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 Return With New Single 'Wo Nim Mi' Featuring Medikal

The lead single from their upcoming EP, Afrobeats LOL.

FOKN Bois are back.

The Ghanaian duo of Wanlov the Kubolorand M3NSAare readying the release of their new EP, Afrobeats LOL. We're told the tongue-in-cheek title is the guys making fun of themselves—they said they'd never make an afrobeats album but they've ended up making a very good one.

Afrobeats LOL is is set to featuring collaborations with the likes of Mr. Eazi, Sister Deborah, Dex Kwasi and Gyedu Blay Ambolley.

Today we're premiering the release's lead single "Wo Nim Mi," featuring Ghanaian rapper Medikal.

"Wo Nim Mi translates as 'now you claim to know me because I have made it,'" FOKN Bois tell OkayAfrica. "This song celebrates success by rubbing it in the faces of those who could have helped. Now let's all dance together."

Keep reading...Show less

get okayafrica in your inbox

news.

M3NSA & Amaarae Link Up For 'SDI'

Watch the new music video for "Still Dey Inside," shot across Ghana and Hungary.

City Guide: RedRed's Guide to Budapest

Afro-electronic duo RedRed—comprised of M3NSA and ELO—show us their favorite Budapest spots and tell us where to find the best African food.

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.

DJ Juls Shares 'Gidigidi' Featuring FOKN Bois' M3NSA And Pappy Kojo

UK-based Ghanaian producer DJ Juls releases the mellow 'Gidigidi' featuring FOKN Bois rapper M3NSA and Pappy Kojo.

popular.

FOKN Bois' M3NSA Teams Up With ELO And Sarkodie For 'Ghetto'

Watch the Accra-shot dance video for FOKN Bois' M3NSA and producer ELO's first single as RedRed, featuring Sarkodie.