Ghanaian Dancehall artiste, Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo, known in showbiz as Epixode has urged the public to learn to celebrate heroes and outstanding patriots while they are alive.
Speaking on the ‘Kasahari Level’ on Adom FM, Epixode indicated that the culture of Ghanaians honoured people while they lie on their death bed should end.
He further urged Ghanaians to learn from Americans who celebrated legendary boxer, Mohammed Ali, while he was living.
According to him, he believes renowned legends, in the likes of Ghanaian Heavyweight Champion boxer, Azumah Nelson among others deserve similar appreciation while they exist in the land of the living.
“We have to celebrate Ghanaian legends. Not just when they die but even when they are alive. Let’s celebrate the legends before they die. We have legendary Azumah Nelson here but we celebrated Muhammad Ali…,” he said in an interview with host, Pope Skinny.
He further fumed over the Ghanaian DJs who quickly forget to airplay songs of artistes who have unfortunately passed away.
“It’s funny that we kill our own talents. I won’t say our promoters but we kill our talents. I don’t think we are celebrating Bonchaka. We have great performers in Ghana. Vybrant Fire is dead and we don’t even think he existed. We don’t play his songs. Lyrical, Ronnie Coaches and others. We have forgotten them. For me I think it’s funny…,” he said.
“It’s always a blessing to be a performer. One of the greatest performers I think Ghana is not celebrating is Terry Bonchaka…,” he maintained.
He stated again that young artistes in Ghana would be encouraged to do more when the old is celebrated.
Very true. It is not uncommon to see special events held to celebrate individuals whose lives have had significant impact on society. This happens mostly in the western world. But in our Ghanaian culture, we always wait for these noble sons and daughters to die before we make a lot of unnecessary noise. Some even experience extreme poverty and destitution prior to death. We must set our priorities right and reverse this trend.