I love this song so much that I decided to attempt a translation of this beautiful song for those who may not understand the language. I have also included notes in bracket to clarify some of the terms in the lyrics. Please note this translation cannot capture the beautiful rhyming and word play used in the original translation. Also, please remember this is only an attempt to tell the story so beautifully rendered by Safo Newman. The song is a story being told by a young boy who's living with someone other than his biological parents. He beautifully captures the kind of abuse people like him go through in our society. Title: Akokoa - Child Verse 1: Listen! Boy, I'm running out of breath! She calls me Kwakye Bankye (a derogatory name) But she calls her son "Sweetie". I'm like the millipede, she doesn't like me I have to fill 3 barrels with water everyday Then I scrub the floor of every room in the house. After that, I wash a big heap of dirty clothes I'm not allowed to eat until I'm done with all these chores Bridge How she treats me is not how she treats Joe Boy She pampers him because he's her son This maltreatment is not limited to just me It is a very common practice in society She says she a God worshipper But her love doesn't go beyond her own children Chorus (***for Christian child abusers) In the morning She'll go to church and sing "holy, holy","Praise Him!" (***for Moslem child abusers) She'll bow and touch the ground with her forehead She'll fast during Ramadan at the mosque, "Alahamdilla"! (***for traditional worshipping child abusers) She'll pour libation to the gods And give them mashed yam,"piaaw!" When she's done worshipping her god She'll return home and beat me into a pulp ( *** he uses the word "tosa" to describe what he's subjected to in the hands of this woman. "Tosa" is the bark of a tree beaten repeatedly until it becomes like fibre) Repeat Chorus Oooo Oooo Oooo verse 2 She claims she toughening me up But she's not telling the truth What I'm going through is nothing but slavery What you're saying is just a cover-up Half of my clothes is torn into pieces I sleep on a scratched and bare cement floor She says "you either sleep here or outside" And it's not like I'm disobedient or anything like that Bridge How she treats me is not how she treats Joe Boy She pampers him because he's her son I'm not the only suffering this kind of abuse It is a very common practice in society She says she a God worshipper But her love doesn't go beyond her own children When grandma Dora calls She tells her I'm disrespectful My grandpa Kwakye Barima will chip in some advice He says "She's the one taking care of you, so be patient" Pam pam pa naa, pam pam pa naa (** He's mimicing a trumpet) I'm only a kid What can I do? Pam pam pa naa, pam pam pa naa I'm only a kid What can I do? Chorus In the morning She'll go to church and sing "holy, holy","Praise Him!" She'll bow and touch the ground with her forehead She'll fast during Ramadan at the mosque, "Alahamdilla!" She'll pour libation to the gods And give them mashed yam, "piaaw!" When she's done worshipping her god She'll return home and beat me into a pulp Repeat Chorus Outro: Listen to me, you worshipper of God Show love to all people For no one has ever seen the God above Don't love only your children Love others too!!!
@voiceofreason93078 ай бұрын
Beautiful. Literature Student 😊
@Koofoli8 ай бұрын
Wow, just wow! Great , amazing work!
@kevinvena4748 ай бұрын
Gye wo two
@Sam_Ortiz_IQ8 ай бұрын
Wow God bless you ❤
@pureheartemmanuel61948 ай бұрын
Thank you for this translation. I love the song from Nigeria 🇳🇬.🙏
@blessedman36618 ай бұрын
Kofi is truly a seasoned interviewer. Because this is the only interview that Sarfo feels relaxed and in his element
@ubuntuwheelsandlogistics67658 ай бұрын
That's very true, i observed that too.
@zakari44538 ай бұрын
💯
@razangel27368 ай бұрын
True
@abdulmanannuhu36318 ай бұрын
Propbably because he’s now getting use to interviews and the camera exposure
@danielpeprah34688 ай бұрын
Yap 💯 true
@moglomcharway8 ай бұрын
This was me years back in lapaz close to cosmos school when i was staying with my uncle and his wife. The maltreatment from my aunty was just something else. The song says it all hmmm.🤦🏽♀️ Each minute i hear this song I remember myself years back🥺 Thank God I'm a better person today 🙏🏼
@atiwodegrace66098 ай бұрын
We thank GOD. 🙏
@QueenNtimCookingandVlog8 ай бұрын
Am glad you are strong now baby girl ❤
@Bantwi19768 ай бұрын
glad to hear you are better
@hanselowusu76398 ай бұрын
I used to live around that area and I even attended Cosmos School
@moglomcharway8 ай бұрын
@@hanselowusu7639 nice 👍🏻
@maxipriest157 ай бұрын
The arrangement of the song was spectacular.
@fastdecorenterprise8 ай бұрын
This guy is not in for the fame Buh pure genius & pure talent and humility wow 😯
@AFETORGBORNYATUAME8 ай бұрын
Extremely tge real definition of CALMNESS...GOD REALLY BLESS YOU Safo Newman 🎉🎉🎉🎉
@hannahbibi90288 ай бұрын
This Akokoa song is well understood by those of us who lived with people who weren't our biological parents. I was always having low self confidence growing up Such a humble soul full of talent.But thank God things are picking up for him🙏
@alterofpraiseandworship27618 ай бұрын
If in case you have the means and he/she is alive surprise him/her and thank her or him
@hannahfrimpong66958 ай бұрын
Some biological parents too. It depends on the person. For instance this boy calmness reminds me of my brother. My mother wanted him to come out of his shell. If he wasn't my mother's child, people might have complained that she didn't love him. Sometimes Nature makes us go through some tough processes because what doesn't break you makes you stronger.
