I love this song so much that I decided to attempt a translation of this beautiful song for those who may not understand the language. I have also included notes in bracket to clarify some of the terms in the lyrics. Please note this translation cannot capture the beautiful rhyming and word play used in the original translation. Also, please remember this is only an attempt to tell the story so beautifully rendered by Safo Newman. The song is a story being told by a young boy who's living with someone other than his biological parents. He beautifully captures the kind of abuse people like him go through in our society. Title: Akokoa - Child Verse 1: Listen! Boy, I'm running out of breath! She calls me Kwakye Bankye (a derogatory name) But she calls her son "Sweetie". I'm like the millipede, she doesn't like me I have to fill 3 barrels with water everyday Then I scrub the floor of every room in the house. After that, I wash a big heap of dirty clothes I'm not allowed to eat until I'm done with all these chores Bridge How she treats me is not how she treats Joe Boy She pampers him because he's her son This maltreatment is not limited to just me It is a very common practice in society She says she a God worshipper But her love doesn't go beyond her own children Chorus (***for Christian child abusers) In the morning She'll go to church and sing "holy, holy","Praise Him!" (***for Moslem child abusers) She'll bow and touch the ground with her forehead She'll fast during Ramadan at the mosque, "Alahamdilla"! (***for traditional worshipping child abusers) She'll pour libation to the gods And give them mashed yam,"piaaw!" When she's done worshipping her god She'll return home and beat me into a pulp ( *** he uses the word "tosa" to describe what he's subjected to in the hands of this woman. "Tosa" is the bark of a tree beaten repeatedly until it becomes like fibre) Repeat Chorus Oooo Oooo Oooo verse 2 She claims she toughening me up But she's not telling the truth What I'm going through is nothing but slavery What you're saying is just a cover-up Half of my clothes is torn into pieces I sleep on a scratched and bare cement floor She says "you either sleep here or outside" And it's not like I'm disobedient or anything like that Bridge How she treats me is not how she treats Joe Boy She pampers him because he's her son I'm not the only suffering this kind of abuse It is a very common practice in society She says she a God worshipper But her love doesn't go beyond her own children When grandma Dora calls She tells her I'm disrespectful My grandpa Kwakye Barima will chip in some advice He says "She's the one taking care of you, so be patient" Pam pam pa naa, pam pam pa naa (** He's mimicing a trumpet) I'm only a kid What can I do? Pam pam pa naa, pam pam pa naa I'm only a kid What can I do? Chorus In the morning She'll go to church and sing "holy, holy","Praise Him!" She'll bow and touch the ground with her forehead She'll fast during Ramadan at the mosque, "Alahamdilla!" She'll pour libation to the gods And give them mashed yam, "piaaw!" When she's done worshipping her god She'll return home and beat me into a pulp Repeat Chorus Outro: Listen to me, you worshipper of God Show love to all people For no one has ever seen the God above Don't love only your children Love others too!!!
This Akokoa song is well understood by those of us who lived with people who weren't our biological parents. I was always having low self confidence growing up Such a humble soul full of talent.But thank God things are picking up for him🙏
Some biological parents too. It depends on the person. For instance this boy calmness reminds me of my brother. My mother wanted him to come out of his shell. If he wasn't my mother's child, people might have complained that she didn't love him. Sometimes Nature makes us go through some tough processes because what doesn't break you makes you stronger.
This was me years back in lapaz close to cosmos school when i was staying with my uncle and his wife. The maltreatment from my aunty was just something else. The song says it all hmmm.🤦🏽♀️ Each minute i hear this song I remember myself years back🥺 Thank God I'm a better person today 🙏🏼
Sago Newman nearly shed tears when he mentioned Mr Lartey’s name as his top fan. This gentleman has been through a lot. God bless your hustle bro. The saddest part of life is been treated like a slave by people who are family.
He is smart and yet so cool and calm. I see a bright future ahead for him. People are really suffering oooo even at ehe hands of their own parents. The lyrics of this song is very deep and so emotional. The story behind the song affects more people on the continent.
Kofi, I was discussing your question at 32:27 with a friend. The question is, "what is the fate of a Kwakye Bankye vis a vis a Joe Boy?" My observation is, when a Kwakye is able to survive the abuse, they go on to become successful in life. Sadly, most abused children fall by the wayside because of the trauma they go through growing up. Child abuse renders the victims timid and that can affect them academically, if they ever get the opportunity to go to school. The fate of a Joe Boy is also a mixed bag. Some take advantage of the privileged life they enjoy from childhood and go on to do well in life. Others allow the pampering from childhood to go into their heads. Such people lack initiative and would want everything on a silver-platter. The worst thing to happen to a Joe Boy is when the pampering parent is no more and there's no support system to fall on. I happen to be a Kwakye Bankye who survived years of abuse from my stepmom. Unfortunately, my Joe Boy half-brother fell through the cracks. By age 17 he had 2 kids with 2 different girls, dropped out of high school, became a drunkard (He would visit me on campus KNUST wreaking of alcohol) and passed at age 27. I really missed my brother!!! Da yie, Yaw!!!
