GhanaWeb Feature by Joseph Henry Mensah
As the December 7, 2024, general elections approach, one cannot overlook the influence of campaign songs in Ghana’s political landscape.
Both major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have relied heavily on music to energise their supporters and rally votes over the years.
From the early days of Ghana’s democracy, both parties have adopted campaign songs as a powerful tool for connecting with the electorate.
After former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s tenure, which was marked by the popular campaign anthem “Eshi Rado Rado” composed by the late General Kwaku Attah, other political leaders followed suit, using music to gather their followers.
Below are some of the most memorable NDC and NPP campaign songs since 2008:
2008 NDC anthem: “Arise Arise”by Jewel Ackah
Composed by the late Ghanaian highlife musician Jewel Ackah, “Arise Arise” became the anthem of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2008 elections.
The song, adapted from the Christian hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus,” stood for unity, patriotism, and accountability under the leadership of late President John Evans Atta Mills.
It became a hallmark of NDC rallies and continues to be used in their campaigns.
2008 NPP song: “Nana Winner” by Daddy Lumba
The NPP’s “Nana Winner,” composed by highlife legend Daddy Lumba, was a popular anthem during the 2008 elections. The song praised Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership qualities and foresaw his victory. Though the NPP lost the 2008 elections to the NDC, the song remained constant in subsequent NPP campaigns, played during their 2012, 2016, and 2020 rallies.
2012 NDC song: “JM Toaso”by Mzbel
In 2012, Mzbel released “JM Toaso” in support of then-vice president John Mahama, who had taken over after the passing of President Atta Mills.
The song, which sampled Mzbel’s hit “Edey Bee” featuring Castro, became one of the most popular campaign songs for the NDC, rallying support for Mahama’s candidacy.
2012 NDC song: “Taka Tika” by Michael Adangba
Michael Adangba composed “Taka Tika” for the NDC in 2012, highlighting how John Mahama had been groomed by the late Atta Mills and was the ideal candidate to continue his work.
2012 NDC song: “Mahama Dey Be K3k3” by Dee Aja
Dee Aja’s “Mahama Dey Be K3k3” became the official campaign song for the NDC in 2012.
The song’s infectious beat and relatable lyrics helped gather support for John Mahama, playing a significant role in his victory that year.
2012 NPP song: “Vote for Nana Akufo-Addo” by Great Ampong
Gospel artiste Great Ampong supported Akufo-Addo with the song “Vote for Nana Akufo-Addo,” urging Ghanaians to vote for the then NPP candidate. The song emphasised that Nana Addo had God’s endorsement and was the right leader for the country.
2012 NPP song: “Monto Ma Nana Addo” by Lucky Mensah
Former NDC member Lucky Mensah switched allegiances in 2012, composing the song “Monto Ma Nana Addo” in support of the NPP. The song resonated with many, especially within NPP circles.
2016 NDC song: “Onaapo” by Nacee
In 2016, Nacee composed the hit “Onaapo” for the NDC.
The song, which drew from the Ga word “Unmatchable and out of this world”, became widely popular, with its catchy lyrics and upbeat tone.
The song featured a religious message, quoting John 3:16, and played a part in securing Mahama’s re-election campaign.
2016 NPP song: “Aben Be Bom” by Kwame A-Plus
In 2016, Kwame A-Plus, who was aligned with the NPP at the time, composed the popular song “Aben Be Bom.”
The song criticised the economic mismanagement of the NDC government and promised a brighter future under Nana Akufo-Addo.
It quickly became a key anthem in the NPP’s campaign, resonating with many Ghanaians who were dissatisfied with the incumbent government’s handling of the economy.
2020 NDC song: “Okada” by Nacee
During the 2020 elections, gospel musician Nacee composed “Okada” for the NDC, drawing attention to the party’s plan to legalise motorcycle transport (Okada) in Ghana, among the numerous campaign promises.
The song quickly became popular, but despite its widespread support, the NPP won the elections, securing Akufo-Addo’s second term.
2020 NPP song: “4 More 4 Nana” by Pasco Abrantie
In 2020, Pasco Abrantie composed “4 More 4 Nana,” an upbeat campaign anthem for the NPP.
The song praised Akufo-Addo’s achievements, including the Free SHS policy, and rallied support for his re-election bid. The NPP emerged victorious in that election.
2024 NDC song: “Kwen Kwen” by Nacee
As the 2024 election approaches, Nacee has once again composed a campaign song for the NDC, titled “Kwen Kwen.”
The song, which has since gained massive popularity, emphasises the NDC’s key campaign promises under John Dramani Mahama, urging Ghanaians to vote for a better future and leadership.
With its catchy beat and political message, “Kwen Kwen”, calls on voters to support Mahama’s candidacy for a positive change in the country.
2024 NPP song: “No Pressure” by Samini
Samini’s “No Pressure” emphasises that the NPP is under no pressure as they approach the elections, with a confident message about Bawumia’s eventual rise to the presidency.
Conclusion
Which party has the best campaign songs? The answer depends on your political allegiance, but one thing is clear: music will always be at the heart of Ghana’s electoral process.
JHM/EB
