The New Ghana Social Justice Forum has formally petitioned the French National Olympic and Sports Committee and the organizers of the Africa Fan Zone event, urging them to remove rapper Sarkodie from the lineup of performers scheduled for August 9, 2024.
The Africa Fan Zone, also known as “Station Afrique,” will take place at Stade Robert Cesar in France and is an independent cultural event coinciding with the Olympic Games.
The New Ghana Social Justice Forum argues that Sarkodie is “misogynistic,” citing a controversial line from the song ‘Jennifer Lomotey,’ in which Sarkodie is featured alongside Kurl Songx. In the track, Sarkodie refers to Krobo women with a phrase that the Forum believes perpetuates misogynistic views.
Sarkodie’s lyrics in the song include, “Krobonii baa papa an ahweneɛ da ne sisi, Komfo Anokye de adwaman abɔ no dua,” which translates to “A beautiful Krobo lady with beads on her waist, she has been cursed with promiscuity by Komfo Anokye.” The Forum asserts that these words reflect a problematic attitude towards women.
Additionally, the Group has pointed to Sarkodie’s recent conflict with actress Yvonne Nelson, who alleged in her memoir ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ that Sarkodie pressured her into an abortion. In response to Nelson’s claims, Sarkodie allegedly referred to her derogatorily, further fueling the Group’s concerns.
“Honoring Sarkodie with the Station Africa platform raises concerns, particularly for pregnant women. Sarkodie’s past actions, such as labeling actress Yvonne Nelson as a prostitute who belongs to the street in response to her memoir, are troubling,” stated the New Ghana Social Justice Forum in a release on July 25.
