Atipoka’s Dilemma: Return or Remain?

Atipoka was torn between two men. There was this Nigerian man called Peter, who she met at her bread stand. Peter promised to marry her and build their future together. Although Peter told her of his family, she had not met them. The second man was Awine, who comes from her hometown in Bolga. Awine wanted to marry her as a second wife and has always sent money to her. He promised to build a house in Accra for her.

by Stephen Atibila Atalebe

How to prepare shea butter: The Frafra way.

In northern Ghana, the shea nut trees are similar to the “cocoa” trees in the southern part of the country.
She nut trees are only present in the north, making them scarce and not present in the south. These trees are predominantly found in the far lands. God created them naturally, unlike cocoa, which had its seeds smuggled to the country.

by asumberek

Sambo Adabire, the Frafra Bob Marley of Kologo Music.

Sambo Adabire, the legendary Frafra musical icon, has been considered by many to be comparable to Bob Marley in how his music has dominated the Frafra music scene even after many years since his death. The contribution that Sambo made to Frafra music is comparable to what Bob Marley did to reggae music, redefining the kologo music in his unique style of play as well as the powerful social messages and witty sayings that he has left behind, paving the way for many others to rise to the challenge and take the kologo music to the next level.

by Stephen Atibila Atalebe

Bola Anafo Advises young kologo artists to be humble.

The Best Frafra Artist of 2023 in the My Bolga Online Frafra Music Awards, Bola Anafo, has advised young Frafra kologo artists to be humble in their endeavours. Bola Anafo, often affectionately called Abagre Bola Dua, said this in an interview with My Bolga Online on the sideline of his recent album launch in Kumasi. “I will advise the young artists to be humble and respect everyone, especially the seniors.”

by My Bolga Online Editorial Team

The Concept of Father In Frafra Culture

The concept of family in Frafra culture is a complex nest of relationships that go back to the past and outside one’s residence. The father is the head of the family.  He had a double image: one at home and the other outside. In his home, he was the master, but outside, he became part of a community where he recognised that alone, he was vulnerable and made connections and friends with others. He had to hold a certain moral high ground to be recognised among the comity of men.

by Stephen Atibila Atalebe

A Reflection on Frafra Ancestral Veneration

To the Frafra mind, God is supreme, but the ancestors are trusted intercessors, those who lived well, served their families, upheld justice, and died peacefully and elevated. They stand between the living and God, just as prophets, saints, and martyrs do in other religions. When libation is poured, it is not to the ancestor as a god, but to God through the ancestor. As we say: “To’e zom ta paa Nayine.” To wit, take this flour-water to God. We do not worship them; we commune with them and through them. Just as Christians pray through Jesus, and Muslims invoke prophets and angels, the Frafra invoke their ancestors, not because they are divine, but because they are family and have never failed when called upon. One does not go to strangers when one’s father is at home.

by Stephen Atibila Atalebe

Frafra Mourns a Musical Icon: The Legacy of Adimazanga

From the late 1980s through the 1990s, Adimazanga’s kologo rhythms became the heartbeat of Frafra culture. His songs echoed daily on URA Radio, the region’s only station at the time, and became staples at funerals, festivals, community gatherings, and every kind of social event. Wherever people came together, Adimazanga’s music brought them closer.

by Stephen Atibila Atalebe

Why Ghana Needs a Prime Minister and a Ceremonial President: Lessons from the Constitutional Review Committee 2010

President John Mahama could remain president after his four years (if Ghanaians want) and return not as an all-powerful President, but as a ceremonial one, above the fray, guiding national unity and diplomacy. At the same time, a Prime Minister handles the actual government business. That is a healthier legacy and a more stable system for Ghana’s future. A smarter system. A Ghana that works.

by Stephen Atibila Atalebe