role of storytelling in today’s creative landscape. While some argue that the focus on commercial appeal has diluted the art form, others see it as a reflection of changing audience preferences and the need for artists to adapt to new trends.
Okyeame Kwame’s response serves as both a defense of storytelling in music and a reminder of the variety and complexity that still thrives in the modern music scene. His balanced perspective invites further dialogue about the future of lyrical artistry in an ever-evolving industry.
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