�I Don�t Owe Politicians Any Explanation�

Ghana's most controversial rap artiste, Barima Sidney, whose hit-song Africa Money created panic among Ghanaian politicians, will soon release a new album with yet another controversial hit-single, Enko Yie, meaning �It�s not working�. The song, which is currently enjoying massive airplay, has been welcomed by a number of Ghanaians who are going through economic hardship under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.Enko Yie talks about the economic hardship, the government�s slowness in finding solutions and the general feeling of disappointment by many. Though the song makes no mention of a political party or personality, it is clear that Ghanaians know the political party Sidney is referring to.In a chat however, Barima Sidney explained that his current hit song Enko Yie has nothing to do with politics in the country, adding that, �People are saying it is a political song, but I don�t see it as such�. The song compares the current feeling among Ghanaians to that of a man who leaves his wife to enter into a new marriage. One which he soon regrets but feels trapped by circumstances and cannot get out, at least not for some years to come. Reports reaching BEATWAVES also indicates that certain political figures who have listened to the content of the song have come to the conclusion that Sidney�s song is politically motivated and was composed to tarnish the image of a particular party. When asked whether he shared the views of those political figures, Sidney insisted, �My song is not political. People have misinterpreted the content of my song and I don�t have problems with it. I know certain politicians are not happy with it. I don�t owe them any explanation since it is purely a social song. The idea behind �Enko Yie� is different from public perception�. He disclosed that the very day the song was first aired; certain people started calling him to explain the rationale behind the song. Sidney went solo in 2001 with his debut album Tinana. His sophomore album, Akofna (2003), which featured the extremely controversial 'Apuskeleke', was even better. The word 'Apuskeleke' has become popular and is used to describe short, skimpy or provocative dresses. It is actually used to tease people who wear such clothing. Sidney however described it as meaning �good investment�, which has also been thought to mean investing in prostitution. The title track of his 2004 album, �Scent No�, was also controversial as it expressed intense dislike for poor hygiene, it also teased various professions. The song was picked up as a campaign song by the NPP after tangling with the NDC over its rights in the run-up to Ghana�s 2004 election. �Scent No� was the NPP slogan and J. A. Kufuor rode it to victory. Sidney doubled up the controversy in his 2005 album. �Obia Nye Obia� struck a timeless debate about equality in society, while �Wo kunu kotebea� encouraged citizens to support their leaders. But the chorus had a profane twist. Some of his other songs are Africa money, �Kyere Me�, �I See You Cher�, �Monhye Nkom�, �Ma Sweetie�, �Paanoo Shew�, Colour TV, �Piti Odo Nsuo�, �Ehye Mu, Mind Da Gap�, �Obaa Kokoo�, �Ibi So�, �Hu Me Mobo�, Child Soldier,� Adukrom Nsuo�, �Nkwaraa Yi�, among others.