“Nananom Is My Song, Not a Folk Song” — Efiya Otiwaa Calls on GMB’s Ampomaa to Apologise

US-based Afro-spiritual Ghanaian musician Efiya Otiwaa, the creator of the track "Nananom" released through Asaase Records, has called for TV3's Ghana's Most Beautiful contestant representing the Ashanti Region, Ampomaa, to apologize publicly for undermining her work by labeling it a folk song. Efiya stresses that the issue encompasses more than just the contestant's performance, as the song was allegedly utilized without authorization and then labeled as a traditional folk composition when the possibility arose to determine its origin.

Consequently, Efiya is requesting that the rightful credit be given during the same Ghana's Most Beautiful program where the incident transpired. She believes Ampomaa should utilize the same platform to officially recognize Efiya Otiwaa as the author and originator of the song "Nananom" and dispel the notion that the song is a traditional folk piece.

Efiya also utilizes the incident to shed light on a broader issue impacting African creators: African creations are occasionally discredited and credited to individuals or traditions that did not produce them. Her advice to performers is straightforward: prior to employing another person's creative work, ascertain who produced it, where it originated, and obtain the necessary permission.

For Efiya, an apology on the same stage would not only rectify the record but also exhibit respect for Ghanaian creators and the significance of providing creators with the credit they deserve.