Paris 2024: Group Demands Sarkodie Dropped from Africa Fan Zone

Paris 2024: “Group Petitions Africa Fan Zone Organisers to Exclude Sarkodie from Performing”

Paris 2024: "Group Petitions Africa Fan Zone Organisers to Exclude Sarkodie from Performing"

A human rights organization, New Ghana Social Justice Forum, has petitioned the French National Olympic and Sports Committee and the organizers of the Africa Fan Zone event to exclude rapper Sarkodie from its list of performers.

Sarkodie is scheduled to perform on August 9 at the Africa Fan Zone, also known as “Station Afrique,” at Stade Robert Cesar in France. The Africa Fan Zone is an independent cultural event coinciding with the Olympic Games.

The New Ghana Social Justice Forum claims that Sarkodie is “misogynistic,” citing lyrics from the song “Jennifer Lomotey,” in which Sarkodie was featured by Kurl Songx. In the song, Sarkodie references Krobo women and an alleged curse of promiscuity placed upon them by Komfo Anokye, a historical figure. The controversial line, “Krobonii baa papa an ahweneɛ da ne sisi, Komfo Anokye de adwaman abɔ no dua,” translates to “A beautiful Krobo lady with beads on her waist, she has been cursed with promiscuity by Komfo Anokye.”

The organization believes these lyrics are misogynistic and inappropriate for the cultural event. Additionally, the group referenced Sarkodie’s recent public dispute with actress Yvonne Nelson, who claimed in her memoir “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson” that Sarkodie pressured her to abort their baby. Sarkodie’s response to the memoir, where he allegedly labelled Nelson a prostitute, has further fueled the group’s call for his exclusion from the event.

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“Honoring Sarkodie with the Station Africa platform raises concerns, particularly for pregnant women. Sarkodie’s past actions, such as labelling actress Yvonne Nelson a prostitute who belongs to the street in response to her memoir ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ are troubling,” the group’s statement read.

The petition aims to ensure that the Africa Fan Zone promotes a positive and respectful cultural atmosphere, free from controversial figures whose past actions may overshadow the event’s spirit. The organizers have yet to respond to the petition or make any changes to the performance lineup.