Telenovelas are Destroying Our Cultural Identity – Fred Amugi

Veteran Ghanaian actor Fred Amugi has voiced concerns over the impact of foreign telenovelas on Ghanaian cultural identity.

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In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Amugi stated that the continuous airing of these foreign soap operas, even when dubbed in local languages, threatens the preservation of Ghana’s cultural heritage.

“The constant showing of foreign telenovelas, even translated into local languages, undermines our own culture. It’s like showing an Indian actor speaking Twi and worshipping their goddess!

This is not good for our future, especially our children. We need to stop loving cheap things and start valuing our own creativity,” Amugi remarked.

Fred Amugi Calls for Unity to Revitalize Ghanaian Film Industry

Amugi attributed the popularity of foreign telenovelas to a lack of unity within the Ghanaian film industry, which hampers the production of competitive local films. He emphasized the need for collaboration among industry players to create high-quality content that reflects Ghanaian culture.

“The film industry in Ghana needs unity. Right now, everyone is working alone because they’re afraid of being copied or stolen from. But the truth is, no matter how much we know, someone else always knows more. If we work in unity, we could make great films that showcase our different talents and perspectives,” he said.

Amugi’s concerns reflect broader debates about the effects of globalization on local cultures. Many fear that local cultural practices and productions are being overshadowed by the easier, more cost-effective option of dubbing foreign content, which television stations often prefer due to its profitability. This trend, according to Amugi, results in a decline in local content production, thus eroding Ghanaian cultural identity.

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