@@alphafall404 You dont have any idea what u are saying Look at Nas in USA he is one of the greatest Hip Hop artist ever even Jay Z is afraid of him and his supreme lyrics but because of quietness he did not Go far even Puff Dadddy was saying the same thing the other time about him.....people follow Blacko all over the world because of his energy and power in the voice....a lot of people dont like slow people No matter how you write good music because they make people feels sorrowful
@@dohcharlesrobinson1275 But that quietness is not introversion. It means not putting in the necessary effort and not being proactive. It refers to the mentality that "I will become successful just because I'm good". These days music production and promotion are key. With a good team and a little rebranding he will be very big. About stage performance, we are yet to see his true potential cos he will massively improve. But think of it that some artiste's strengths lie in the depth of their lyrics. Even at a concert, you don't need to jump up and down to enjoy it.
Thanks Kofi TV, kudos to Sark, I just watched the video, after watching finding more about newman and I watched it bcos of Sarkodie... I first skipped it but was curious to listen, knowing Sark doesn't accept featuring any artist. I love the song.
Safo hss a new style as he's taking up the mantle........Don't be shy to come out with your real age if you been asked..Music carrier is not like Ghanaian soccer carrier.... You're in good hands 🙌 ..
These bloggers including Kofi will not allow this guy to harness his talent but would force him to the limelight quickly. It is better to work in silence. Blacko came out when he his production line-upped. Please link him to producers and not profit from him through interviews.
True bro, the way and manner he’s reluctant to praise Sark de33 I’m shocked. He’s been saying quality song sells itself forgetting that Sark is the pillar behind his trend now. He should wise up
He acknowledges people who supported him when he was not popular than those who came in after his Akokoa Sark has done well, but this guy sees those who gave him food at the studio 🎙 as the true supporters
Sad that these charlatans can do this with impunity what right had that man got to pay the police to imprison him . He has lost weight. Ghana is lawless
He looks like Nana Agyemang oo of Araba fame 😊 (Auntie Araba ee bra oo, Araba.......Auntie Araba ee bra oo, Araba.....Auntie Araba b3sen ma y3n k) na me ponk) p3 nt3m💃) 🎵 🎵
The song goes beyond the family lifestyle. We live in a country where the resources are for the good of all the masses but the few privileged ones are the ones enjoying it. The rest of us are made to do the donkey jobs during elections whilst their own children who don't partake in those donkey jobs are the ones enjoying them. Meanwhile, these same leaders are the Muslims, the Christians, and the traditionalists who are found in the various churches, mosques and the shrines
From the look on his face he is 36 years. He should look at BISA kdei concept of metamfo video to bring good music video. He shouldn't take time because he is now on heat
True bro, the way and manner he’s reluctant to praise Sark de33 I’m shocked. He’s been saying quality song sells itself forgetting that Sark is the pillar behind his trend now. He should wise up
I love this song so much that I decided to attempt a translation of this beautiful song for those who may not understand the language. I have also included notes in bracket to clarify some of the terms in the lyrics. Please note this translation cannot capture the beautiful rhyming and word play used in the original translation. Also, please remember this is only an attempt to tell the story so beautifully rendered by Safo Newman.
The song is a story being told by a young boy who's living with someone other than his biological parents. He beautifully captures the kind of abuse people like him go through in our society.
Title: Akokoa - Child
Verse 1:
Listen!
Boy, I'm running out of breath!
She calls me Kwakye Bankye (a derogatory name)
But she calls her son "Sweetie".
I'm like the millipede, she doesn't like me
I have to fill 3 barrels with water everyday
Then I scrub the floor of every room in the house.
After that, I wash a big heap of dirty clothes
I'm not allowed to eat until I'm done with all these chores
Bridge
How she treats me is not how she treats Joe Boy
She pampers him because he's her son
This maltreatment is not limited to just me
It is a very common practice in society
She says she a God worshipper
But her love doesn't go beyond her own children
Chorus
(***for Christian child abusers)
In the morning
She'll go to church and sing "holy, holy","Praise Him!"
