The song to play after Wo Fie this pride month.

I dabble in writing here and there, and I must say, protest songs and campaign songs are hard to write. Shoutout to the artists who nail it. For a few years we’ve had Wo Fie by Angel Maxine, Sister Deborah and Wanlov the Kubolor. I love seeing their video making rounds on queer Twitter during Pride Month. Guess what? We have another anthem; something to play right after Wo Fie. It’s called Troublemaker, by the Flame On Initiative. 

In November last year, we received an email from them telling us about the Troublemaker music video. The interesting part about receiving the email was that we had already seen the video. We already knew exactly where to put it in our archive; we just didn’t know who to reach out to. The best part was learning about the initiative. Flame On isn’t the artist; it’s the arts activism outfit that organised a music incubation programme for queer Ghanaians. Multiple workshops and masterclasses were held for last year’s cohort of artists who later created a joint EP for the first time, on the queer Ghanaian experience. 

I was lucky to have signed up for DramaQueens’ most recent Speakeasy which combined a conversation on friendship and community with the Flame On Vol.1 EP listening session. The artists spoke fondly about the amount of time, hardwork, and maybe most importantly, care that went into the project especially considering the fact that the programme began after the anti-LGBTQ+ bill was passed. 

I’ve been a part of a few residencies and writing camps, and I don’t know any group or organisation curating these programs with the intention and thoroughness Flame On did last year. Before the cohort started writing the EP, they learned music theory 101: the definition of a note, chord, tone etc; they learned about literary devices and writing styles, they even learned how to produce, and gained insight on the business aspect of being an artist. Not only does this show great respect for the craft of musicmaking, the fact that this was organised specifically for queer Ghanaian artists? Such a beautiful initiative. 

The EP truly is an embodiment of the queer Ghanaian experience: laughter, tears and protest. Listening to the songs with my friends and the queer community felt so right; I’m glad that was how I heard the project for the first time. Needless to say, Troublemaker was a crowd favourite. Flame On explained that the song was written in direct protest of the anti-LGBT bill, and when they said “direct”, they meant it. 

The Troublemaker video was well directed with cool props and creative choices to protect the artists’ identity: low lighting, masquerade masks, and animation. I love that the music video begins with sound bites and video snippets from the famous Ghanaian independence speech. A reminder that that freedom was won for all of us. 

It’s alright if you didn’t get to listen to Troublemaker or the Flame On Volume 1 tape with your friends and community during the listening session last month. The video is right here and you can find the EP on all streaming platforms here. We have a number of community themed events happening in this very special month, so don’t hesitate to request Troublemaker and Work It (Ghana Vogue Bounce) ahead of time when you see your favourite DJ. These songs were made for us. 

P.S. If you'd like to make music but don’t know where to start, keep an eye out for the initiative. You never know when applications for the second edition will be open. 

Watch the Troublemaker music video: https://youtu.be/w8hDM0EcFDY 

Listen to the Flame On Initiative Volume 1 EP: https://linktr.ee/theflameoninitiative 

Follow the Flame On Initiative:

Twitter: @flame_on_gh

Instagram: @theflameoninitiative