Weekly Spectator 1989/07/15
´WO YE KENKEN´ ON CASSETTES
By Enimil Ashon:
They called him rebel musician I´d call him a revolutionary musician. His lyrics have the power of arresting you and noting you to the spot, Ancient Mariner-style - the type of lyrics that will cause Bob Marley and Peter Tosh to turn pleasantly in their graves and win a nod of respect from Jimmy Cliff.
His lyrics address the international mind, urging it to act on international situations. When the man tells Botha and all racists that "25 is more than 5", he is drawing attention to the unacceptable situation where five whites are ruling 25 blacks in South Africa.
But McGod`s strength (at least, as far as sales go) is in his ability to ram excellent music down your throat with catchy, out-of-the way lyrics that do not fail to compel attention.
You´ve heard his `WO YE KENKEN`? It´s a tribute to farmers and the hitherto unrecognized army of economic contributors - the palm wine tapper, the mechanic and the driver.
But try him again. Listen to the beauty in tight arrangement and the unfailingly complex horns that seem to have a power of their own. They remind me of his "Alomo" in his second LP.
This is African wild. The "burger" beat is there for the convenience of the modern ear. What you don´t fail to notice here is the richness of these rythms that can come from no other but an African.
Check it out in `25 is more than 5 Dub´ and `Zulu Soca! There is something in Mobrowa which I can`t put my finger on. It´s an investment of a musician´s all.
BUT HAVE YOU SEEN MCGOD`S video on GBC-TV? How did it grab you? For a time, as I watched, I was tempted to get on the phone, dial the number of any film company anywhere and recommend McGod as an actor.
That video clip was sure good. I am told that Oti Sarpong of GBC directed it. I would give that clip an award. It´s an excellent synchronization of sound and picture. More than that: it shows talent.
