Ghanaian Highlife legend Ben Brako has advised modern musicians to refrain from using explicit language in their songs, stressing that artistry and respect can coexist even when addressing sensual topics.
In an interview with Joy Prime on October 9, 2025, he said he has no problem with the current state of Ghanaian music but acknowledged that some of his contemporaries simply “don’t gel” with the new sound.
“Usually, it’s the older ones who complain about the current state of the industry because they don’t gel very well with the new music. They think modern musicians tend to use too many swear words and don’t understand what they’re trying to say,” he noted.
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Brako emphasised that while today’s artistes may claim to reflect audience preferences, as Ghanaians with a cultural heritage, musicians should learn to express themselves in ways that do not offend.
He added that intimacy can be conveyed through metaphor and subtlety rather than graphic language.
“They think they are reflecting what their audience wants, but I think as a Ghanaian, as a person of culture, you have to learn how to express yourself in a way that doesn’t offend people.
“You don’t have to spell it out. If you want to talk about sex, you can, but you can express it in a way that is more acceptable,” he advised.
ID/MA