(***for Moslem child abusers)
She'll bow and touch the ground with her forehead
She'll fast during Ramadan at the mosque, "Alahamdilla"!
(***for traditional worshipping child abusers)
She'll pour libation to the gods
And give them mashed yam,"piaaw!"
When she's done worshipping her god
She'll return home and beat me into a pulp
( *** he uses the word "tosa" to describe what he's subjected to
in the hands of this woman. "Tosa" is the bark of a tree
beaten repeatedly until it becomes like fibre)
Repeat Chorus
Oooo Oooo Oooo
verse 2
She claims she toughening me up
But she's not telling the truth
What I'm going through is nothing but slavery
What you're saying is just a cover-up
Half of my clothes is torn into pieces
I sleep on a scratched and bare cement floor
She says "you either sleep here or outside"
And it's not like I'm disobedient or anything like that
Bridge
How she treats me is not how she treats Joe Boy
She pampers him because he's her son
I'm not the only suffering this kind of abuse
It is a very common practice in society
She says she a God worshipper
But her love doesn't go beyond her own children
When grandma Dora calls
She tells her I'm disrespectful
My grandpa Kwakye Barima will chip in some advice
He says "She's the one taking care of you, so be patient"
Pam pam pa naa, pam pam pa naa (** He's mimicing a trumpet)
I'm only a kid
What can I do?
Pam pam pa naa, pam pam pa naa
I'm only a kid
What can I do?
Chorus
In the morning
She'll go to church and sing "holy, holy","Praise Him!"
She'll bow and touch the ground with her forehead
She'll fast during Ramadan at the mosque, "Alahamdilla!"
She'll pour libation to the gods
And give them mashed yam, "piaaw!"
When she's done worshipping her god
She'll return home and beat me into a pulp
Repeat Chorus
Outro:
Listen to me, you worshipper of God
Show love to all people
For no one has ever seen the God above
Don't love only your children
Love others too!!!
Beautiful. Literature Student 😊
Wow, just wow! Great , amazing work!
Wow God bless you ❤
Thank you for this translation. I love the song from Nigeria 🇳🇬.🙏
Wow❤
Kofi is truly a seasoned interviewer. Because this is the only interview that Sarfo feels relaxed and in his element
That's very true, i observed that too.
💯
True
Propbably because he’s now getting use to interviews and the camera exposure
Yap 💯 true
The arrangement of the song was spectacular.
This Akokoa song is well understood by those of us who lived with people who weren't our biological parents. I was always having low self confidence growing up
Such a humble soul full of talent.But thank God things are picking up for him🙏
If in case you have the means and he/she is alive surprise him/her and thank her or him
Some biological parents too. It depends on the person. For instance this boy calmness reminds me of my brother. My mother wanted him to come out of his shell. If he wasn't my mother's child, people might have complained that she didn't love him. Sometimes Nature makes us go through some tough processes because what doesn't break you makes you stronger.
This guy is not in for the fame Buh pure genius & pure talent and humility wow 😯
Extremely tge real definition of CALMNESS...GOD REALLY BLESS YOU Safo Newman 🎉🎉🎉🎉
This was me years back in lapaz close to cosmos school when i was staying with my uncle and his wife.
The maltreatment from my aunty was just something else. The song says it all hmmm.🤦🏽♀️
Each minute i hear this song I remember myself years back🥺
Thank God I'm a better person today 🙏🏼
We thank GOD. 🙏
Am glad you are strong now baby girl ❤
glad to hear you are better
I used to live around that area and I even attended Cosmos School
@@hanselowusu7639 nice 👍🏻
He reminds me of Daasebre Dwamena. Pure story teller, introvert. Great song and good luck.
Daseebre Ahuofe Gyamenah is the G.O.A.T of high life music ❤❤
This guy is very humble my Allah continues to bless him, I really like his song
I see this guy as an angel . Even his face .. these people are rare on earth. He came to heal Ghana❤
Real bro they are different he needs good management
You're right
Sago Newman nearly shed tears when he mentioned Mr Lartey’s name as his top fan. This gentleman has been through a lot. God bless your hustle bro.
The saddest part of life is been treated like a slave by people who are family.
He is smart and yet so cool and calm. I see a bright future ahead for him. People are really suffering oooo even at ehe hands of their own parents. The lyrics of this song is very deep and so emotional. The story behind the song affects more people on the continent.
Akokoa my favorite song at the moment Kudos Newman
This guy will go far like Black Sharif
Safo Newman,remember that Sark is the one who made this song popular,try to acknowledge him on every platform u get
You are right.
