Film

FOKN Bois & the New 'Contradict' Documentary Highlight Despair and Hope in Ghana

We talk to M3nsa and Wanlov about being part of a documentary that shows the role musicians play in addressing some of Ghana's—and the world's—biggest issues.

As the Norient Film Festival kicks off this month, it signals a homecoming of sorts for M3nsa and Wanlov the Kubulor, also known as the FOKN Bois. The Ghanaian duo are part of a documentary called Contradict, which is featured on this year's virtual lineup of the Swiss event. It's at the festival, almost a decade ago, where FOKN Bois first showed their film, Coz Ov Moni, which gained acclaim as the "first pidgin musical" and showcased their outspoken views and immense creativity.

The film attracted the attention of festival founder Thomas Burkhalter, who together with co-director Peter Guyer would go on to enlist FOKN Bois to be a large part of their doc, Contradict. It's been screening at virtual festivals for the past year and won the Bernese Film Award last year.

"We just connected with Thomas and Peter and they said they were going to be coming to Ghana, to shoot a little short documentary," M3nsa tells OkayAfrica. Burkhalter and Guyer intended to include the artists in a multimedia documentary that dealt with music trends across the globe. But the filmmakers ended up deciding to hone in on Ghana and make a documentary that looks at today's world from both a Ghanaian, African, and a Swiss, European, perspective.

Burkhalter and Guyer asked seven Ghanaian musicians—FOKN Bois' M3NSA and Wanlov the Kubolor, along with Adomaa, Worlasi, Akan, Mutombo Da Poet and Poetra Asantewa—to write new songs especially for the documentary. The concept taps into their views on some of the biggest issues of our time, and how their visions could perhaps become new global realities.

Keep reading...Show less
Popular
FOKN Bois. Photo: Andras Orsi.

FOKN Bois and Mr Eazi Give Their Loyal Fans Due Props in "True Friends"

The Ghanaian hip hop duo link up with Nigeria's Mr Eazi in a gritty new single that rightfully calls out fake friends.

Ghana's very own FOKN Bois have dropped a collab track with Mr Eazi that's the essential "no new friends" anthem of 2019.

"True Friends" is their latest single ahead of of their new album, Afrobeats LOL, which will be released Feb. 22, Konbinireports.

Keep reading...Show less

get okayafrica in your inbox

news.

FOKN Bois Return With New Single 'Wo Nim Mi' Featuring Medikal

The lead single from their upcoming EP, Afrobeats LOL.

Here's a Ghanaian Hip-Hop Track For Staying On Your Grind

Kobi Onyame and Wanlov the Kubolor connect for "Still We Rise."

First Listen: RedRed's "Sisimbo" Is The Song You Need For Your Weekend

Watch RedRed's Sri Lankan-shot music video for "Sisimbo, " a stunning track that adds a Ghanaian twist to electronic pop.

popular.

FOKN Bois' New Album 'FOKN Ode to Ghana' Offers a Soul Cleanse for 'Children of the Sun'

It’s the Ghanaian hip-hop duo FOKN Bois’ third studio album, presented in collaboration with youth collective Yo Yo Tinz.