A popular musical performance in the Kusaal Language on Covid-19 Safety Protocols
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Date
2021-09-06
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Abstract
This short note is a transcription and translation of a googi on COVID-19. The term googi is locally used among the Kusaasi people of Ghana to refer to the performance or the song as well as the performer who often doubles as the composer. The song in this write up is used in educating the Kusaal-speaking communities in the Upper East Region of Ghana on the COVID-19 safety protocols.
Description
The song is transcribed and translated by Hasiyatu Abubakari and used in writing the article Abubakari et al (forthcoming): 'Framing of Covid-19 Safety Protocols in Kusaal Musical Health Communication: Language and Literary Analysis'.
The googi performance is a classical representation of the use of an indigenous language through popular art to educate local folks and to promote awareness on the safety precautions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The song was composed between March and April 2020 just when Ghana was preparing to go into a lock down.
Rural folks are often deprived of important information due to language barriers. The life-saving performance by this local artist deserves commendation as it highlights almost all the safety precautions of the pandemic outlined by the World Health Organization and trumpeted by the Ministry of Health, Ghana.
Keywords
Googi, Kusaal, Covid 19 Pandemic, Popular Music