Inspiring a generation of amazing Vocalists: The Abu Sadiq story

Introduction

Music from the savanna regions of Ghana is always refreshing, especially when it employs traditional and cultural elements; the sound of indigenous rhythms fused with reggae and the sweet melodious voices that accompany these perfectly synchronized rhythms is one reason I don’t hesitate to buy an album by Abu Sadiq.

Who is Abu Sadiq?

Hailed as one of the most respected musicians with amazing vocal strength from the savanna, his message-filled music will always stay in the heart of a listener. If you are a music enthusiast like myself, with a constant crave for savanna rhythms you will definitely know Abu Sadiq the artiste that ensures every listener can find a song to relate to on his albums.

Often referred to as the “Policeman”, the Tamale native born in Salamba had his basic education at the Sakasaka Primary & JSS also in Tamale, and later proceeded to the Northern School of Business in 1995 where he studied accounting.

Young and ambitious Abu Sadiq realized his gift of singing at a very tender age, however the choice to fully explore it arose from his desire to affect the many youths who were psychologically affected by the Kokomba-Nunumba conflict of 1995. This influenced the positivity behind all his lyrics as an artiste and led to seven successful album releases from 1996, and several impactful singles.

Growing up around the story-oriented nature of traditional music in the Northern Region, and the positive vibes associated with reggae music, Abu Sadiq’s entrance into the music scene was what he describes as,

“A perfect opportunity for a young person to have immeasurable influence on society, in the most positive of ways by simply doing what came to him naturally and with ease i.e. Music.”

Musical Influences

He therefore sought to bring a unique sound that fuses elements of his culture and reggae, whilst maintaining the positive vibes of reggae music. This led him to deliberately write music that won’t just get feet tapping but will take listeners on a journey of mental rejuvenation.

Even though today’s music scene in the savanna is a bit unlike before, Abu Sadiq’s relevance has never waned as he continues to tirelessly churn out amazing music like Fara Kurli, Azindo, Dikuyuui and several others whilst featuring on countless songs belonging to other artistes.

One would assume that after 15years Abu Sadiq would be looking to retire soon but according to him.

“There is too much to be shared by way of positive lyrics, and I doubt if I can quit knowing how much my music impacts Dagbon”.

In a short conversation with www.thesavannaonline.com, Abu Sadiq revealed his desire to get back into school to pursue higher education.

Early Life of Abu Sadiq

He believes doing so will further set him apart from his contemporaries and the new generation of musicians who basically think the dance aspect of music, relegating the positive impact of music by way of lyrics to the background. He also expressed disappointments in the myriad of award schemes that adorn the savanna yet don’t fully represent the different genres of music that has given the entertainment scene its budding status. He believes recognizing all genres will actually bring the less popular genres to the fore thereby increasing the economic potential of alternative music exports.

According to him, the situation where profane and vulgar lyrics, as well as insults in the name of publicity stunts will in the long run cause irreparable damage to listeners who look up to musicians as role models, and thus attempt to model their lives after their favourite artistes. Abu Sadiq is currently in the studio working on an album, which he believes is the best he’s ever put out.

Awards & Nominations

Collaborations

Discography of Abu Sadiq

Abu Sadiq has inspired the likes of Don Sigli.