Legendary Ghanaian musician Barima Sidney has issued a heartfelt apology to former President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging the unintended consequences of his 2020 hit song “Papa No.”
The song, inspired by an online spat between actresses Tracey Boakye and Mzbel, gained traction after the term ‘Papa No’ was widely speculated to refer to Mahama, due to his connections with the two celebrities. This speculation, combined with the song’s viral success, led to the unfortunate association with the former president.
In an exclusive interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, Barima Sidney explained that the song was initially conceived as a response to a social media trend, not with any specific individual in mind. “When I saw the term ‘Papa No’ trending due to the online drama between Tracey Boakye and Mzbel, I thought it was a catchy subject for a song. I didn’t expect it to become a political controversy,” Sidney clarified.
The musician admitted that while his intentions were purely entertainment-focused, the song inadvertently became a focal point in the political arena. “I didn’t foresee the extent to which this would be misinterpreted. I was simply creating music for my fans, not targeting anyone.”
Sidney took responsibility for the fallout, acknowledging that the song’s unintended association with Mahama contributed to the controversy surrounding the 2020 elections. “I want to take this opportunity to apologise to former President John Mahama. The song was not meant to target him, and I had no control over how it was used or perceived by others.”
The apology marks a significant moment for the musician, reflecting his acknowledgment of the broader impact his work can have beyond entertainment. As the dust settles from the 2020 political turbulence, Barima Sidney’s gesture may help in mending fences and clarifying the song’s original intent.
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