Who would have thought that government will charge an average of 20 per cent taxes on fruit juice, wine and other alcoholic beverages but these are the times, anything is possible! Teetotalers and alcoholics will be taxed in equal measure.

This government believes in equality. No one is escaping! You will be taxed for who you are. Unless you drink only water, well that also depends on the kind of water you drink. Who would have thought that government would charge 1 cedi for completing a trip when you book a taxi while using an app?

In these times, M3nsa’s song “Eyes but no eyes” released in 2021 on his album BONDZIE is so relevant. M3nsa demonstrates his musical dexterity on all the songs on his album, but for today, let me just focus on this one song which I believe is relatable to all, especially in these belt-tightening times.

If there is one reason why M3nsa is not getting the respect he deserves as Ghana’s top rapper, producer and all-rounder musician, then it is because his songs have not been properly promoted. The explanation will come shortly.

Everyone I deliberately introduce his songs to asks, “He is so good so why are his songs not that popular?” M3nsa’s songs are timeless.

I am sure his songs will be relevant for many years to come. Live performance is my gold standard for determining whether a musician is worth their salt. It is the same reason why I choose Kojo Antwi over Daddy Lumba although I love both of them. This is not debatable but anyone who disagrees should wait for my write-up on this.

M3nsa has a strong live-performance game. This is largely because he plays the piano and other instruments. Additionally, he can work wonders when he performs live because he is a producer who is skilled at dissecting every aspect of production. Anytime I go to watch him perform live in Ghana, I go with friends who end up binging on his songs when they return home.

Three weeks after he released his BONDZIE album I remember engaging in a deep argument with a friend who said M3nsa was no longer relevant. So, I sat my friend down and played all the 11 tracks on the album and when we were done listening, she fell in love with M3nsa.

She asked me, “So why is that Ghanaians do not appreciate his (M3nsa) music?” I answered, “Because they do not listen to his music, they don’t know”. She agreed with me and tasked me to write about the BONDZIE album since I am a hardcore fan. I had procrastinated for a long time but it is not too late.

M3nsa’s album BONDZIE is a bottomless earworm that is eating my brain. It has been very difficult for me to extract it from my head. I can virtually taste varied rhythms on every track. Every song is different and weighted by very powerful lyrics.  Time for me to BONDZIE and if you are wondering what that means, it means “let out your voice” or simply, “SPEAK UP” in Fante.

Eyes but No Eyes” begins with a gentle strumming and weeping of a  guitar mixed with heavy thudding. While you’re trying to understand the beat for about 36 seconds, the vocals draw you in. It’s not easy to place the music in a particular genre, it’s just a big Alte sound.

This is followed by a compassionate voice that paints a rather sad but thought-provoking narrative. The song is delivered in Ghanaian pidgin and it is easy for all to follow.

“How come say we all dey matter inside we all dey suffer…. We all fit come together then try to sort each other. Then you turn around and sell out just because of dollar”. These few lines hold so true.  When our politicians are campaigning for power, they make us feel they understand the suffering of the masses.  They eat with the poor. They make us believe they are preoccupied with great ideas to lift us out of poverty. They promise to reduce taxes and increase production but they end up even taxing us for transferring money to our loved ones.  Some go stirring banku and even braid women’s hair to convince the public that they are down to earth. But when they come to power, they sell out! Instead of fixing the problem for the common good, our leaders rather “think how fast they can steal and forget the people.”

They even go to the extent of pounding fufu for us.

Sadly, the people who voted for them now have to find ways of improving their own lives. M3nsa delivered this song in a very calm tone but the music whirrs so loud in the mind that it succeeds in making you angry.

We are aware of how politicians operate. We are aware that once in power, they will be cut off from the plight of the people. They “catch too high to see the suffering below because they are too far away”.

Yes, our politicians have eyes but they do not see. They have hearts but they do not feel anything. They have brains but they do not think about us. That is why we are still wallowing in poverty. M3nsa delivers this provocative chorus in Ghanaian pidgin. “Them get eyes but them no dey see”. Ice cold heart, them no dey feel nothing. Some too dey get mind but dem no dey think”. This song is timely and reflects our current times.

https://youtu.be/jmBNZhz5mXk

If I was a morning show producer or host, this would be my opening song every day. What M3nsa is saying is not new but I feel Ghanaians should be reminded every day of how our leaders are treating us and how we also allow them to freely plunder without thinking about the needs of the masses.

M3nsa sounded frustrated and hurt throughout the song but he calmly delivers his lines appealing to the emotions of listeners not to be blind to the looting of politicians.

The chorus repeats a couple of times and then dies out slowly with the guitar.  I can guarantee you that long after you have listened to the song, it will replay in your head. I wish Ghanaians will play this music anytime myopic politicians come into their communities seeking votes.

The song is just 2 minutes 55 seconds long but it leaves you with many thoughts. M3nsa is creative, passionate and skilled in music making. The only reason why he is not out there is because of the poor promotion of his works. I wish his team will be more intentional about distributing his songs. The truth is that M3nsa is talented but he cannot have it all.

A strong marketing plan can shake things up for him. Thank you M3nsa for blessing our ears, our hearts and our minds with this excellent social commentary. Like Fela Kuti and  Bob Marley only to name a few, M3nsa’s songs especially “Eyes but no Eyes” will be relevant for many years to come. When he crowdfunds for the next album, I will donate! Why “Take My Loses”, “Moko Sane” featuring Gasmilla “Forward” and “Carry You Go” on the BONDZIE album is not trending is a question for the gods.