Lol 🙄
He's very intellectual and intelligent too...wow
first of all I think people are underestimating this guy. He's intelligent and smart. He's introvert and selling himself to the world as he is
Very deep lyrics. Soar higher, Gentleman.🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰🥰👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥
If the characters and lyrics are fictitious, then this guy is very creative
Kofi TV is the best reliable interview ever.
N where most people feel relaxed to voice out their inner wards
This guy is educated yet his twi is very diplomatic 😃
A well educated Akan man must be Twi proficient.
And what is diplomatic Twi 😂?
😅I like that word diplomatic ❤😂
The boy have a PhD in pure village life. I can really relate to this song. Very natural with raw talent.
I see the reason why he perfectly knows how to harmonize vocals. The classical music and lots of instrumental music gives rise to good sound 💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Kofi, I was discussing your question at 32:27 with a friend. The question is, "what is the fate of a Kwakye Bankye vis a vis a Joe Boy?" My observation is, when a Kwakye is able to survive the abuse, they go on to become successful in life. Sadly, most abused children fall by the wayside because of the trauma they go through growing up. Child abuse renders the victims timid and that can affect them academically, if they ever get the opportunity to go to school.
The fate of a Joe Boy is also a mixed bag. Some take advantage of the privileged life they enjoy from childhood and go on to do well in life. Others allow the pampering from childhood to go into their heads. Such people lack initiative and would want everything on a silver-platter. The worst thing to happen to a Joe Boy is when the pampering parent is no more and there's no support system to fall on.
I happen to be a Kwakye Bankye who survived years of abuse from my stepmom. Unfortunately, my Joe Boy half-brother fell through the cracks. By age 17 he had 2 kids with 2 different girls, dropped out of high school, became a drunkard (He would visit me on campus KNUST wreaking of alcohol) and passed at age 27. I really missed my brother!!! Da yie, Yaw!!!
Aww😢
So sad to hear that but thank GOD you made it to tell your story👏✌
I really love Safo Newman with all his Brand and Package
natural talent this will be ever green ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I can feel Bisa Kd in him🎉❤❤❤
In fact this guy is very brave and intelligent 🧠.....i really love the words in the song..... keep up the good work 👏
God is great... This guy voice I something altogether ooo
Sarkodie rap on this song will be very nice i am imagining the verse it will be Dope
Obrafuor too will be nice
If this guy is extrovert he will blow than black Sheriff the quietness is the problem but he will still Go far❤❤❤
❤facts
stop the ignorant talk. there's much more to success in music than introversion or extroversion
@@alphafall404 You dont have any idea what u are saying Look at Nas in USA he is one of the greatest Hip Hop artist ever even Jay Z is afraid of him and his supreme lyrics but because of quietness he did not Go far even Puff Dadddy was saying the same thing the other time about him.....people follow Blacko all over the world because of his energy and power in the voice....a lot of people dont like slow people No matter how you write good music because they make people feels sorrowful
@@dohcharlesrobinson1275 But that quietness is not introversion. It means not putting in the necessary effort and not being proactive. It refers to the mentality that "I will become successful just because I'm good". These days music production and promotion are key. With a good team and a little rebranding he will be very big. About stage performance, we are yet to see his true potential cos he will massively improve. But think of it that some artiste's strengths lie in the depth of their lyrics. Even at a concert, you don't need to jump up and down to enjoy it.
Stop the comparisons black ass dude😢
Very lyrical and storytelling ❤❤❤
Seems this is only interview safo has express himself well and enjoyed himself . Bless u
This man is intelligent paa
Kofi, please listen to his song Ghanaian Languages ( Brofo), and interview this guy again. He is super talented.
God bless this brother his music is very deep
Thanks Kofi TV, kudos to Sark, I just watched the video, after watching finding more about newman and I watched it bcos of Sarkodie... I first skipped it but was curious to listen, knowing Sark doesn't accept featuring any artist. I love the song.
He seems very comfortable around kofi. God bless you Kofi🙏🏽
The guy is an amazing song writer.
Bro Kofi no no..........so so good at this.
Kofi Adoma you be top top notch ❤
He's introvert, his temperament will be Melancholic, and they like classic music or orchestra music or Melancholic music. Theatre music.
We really love u deeply from our hearts
He is a old soul and very intelligent 🙌🏾💯
Exactly, reincarnated perosn, he is very deep.
Best and one kofi tv
No size at all
Thumb 👍 up Safo Newman 🙏🏾✅💪☝️👌
Safo hss a new style as he's taking up the mantle........Don't be shy to come out with your real age if you been asked..Music carrier is not like Ghanaian soccer carrier.... You're in good hands 🙌 ..
