You need to understand the language in a rap song to enjoy it – Wiyaala

Ghanaian Afro-pop artiste Wiyaala is one of the people who believe language plays the least role in music appreciation and marketability.

However, she is convinced that rap is best enjoyed when the language can be understood.

According to the Lioness, unlike singing which comes with melodies, rhythm and lyrics, rap music only has rhythm and words which may not resonate well with the audience.

Likening talking to rap, Wiyaala cited instances where she would have to briefly explain the lyrics of songs she has done in her native language Sisaala, to non-speakers of the language before performing the song.

She noted that talking in its raw state (without melody) is limited just as rap.

“…that is why in my opinion I think you would have to understand [the language in] rap music to enjoy it. Because rap is very similar to talking.

If you are a rapper and you went to certain places and they don’t understand what you are rapping about because you are talking to them in a much faster pace,” she said.

Wiyaala, however, added that what could make a rap song more appealing to a universal audience is the instrumentation.

The ‘Leno’ singer made these comments on Joy Entertainment Unpacked, a Twitter spaces programme hosted by Joy FM’s Kwame Dadzie.

She reiterated that her melodies and emotions have always been the driving forces in her performance across the world.

She said sometimes, people finish enjoying her songs before they ask the meaning.

Wiyaala, is one of Ghana’s treasures performing at bigger festivals in Europe, the Americas and other parts of the world.

She has songs such as ‘Yaga Yaga’, ‘Rock My Body’, ‘Satellite Baby’, ‘Wiisi’, ‘Leno’, among others.

At present, she is preparing to release a new body of work with will feature a number of Ghanaian languages.