The last phone I got my mum was a Samsung A-series… an A06. Perfect for her daily routine of binge-watching reels, TikToks, and flooding my inbox with fake news.
This year, for her 73rd birthday, I went big... a Galaxy Flip. She’d been drooling over the ones I’d reviewed, so I thought, why not?
As always, the first thing she asked was, “How much?”
I told her, “One-Five,” knowing full well she’d respond with her signature line... “Next time, give me the money, I can use it better.”
Fast forward… she takes it to church. Her friends see it, fall in love, and ask the price. She proudly says, “One-Five.” Suddenly, the whole women’s fellowship wants in.
She calls me later:
“Kwabena, get me five of those phones… my friends want to join the Flip club.”
I reply, “Sure… that’ll be about GHS75,000. Should I send my account details?”
Silence.
Murmurs.
Then, in Twi:
“Kwabena, how much did you say again?”
I repeat the full figure.
Instantly, there’s a loud, united “Eeeeeeeiiii!” in the background.
One woman says, "Effe, nti 15 thaazin na ɛdze rema mmɔframa na wɔ dze redzi agor dam yi?"
My mother whispers into the phone, "Kwabena Aden na wanfa sika no amma me?"
Abi I talk 😒🤷🏾♂️
While inhabitants of the Aseseso - Abonse stretch pray for completion, I selfishly hope it remains untarred so I can keep off-roading 😈😅.
Everyone needs to pass through absolutely breathtaking views! https://t.co/PpvbGWFbGG
Glad to announce my new YouTube channel called Visualized. On "Visualized", we will share well researched, high quality videos about socioeconomic & geopolitical issues concerning Africa. Check out the channel here: https://t.co/MN40yiLYPU
An Open Letter to the CAF President
_____________________________________________________
Dear Dr. Patrice Motsepe,
My name is Kwabena Ofei-Kwadey Nkrumah, though many know me as Kobby Spiky.
Seven years ago, during the promotion of the CAF Awards 2018, my music was used without my knowledge or consent to accompany videos celebrating Africa’s finest, the Best African Male and Female Player videos. My song played a part in promoting an event that millions of people watched. Yet, my contribution went uncredited and unpaid.
When I became aware of it, I spoke out. CAF responded, asking what I sought in return. I asked for simple fairness, remuneration for the use of my intellectual property.
What followed was silence.
At the time, I didn’t have the resources to fight for what I deserved. I was just a young man, hustling to make ends meet, learning multiple skills, and hoping that my hard work would one day lead to something meaningful.
I nearly gave up. But then I met a lawyer who believed in the principle of justice, and together, we pursued the matter. The court ruled in my favour. CAF appealed, and the appeal was dismissed. Yet, despite this ruling, I still find myself here, almost a year after judgment, with no compensation.
Dr. Motsepe, I am sure you didn’t intend for this to happen. I understand that in large organizations, such issues can sometimes get lost in the system. But now, as you visit Ghana, a country where I have roots and dreams, I feel compelled to reach out to you directly.
Is it fair for a young musician to have his music used on such a grand stage, without credit, and without being compensated for it?
Is it right for an organization like CAF, with all its influence and resources, to ignore the ruling of the court and continue dragging this issue through legal battles?
What would you do if you were in my shoes? Would you let it go, or would you fight with every bit of strength left in you?
I write this letter not to accuse, but to appeal. I appeal to your sense of fairness, to your understanding of the struggles of young Africans like myself, striving to make a living, to have our voices heard, and to be fairly treated.
Please, Dr. Motsepe, I ask for nothing more than what is rightfully mine: justice and fairness.
Thank you for your time and for considering the heart behind this letter.
Respectfully,
Kwabena Ofei-Kwadey Nkrumah (Kobby Spiky)