😄
Lovveeeeeee❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Very interesting and super intelligent stay stay bless stay strong stay top 🔝 💕💕👍👍👍
I like the name Joe boy
Safo is brilliant
Hmmm may he be blessed
This guy will be a professional choir master
A remix with O” Kenneth YGA will be 💯🔥❤️🔥
how I wish
Teacher Newman and teacher Stephen
These bloggers including Kofi will not allow this guy to harness his talent but would force him to the limelight quickly. It is better to work in silence.
Blacko came out when he his production line-upped.
Please link him to producers and not profit from him through interviews.
These guy died go come I swear.. the way he speaks
😅😅
I see some sort of Adventist in him ……especially his music knowledge
the help this talent ........geess
Newman New Talent. Big up!!!
I feel sad for hearing this song and I remember all that I go through in my brother 's wife hand
The guy is really intelligent❤
NYC one ,, keep it up
Interesting interview
All the best bro👌
When newman Took off his cap i knew newman was a new man ,akoa b3 nyini .bless up tho 🎶🖤
😂
To the point 😮😢
Why is nobody talking about his voice😩
Nice one 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤
Kofi sarfo looks like you, the way he talks
nice & educative! happy to support
Why do you tend to not highlight Sarkodie's influence on this song of yours unless they specifically inquires about him first?
True bro, the way and manner he’s reluctant to praise Sark de33 I’m shocked. He’s been saying quality song sells itself forgetting that Sark is the pillar behind his trend now. He should wise up
Yes ooo bro, He has to be grateful to long Sark. If not him this song wouldn't have reached here
True paa
Some people are not jumping like that
He acknowledges people who supported him when he was not popular than those who came in after his Akokoa
Sark has done well, but this guy sees those who gave him food at the studio 🎙 as the true supporters
A lot of people relate to this song.
Newmen Sarfo well done he is my brother son
😮
Sad that these charlatans can do this with impunity what right had that man got to pay the police to imprison him . He has lost weight. Ghana is lawless
bro has a good head on his shoulders
i will give him that
Sekyere. Kwamang home Town of lin win
He looks like Nana Agyemang oo of Araba fame 😊
(Auntie Araba ee bra oo, Araba.......Auntie Araba ee bra oo, Araba.....Auntie Araba b3sen ma y3n k) na me ponk) p3 nt3m💃) 🎵 🎵
The song goes beyond the family lifestyle. We live in a country where the resources are for the good of all the masses but the few privileged ones are the ones enjoying it. The rest of us are made to do the donkey jobs during elections whilst their own children who don't partake in those donkey jobs are the ones enjoying them. Meanwhile, these same leaders are the Muslims, the Christians, and the traditionalists who are found in the various churches, mosques and the shrines
💯
Kofi, ask him if he is interested in studying abroad. Gets his transcripts and let’s start some applications for him to do masters or PhD. Hit me up
Thats very generous of you, can you extend your helping hand to me as well.
@@Crime_and_theLaw what is your email?
❤@@SnowPyratethere's is me also you here praying for this help andmiracle.
God bless you Sir/ Madam
He is reserved 😂
💥💥❤❤❤
🔥🔥
Great song. Who else thought he was in a wheelchair?
This guy in time no catch for Ghana music yet.
From the look on his face he is 36 years. He should look at BISA kdei concept of metamfo video to bring good music video. He shouldn't take time because he is now on heat
I am the Joe Boy he is talking about
Masa wobooowa🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Eeeiii akoa boa...🤣🤣
Go Sarfo
Dis guy is just like me
Second version of Agyekum.
He is reluctant to praise sarkodie
His body language tells
Stop this
Praise him for what reason paa??
Oh bro let the world know Sakordie played a part in this your new fame and trendiing
I wonder self…if care is not taken he will lost his fame
Relax sis Sarkodie will never leave this guy. We know him
He has said thank you to Sarkodie in every interview so far, do you want him to cut off his head for Sark
@@empiretvghaahh say it again
True bro, the way and manner he’s reluctant to praise Sark de33 I’m shocked. He’s been saying quality song sells itself forgetting that Sark is the pillar behind his trend now. He should wise up
KOFI ADOMA VRS NEWMAN, 3F)NATON WHO WINS?
He is mature ( old)
Who said joe boy be shattawale run oo 😅😅😅😅
He is good in his filled next blacko
Without the Cap, He looks like an old grown man.
I am sure he's using the cap as a brand to cover up his age.
Am Joe Boy
I was thinking he is kid oo like eighteen and nineteen years oo😊
He is in his early 30s
lol me too. Till I listened to this interview
Joying
Ghana