Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

In praise of mothers: Songs composed by Ghanaian musicians as tribute to motherhood

2009; Routledge; Volume: 6; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/18125980903250871

1753-593X

Kofı Poku Quan-Baffour,

African studies and sociopolitical issues

Abstract Mothers in Ghana play a unique and important role in the life of their children. Many of them lay down their lives for their children in times of danger, and may, be prepared to die to save them. Motherhood carries lots of responsibilities, costs and risks. From conception to birth and from birth to maturity mothers carry, nurse, cuddle, clean, wash, nurture, care, support, protect, guide and bring up sons and daughters. These huge responsibilities mothers carry out at no cost to children or their fathers. In some cases, mothers may undertake all these responsibilities without any support from the children's fathers. The unique and unconditional love demonstrated by most mothers usually builds a strong bond between them and their children. The Akan saying: ‘se woni wu a na w'abusua asa’ [‘when your mother dies your family is finished’] is an affirmation of the incredible work of many mothers and the seemingly irreplaceable bond between them and their children. Many Ghanaian children pay tribute to their mothers for the role they play in their lives. It must however, be mentioned that not all the praises children shower on their mothers may be genuine. Some of the praises could be ironic because sometimes the relationship between mothers and children might be strained. There are instances where mothers are accused of killing or bewitching their children. This paper however, discusses and analyses some selected songs composed and sung by some Ghanaian artists in acknowledgement and recognition of the wonderful and enormous role mothers play in the life of children.