Ghanaian traditional music duo win EU child labour song contest

Ghanaian traditional musicians, Kwame and Kpodo have emerged winners of the 2020 European Union (EU) song contest organised in Ghana to contribute to the global fight against child labour.

The winners received a keyboard, laptop and a professional recording session to help them record the official song for the campaign against child labour.

The award ceremony was held on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Zen Gardens in Accra. It was organised by the European Union delegation in Ghana in collaboration with Ghana Employment and Social Protection (GESP).

The judges, who included Ghanaian Afro-pop singer and songwriter, Wiyaala, voted for the Kwame and Kpodo’s song.

“We are particularly grateful to the EU and GESP for the opportunity. For us, as a music group we are more than encouraged to use our talents to make society better particularly to end child labour in Ghana. This musical equipment given to us will aid us to produce more music and strengthen our music career,” the winners said.

Also, the EU delegation in Ghana stated that the move to organise this song contest was motivated by its commitment to play an active role in combating child labour, especially in agriculture.

In August this year, the EU launched a song contest against child labour. This campaign follows the United Nations’ declaration of 2021 as the International Year of the Elimination of Child Labour.

Over 50 songs were submitted by Ghanaian musicians themed around child labour in Ghana. These songs were put before the public to vote in four different categories (Traditional, Gospel, Highlife and Pop)

Out of these categories, Kwame and Kpodo in the traditional music category emerged winners

By Fauzeeya Jamal-deen || ghananewsonline.com.gh