...Sounds on da ground and seens on the see-ins

A lot of people have attributed the relative lack of success of Kojo Antwi's latest album, "Tattoo' to its slow-paced songs. Listening to the album, even though it is short of club bangers, the songs would grow on you the more you listen to them. Kojo was queried about these concerns by a Peace FM DJ and he pointed out that he wanted to make music more for the ears (and heart) and not the feet. They discussed one of his new tracks, 'Honeymoon is over'. After listening to this song a couple of times, I agree perfectly with Quajo-Quajo.

'Tattoo'is Kojo Antwi's latest album. The title track talks about Kojo tattooing his love onto his chest/heart. The album also has 'Osebo' (tiger) which enjoyed the most airplay and talks about his love waking up the tiger in him (hmm), 'Maintenance man', 'Do me wu' and 'Odo a medo wo'. 'Honeymoon is over' is not my favourite song but a comment passed about it during that interview increased my interest in the song. The song is linked to Ghana's upcoming golden anniversary, 1957-2007.

'Honeymoon is over' is a love song where Kojo mentions that his love doesn't bath with him anymore, shows him no patience, doesn't comfort him and the good times have passed them by. The honeymoon is over, the euphoria is gone and their marriage is on the rocks. You want a real life example? The euphoria that surrounded Ghana before and during the World Cup with the exploits of the Black Stars is gone and our golden nation is dealing with a 'Colombia of Africa' tag (courtesy B K Oduro of Kwaku Sintim Misa's TGIF show) with an onslaught of cocaine cases and high profile arrests (Daasebre Dwamena). That honeymoon is over, one thought we would make use of the great feeling, unity and patriotism to positively change our country. We don't comfort it anymore, we are busy politicising cocaine issues.

The joy and happiness surrounding our independence died a long time ago and many would even argue that we are not even independent. As our golden anniversary is nearing, we need to understand that we have not done much with that major turning point in our journey as a nation (wedding/independence) and that we have to work around the clock to achieve the economic independence we sought. It is time to give ourselves real reasons to celebrate 6th March. We have done very little in 50 years and those times of mediocrity must cease. This honeymoon of doing nothing, no innovation, and dependency must cease!

Ghana has turned into a floor rag for us that we do not even appreciate the little goods that we have. Yes, it is a shame that we still stand where we began but we cannot resort to complaining and hating our love. If we have problems, we must work them out. I am personally tired of people complaining about situations in Ghana with no urge to correct them, especially when they come from individuals who are not even living in the golden land. The person who says it can't be done shouldn't interrupt the person doing it!

The former Gold coast has come of age - 50 years is a long time. If you think it is short, ask the Asian tigers. I don't think our founding fathers (Kwame Nkrumah et al) envisioned this. We must take ownership of this marriage, we are linked to our home and we must work for its good. I hope this entry wakes up the tiger(osebo) in you to make a difference because we need to love Ghana to our deaths because the honeymoon of mediocrity and dependency is over. We should not limit our patriotism to anthems and independence days. We are not our country's maintenance men, we are the fuel that runs the machine. Full Honeymoon is over lyrics.