Ghanaian gospel singer Celestine Donkor has pushed back against criticism over the title of her latest song, Nyame Sumsum, joking that she will not be intimidated simply because she is an Ewe who sings in Twi.

The singer came under scrutiny after some critics questioned the use of the Twi expression, arguing that “sumsum” refers to the soul and suggesting that “Nyame Honhom” would have been a more appropriate title.

However, Celestine Donkor said she sees nothing wrong with the title and questioned why she should face criticism over a phrase that other Ghanaian musicians have also used in their songs.

“Because I’m an Ewe, the Akans want to bully me, but I want you all to know that my sister-in-law is an Akan,” she teasingly said.

Explaining her position, she said: “I’ve released a new song and the title is ‘Nyame Sumsum’. People are telling me that it’s not right to say Nyame Sumsum because ‘sumsum’ means soul. I was supposed to say Nyame Honhom. You guys should make me understand: what’s wrong with it?”

Celestine Donkor, who has established herself as one of Ghana’s prominent contemporary gospel musicians, also cited fellow gospel artiste Diana Antwi Hamilton, popularly known as Diana Asamoah, as an example of an Akan musician who has used “sumsum” in a song without attracting similar criticism.

“I remember that Diana Asamoah made a song and she used Sumsum, but because she’s an Akan, you guys didn’t say anything. You people can’t bully me. I’m an Ewe, but I can speak Twi,” she added.

Her comments have since added a light-hearted ethnic and linguistic dimension to the debate over the song’s title, with the musician making it clear that she is comfortable using Twi in her music despite her Ewe background.

Watch the video here:

@celestinedonkormusic I don’t get it ooo #NyameSunsum ♬ original sound – Celestine Donkor

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang