Okyeame Kwame’s hit song “No Competition,” featuring Kuami Eugene, has recently found its place in the unique academic discourse at the University of Media Arts and Communication Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ).
Under the guidance of the esteemed lecturer Daniel Obeng Acquah, the song has been integrated into the African Anthropology course curriculum, offering students a rare opportunity to explore the infusion of African cultural elements in contemporary media.
Titled “Exploring African Culture Through Music,“ the lecture series analyzed “No Competition“ for portraying Ghanaian traditions and identity through its lyrics and music video. Okyeame Kwame himself participated in the educational endeavour, offering insights into the cultural motifs embedded within the song.
In his interaction with students, Okyeame Kwame emphasized the educational value of using art for cultural expression, stressing the importance of preserving and celebrating African heritage through modern media. This approach resonated strongly with participants, who appreciated the depth of cultural storytelling embedded in the song.
Sandra, a student at UniMAC-IJ, expressed her newfound appreciation: “Studying ‘No Competition‘ in an academic setting opened my eyes to the rich cultural narrative present in contemporary music. Okyeame Kwame’s integration of traditional elements was both enlightening and inspiring.”
Another participant, Prince, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the song’s role as a powerful tool for cultural education. “Analyzing Okyeame Kwame’s work showed me how music can effectively convey cultural values. Seeing our heritage represented so vividly in today’s music landscape is encouraging.”
Lecturer Daniel Obeng Acquah underscored the significance of incorporating modern cultural artefacts like “No Competition“ into academic curricula. He emphasized that such initiatives empower students, bridging traditional studies with contemporary media and offering them practical insights into cultural representation in today’s global context.
Dr. Daniel Odoom, Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences at UniMAC-IJ, commended the initiative, noting that Okyeame Kwame’s work provides valuable insights into how modern music can reflect and promote African cultural identity. Dr. Odoom highlighted the importance of studying contemporary cultural expressions to enrich students’ understanding and appreciation of African heritage.
“No Competition“ in UniMAC-IJ’s curriculum marks a significant step towards integrating popular culture into academic discourse, fostering a deeper connection between students and their cultural roots through music and media.
