BARIMA SIDNEY AT A CROSSROAD

Born by a ballet dancer, grandchild of a strong Presbyterian singing band leader, grandson of legendary Kwame Osei: Sidney Kofi Oppong Ofori is a veteran musician who has been in the Ghanaian music industry for seventeen years. He has churned out hit after hit and mostly controversial lyrics. He has a wider audience beyond the shores of Ghana and the African continent as a whole.
The title track of his 2004 album, Scent no, was also controversial as it detested uncleanliness and 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 candidate’s slogan and he (J. A. Kuffour) rode it to victory. He has also done a lot of collaborations for George Oppong Weah for his campaign. Recently was the Ebola campaign song which he did a part in Ghana and the other was done in Liberia and merged together.
Sidney proposed to get the support of the government to support it to be advertised in Ghana but according to him the Government said they weren’t ready to support it and are using their money to get equipment for Ebola.
Barima Sidney is facing a lot of issues because he is a social activist and not getting shows in Ghana but in other countries. He came out some time back to announce that he wouldn’t be doing any political songs but he feels Ghanaians love him for that but not the love songs and what the others do? He is sees the future of Ghanaian music as interesting and bright. He explained that most engineers are giving very good tunes which make up 80% of the work but lyric wise most musicians are lazy. He also said that because of the economic hardship in Ghana most people just want something to groove on so if it has a catchy chorus and a “term” then people hail to it. He blames society for just wanting something refreshing not to listen to lyrics that’s why our music has tolled to that direction.
He is set to release an album entitled “who no dey do” with a gospel song inspired by the Holy Spirit called “it will not hold”. It will be launched on the 6th of March at Sajuna beach resort, Akosombo. His fans should expect another hit. Barima Sidney is at a crossroad whether to continue his social activist or truthful lyrics or to follow the crowd.
Story:

Monica Otumfuor