Fluency In ‘Patois’ Not Essential For Reggae Music – Kinaata

 

Singing in Fante on a Reggae Beat is Enough

Kofi Kinaata, the Fante singing musician, has debunked the notion that one must be able to speak Jamaican patois to perform reggae music.

In his new song, Effiakuma Love, Kinaata did not infuse the elementary patois, but he believes it will still resonate with his fans.

“Several factors, especially when you pay close attention to the lyrics and vibes I used in the song, prompted me to do Effiakuma Love,” Kinaata said in an interview with Amansan Krakye on Cape Coast-based Property FM.

“Some people think that you have to be able to speak the Jamaican patois or a certain language before you can do reggae, but I sang in Fante on a reggae beat.”

Kinaata further explained that singing in the local dialect on a reggae beat has made his new song more relatable to people.

“There are so many aspects of love, but I chose a certain part to highlight on a girl who is outspoken and able to explain herself but people misconstrue her confidence for arrogance,” he concluded.

Jamaican Patois, also known as Patwa and Jamaican Creole, is the most widely spoken language in the country.

However, Kinaata believes that singing in Fante on a reggae beat is enough to create a great reggae song that resonates with people.