SPOKEN WORD TO PUT GH ON THE MAP- MUTOMBO DECLARES

Mutombo remains underground and unknown to many lovers of the arts fraternity even though he is one of the finest spoken word artists in the nation’s capital, Accra. Music continues to overshadow other brands of the arts in many parts of the world with GH not an exception- (where there is a current invasion by the by GH rap movement). Apart from the money it rakes in, music has also proved to have strong influence on the emotions of its global followers.

No wonder people in the arts received with open hands the British Council’s Creative Festival (WAPI) aimed as bringing together words and pictures. You can understand such an excitement because we live in a community where people don’t appreciate the arts not to talk of paying for it. With the height at which poetry is attained, everyone expected it to feature. There was no way it won’t have been accompanied with the all-encompassing Spoken Word.

Even though a new phenomenon, it has not failed to catch with art lovers beyond the boundaries of the nation’s capital especially amongst the youth. With their passion and affection for it, there is all indication they wouldn’t mind paying for it. If not for anything, this paradigm shift is as a result of the creativity the artists have exhibited including the all Ian Jazzy, Sir Black, Chief and D K Osei Yaw.

Mutombo, 27 could not hide his joy and excitement his most treasured Spoken Word has receiving the recognition it deserves as I engaged him in an interview.
‘‘I’m very excited lots of people are getting into our vibe now and understanding what we are about with this. This means we are heading somewhere with out art. I am hoping it will continue in the same way. The masses need to come out and experience this thing and I know there are lot of Spoken Work artist yet to get on board.’’

Mutombo, a name he got from his good showing in basketball in high school has come to replace his real name Percy Osei-Appiah. Coming from a humble beginning in the nation’s capital, he passed through some good schools before ending up at Accra Academy where he got his stage name. He moved on to take a course in IT at the Graphic road branch of the Intercom Processing and Manufacturing Company (IPMC). Currently, he is working with an agency to start a TV reality show focussing on his beloved Spoken word and poetry.

‘‘I have been doing this spoken word thing for like eight years now and hoping it will grow very fast in this country. Just like in sports, football is overshadowing all others so is spoken word being over shadowed but the fight is still on. After my performance on TV3 for the Mentor show, people are getting to know more about spoken word. I have been inspired by myself and the Lord God. My favourite poets are the legendary Soul Williams, Maya Angelo amongst others who have great pieces. I have learnt a lot from reading and following the works of these people.’’

The optimistic artist wouldn’t give away any opportunity to talk on the future of Spoken Word even in the midst of all obstacles.
‘‘It is rather unfortunate that spoken word is not a big thing in Ghana. I think the avenue should be provided for us because we are ready to do our best and a solid Spoken word industry can generate much more income than people will even think. Big ups to Mantse, PY and the whole movement for the Bless the mic show at Baze but I think there is much more to be done. They don’t give much time to the spoken word artists- they turn to concentrate much on the rappers’’.

It is clear this dude is not leaving anything to chance and promises to take spoken word to another level and also putting GH on the map. He plans to blend a Spoken Word album to propagate his vision as well as that of Spoken Word. According to him, it wouldn’t take any longer for the world to know what exactly he is made off as he plans o embark on an international tour with other big names in the music as well as mainstream poetry. if you are a lover of Spoken Word, you will not regret passing through the Osu based Baze Lounge every Thursday from 9pm. See you there if you are a fan and a lover of creative arts, you are welcomed.