Ghanaian artist EL sings about everyday plight of his people on ‘Noko Fio (Money Dey Talk)’: Listen
At the end of January, one of Ghana’s talented artists, EL, released his vibrant new self-produced single ‘Noko Fio (Money Dey Talk)’. Upon pressing play, its pounding production demands attention as the West African rapper-singer opens the banger to detail the everyday lives of people in the country. As described by the artist in an email Q&A, he is part of an ethnic group called the Ewe tribe.
According to EL, “We originated somewhere from north east Africa migrating through the Nile Valley, Sudan, Nigeria, and finally into Ghana, we are primarily located in southeastern Ghana, where my family comes from, but we also have tribes in binning and some parts of Togo, we are best known for our rich culture and tradition, and arguably the best food in Ghana. We are hospitable and warm, welcoming people. I would advise anybody who wants to visit to check out the water leak, which is a critical natural resource to the country and a beautiful tourist destination.”
We’ve added the English-translated lyrics for you below. It features lyrics in English, Pidgin and Ga.
Verse 1
My people are in Ghana walking around looking for something small
They walk from Gambaga to Accra looking for something small
My people ride around on mopeds from Amasaman to Odododiodio
From Nigeria, Kanda to Panama
Men hustle for something small
Chorus
Look at our women
They don’t agree
For some good loving, they will not agree
Let me give you something big
She will not agree
She says, show me the money
And that’s where you will see
Money talks, and bullshit walks
Verse 2
Oh my Chica Bonita
You know you’re my one and only love
But when push comes to shove
When there’s no money
She will not understand
Oh my homeboy
You know, I can’t lie to you
We’re gonna keep gathering this cash
We’re gonna make it 100%
Chorus
Look at our women
They don’t agree
For some good loving, they will not agree
Let me give you something big
She will not agree
She says, show me the money
And that’s where you will see
Money talks, and bullshit walks
Since we are less than a week removed from the recent GRAMMYs ceremony, we asked EL if he has plans to submit this recording for GRAMMY consideration, to which he replied, “[I] would like to submit, putting measures in place”.
Naturally, as trolls run rampant to tease nominated African artists, I wanted to know how he felt about the GRAMMYs this year. EL said, “I admire the [A]cademy and its undeniable contribution to the music industry.”
There will be people who will read this and believe his response is contrived. However, it is good to know at least one African artist was pleased with the show. With that said, after you listen to EL’s new track in full, watch Tyla’s official music video for ‘Push 2 Start’. It’s GRAMMY Award-winning, and it might make you feel better.
