Ghanaian rapper Derrick Sarfo Kantanka, popularly known as Amerado, has called on musicians to exercise caution in their lyrical content after including his lyrics in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Amerado’s song ‘Kweku Ananse’ was featured in the Creative Arts and Design paper. A specific question prompted students to identify the moral lesson from his lyrics. Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, the rapper emphasized the impact musicians can have on society, especially on young minds.
He stressed the importance of musicians’ public image and the words they use in their songs, noting that these factors significantly shape societal values, particularly among students. Reflecting on the BECE initiative, Amerado highlighted artists’ positive influence and urged them to consider their influence responsibly.
“This initiative shows that our music can positively impact people’s lives. When recording or performing, musicians should be mindful of their attire, behaviour, and the message in their lyrics because they are influencing lives,” Amerado remarked.
Acknowledging the role of creative arts in education, Amerado praised integrating music into the curriculum as a step towards recognizing its societal value. He thanked the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for the recognition. He affirmed his commitment to producing content that promotes positive values.
The inclusion of Amerado’s lyrics in the BECE marks a milestone for both the artist and Ghana’s educational system, underscoring the potential of music to inspire and educate the younger generation beyond entertainment.
