Although Agya Koo’s performance projected the importance and value for education, critics found it uncalled for, for such a program to be allowed to hold on such a big platform…
While the [email protected] Independence day celebrations have come and gone, the thrilling activities and performances that took place at the grand event has still got Ghanaians talking and reminiscing up till this moment.
Ghana’s 60th anniversary parade at the Black Star Square on March 6, 2017; consisted of tons of activities and side attractions ranging from match-pasts from different troops, cultural displays, unforgettable President Nana Addo’s speech and many more.
See: 25 Most Fascinating Photos From Ghana’s 60th Independence Day Celebration
However, one of these side attractions has sparked mix reactions on and off the media; Agya Koo’s performance with other Kumawood stars. Stakeholders in the Creative Arts industry have described the performance as a disgraceful one. The performance, a comedy sketch, has been widely given the thumbs down by critics who have deemed it uncalled for and below standard.
The sketch, which featured stars like Kofi Adu, also known as Agya Koo, Akwesi Boadi and Matilda Asare, popularly called ‘Akrobeto’ among others, centered on the need for parents to educate the wards.
Although the sketch projected the importance and value for education, critics found it uncalled for such a program to be allowed to hold on such a big platform, which attracted some diplomats from some African countries and the world at large.
Among some of the critics were Dr. Daniel Appiah Agyei, a Lecturer at the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, and Alexander Anagli, a Movie Director, Script Writer and a Video Concept Developer, who spoke to Adom News. Politicians in the likes of Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have also expressed disappointment in Agya’s Koo’s performance; describing it as relegation of the country’s image.
An aspect of the performance which attracted lots of criticisms was the use of vernacular. Although Twi is more or less a central Ghanaian tongue, it was uncalled for to use the language on a platform where there were many foreigners.
From the expressions on the faces of some personalities, one could easily tell they couldn’t understand what was said in the play. This was a major reason why the performance was heavily criticized by stakeholders.
The use of cordless microphones according to critics, also contributed to a very poor output. They questioned why performers were made to use cordless microphones instead of a lapel. Cordless microphones, Alexander Anagli explained, did not allow for proper expression on the part of the actors of the play. According to him, if an actor is holding a microphone when acting on state, it disrupts him and makes it difficult for him to come out his best.
Agya Koo has responded to the backlash by some critics on the drama staged at the Black Star Square on Monday, March 6, 2017. The actor cum comedian who said he developed the comedy sketch, has said that everything about it was on point except for the few technical hitches with the microphones.
Agya Koo during an interaction with citifmonline.com, revealed that the excellence of his work has taken him to foreign countries like Germany and London and that Ghana’s wasn’t a different case. According to him, most of the people who are badmouthing the play are supporters of the NDC, who are still bitter that he campaigned against them.
Agya Koo also recalled the incident of last independence celebrations in 2016, where he also did a comic performance. The actor was part of a group of comedians who marched at the 59th Independence Anniversary parade, dressed in old military apparel. He wondered why the same people who saw nothing wrong with the performance at the time; are condemning that if this year.
For the use of vernacular; the ace Kumawood actor bemoaned the high neglect by Ghanaians for their mother tongue. In other countries he explained, they hold their language at high esteem and use it for public events; national or international.
“You see why we are suffering? Twi is my language. Go to Italy, you have to speak their language. I was speaking to Ghanaians – they were my target. So what is the essence of speaking English?”
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