Day One of Kacstone Records’ Local Language Forum draws hundreds, calls for preservation of Kasem intensify
Hundreds gather in Navrongo as stakeholders from Ghana and Burkina Faso push for stronger efforts to promote and preserve the Kasem language through media and music.
The maiden edition of Kacstone Records’ Local Language Promotion Forum recorded a huge turnout on its opening day, held in Navrongo, with hundreds of stakeholders from Ghana and Burkina Faso converging to deliberate on strategies to promote and preserve the Kasem language.
Held under the theme, “The Sustainability and Promotion of Local Language in Social Discourse: The Role of Media and Music,” the forum aims to engage stakeholders on the proper use of the Kasem language and to promote and preserve it.
Participants included members of the Kassena-Nankana Municipal and West Assemblies, representatives of the Ghana Education Service, Kasem teachers, authors, media personnel, social media influencers, and musicians, among others, from both Ghana and Burkina Faso.
In a statement read on behalf of the Managing Director of Kacstone Records, Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, he indicated that the forum is a long-held vision shared between himself and legendary music icon Michael Adangba.
“These experiences led Mr. Adangba and me to realize that music is a powerful tool to showcase our language and promote our culture and traditions to the world. Together, we formed Kacstone Records, meaning Kassena Cornerstone Records (KASSENA DEGA SAPANGA BIRI).”
“This gathering today is already a step toward realizing our dream, although there is still a long way to go. Our ultimate goal is to see Kasem spoken on national platforms such as television and radio, and to have the language represented on the internet, where platforms like Google and other global systems can translate into Kasem, just as they do for other languages.” He added.
The event featured presentations on an overview of the Kasem language, as well as open discussions on common misrepresentations and usage challenges.
Speaking after the first day of the forum, Michael Adangba emphasized the need to preserve local languages, warning that many are on the verge of extinction.
“Not only Kasem, but all local languages we must make deliberate efforts to preserve them and ensure their proper use, particularly among those using music and the media to communicate.” He said.
Joseph Nabarese, who delivered a presentation on the overview of Kasem, noted that language is a key component of identity and must be protected.
“Language is our identity. Our culture, thoughts, and worldview are best expressed through it. If we fail to promote it, no one else will do it for us.” He said.
Day two of the program will continue on April 24 at the Navrongo Teachers Credit Union, featuring presentations on techniques of translation and music as a tool for language promotion by Joseph Nabarese and Michael Adangba, respectively.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Bombande
