A recent development has emerged concerning the petition initiated by the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, which requests the French Embassy to prevent Sarkodie from taking the stage at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The group’s primary concern is Sarkodie’s alleged derogatory remarks about women, which they view as indicative of misogyny.
Citing instances such as his disrespectful references to Yvonne Nelson in the song ‘Try Me’ and Krobo women in the track ‘Jennifer Lomotey’ with Kurl Songx, the group argues that Sarkodie’s history of disrespect towards women disqualifies him from participating in the Africa Fan Zone event scheduled for August 9, 2024, at the Stade Robert Cesar in France.
They stated;
“We have noted the widespread reports that Sarkodie is scheduled to perform at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Among the concerns raised is his controversial song “Jennifer Lomotey,” where he negatively portrays Krobo women from the Eastern Region of Ghana, specifically referencing a folklore involving a curse of promiscuity.
“The Olympic Games, traditionally seen as a platform to uphold human rights, promote women’s development, and set standards for human dignity, should carefully consider these values.
“Honoring Michael Owusu Addo, known as Sarkodie, with such a prominent Olympic platform raises concerns, particularly for pregnant women. Sarkodie’s past actions, such as labelling actress Yvonne Nelson a prostitute who belongs to the street in response to her memoir “1 Am Not Yvonne Nelson,” are troubling.
“Nelson’s memoir recounts her struggles growing up without a father figure and her relationship with Sarkodie, where she alleges, he pressured her to abort their child.
“Sarkodie drove her to his doctor and drove off without even caring about her welfare according to the memoir. Nelson’s aim in sharing her story was to educate young girls and highlight the consequences of certain life choices.
“Sarkodie’s response with the diss track “Try Me,” mocking Nelson publicly, such as “You gotta tell the world every other nigga you fucked.
“You can’t just play the victim and paint a picture like you were just looking for love from all the dicks that you sucked” demonstrated insensitivity and disrespect towards women.
“Granting Sarkodie a platform at the Olympics and other stage sends a concerning message, particularly in African communities striving for gender equality and respect for women.”
Reacting, Ambassador Jules-Armand Aniambossou in a letter dated July 19, 2024, addressed the situation by confirming that Sarkodie would not be taking the stage at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Instead, he is scheduled to perform at the Africa Fan Zone “Station Afrique” on August 9, 2024, which is an independent cultural event held concurrently with the Olympics.
The Embassy has made it clear that the decision to exclude Sarkodie from the concert is not within their jurisdiction. They acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated their commitment to upholding equal human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, emphasizing that they do not support any form of discrimination.
“I would like to use this opportunity to clarify that Sarkodie (known in private life as Michael OWUSU ADDO) will not be performing at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“His performance is scheduled to be part of the Africa Fan Zone ‘Station Afrique’ which will be held on 9th August 2024 at Stade Robert César-L’Île-Saint-Denis. Station Afrique is an independent cultural event running concurrently with the Olympic games,” the letter read.
The Embassy acknowledged the concerns raised and cited its commitment to promoting equal human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, stating that it does not endorse any form of discrimination.
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