@nanayeboah43298 ай бұрын
He reminds me of Daasebre Dwamena. Pure story teller, introvert. Great song and good luck.
@alhassanabdulrazak86788 ай бұрын
Daseebre Ahuofe Gyamenah is the G.O.A.T of high life music ❤❤
@selinaowusu69318 ай бұрын
Akokoa my favorite song at the moment Kudos Newman
@OakensMedia8 ай бұрын
Sago Newman nearly shed tears when he mentioned Mr Lartey’s name as his top fan. This gentleman has been through a lot. God bless your hustle bro. The saddest part of life is been treated like a slave by people who are family.
@SamiraYussifjallo7 ай бұрын
This guy is very humble my Allah continues to bless him, I really like his song
@beam-biblicalencouragement88128 ай бұрын
He is smart and yet so cool and calm. I see a bright future ahead for him. People are really suffering oooo even at ehe hands of their own parents. The lyrics of this song is very deep and so emotional. The story behind the song affects more people on the continent.
@barkiworldtv50288 ай бұрын
This guy will go far like Black Sharif
@kofiamo21388 ай бұрын
I see this guy as an angel . Even his face .. these people are rare on earth. He came to heal Ghana❤
@OyeMante8 ай бұрын
Real bro they are different he needs good management
@QueenlyKiki8 ай бұрын
You're right
@trendingnewshubgh8 ай бұрын
Safo Newman,remember that Sark is the one who made this song popular,try to acknowledge him on every platform u get
@emmansitv8 ай бұрын
You are right.
@albertaatta-mensah3544 ай бұрын
Lol 🙄
@mymovieplug88908 ай бұрын
first of all I think people are underestimating this guy. He's intelligent and smart. He's introvert and selling himself to the world as he is
@augustinemensahoduro95838 ай бұрын
He's very intellectual and intelligent too...wow
@emmanuelkumih938 ай бұрын
Very deep lyrics. Soar higher, Gentleman.🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰🥰👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥
@OhenewaaAgyei-w4l8 ай бұрын
Kofi TV is the best reliable interview ever. N where most people feel relaxed to voice out their inner wards
@benstrauss19768 ай бұрын
Kofi, I was discussing your question at 32:27 with a friend. The question is, "what is the fate of a Kwakye Bankye vis a vis a Joe Boy?" My observation is, when a Kwakye is able to survive the abuse, they go on to become successful in life. Sadly, most abused children fall by the wayside because of the trauma they go through growing up. Child abuse renders the victims timid and that can affect them academically, if they ever get the opportunity to go to school. The fate of a Joe Boy is also a mixed bag. Some take advantage of the privileged life they enjoy from childhood and go on to do well in life. Others allow the pampering from childhood to go into their heads. Such people lack initiative and would want everything on a silver-platter. The worst thing to happen to a Joe Boy is when the pampering parent is no more and there's no support system to fall on. I happen to be a Kwakye Bankye who survived years of abuse from my stepmom. Unfortunately, my Joe Boy half-brother fell through the cracks. By age 17 he had 2 kids with 2 different girls, dropped out of high school, became a drunkard (He would visit me on campus KNUST wreaking of alcohol) and passed at age 27. I really missed my brother!!! Da yie, Yaw!!!
@Samortiz1018 ай бұрын
Aww😢
@reginafosuhemaa-el5op8 ай бұрын
So sad to hear that but thank GOD you made it to tell your story👏✌
@elizabethyeboah14158 ай бұрын
If the characters and lyrics are fictitious, then this guy is very creative
@elizabethyeboah14158 ай бұрын
This guy is educated yet his twi is very diplomatic 😃
@kojojampa8 ай бұрын
A well educated Akan man must be Twi proficient.
@alphafall4048 ай бұрын
And what is diplomatic Twi 😂?
@carolinetetteh51228 ай бұрын
😅I like that word diplomatic ❤😂
@paacitrus40118 ай бұрын
I see the reason why he perfectly knows how to harmonize vocals. The classical music and lots of instrumental music gives rise to good sound 💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
@AFETORGBORNYATUAME8 ай бұрын
I really love Safo Newman with all his Brand and Package
@dohcharlesrobinson12758 ай бұрын
Sarkodie rap on this song will be very nice i am imagining the verse it will be Dope
@felixakuamoah90018 ай бұрын
Obrafuor too will be nice
@HappyAbyssinianCat-mc4rl8 ай бұрын
In fact this guy is very brave and intelligent 🧠.....i really love the words in the song..... keep up the good work 👏
@evansacquahp25148 ай бұрын
The boy have a PhD in pure village life. I can really relate to this song. Very natural with raw talent.
@voiceofreason93078 ай бұрын
Very lyrical and storytelling ❤❤❤
@dohcharlesrobinson12758 ай бұрын
If this guy is extrovert he will blow than black Sheriff the quietness is the problem but he will still Go far❤❤❤
@finestar75138 ай бұрын
❤facts
@kevinvena4748 ай бұрын
I think he's just a laid back guy
@alphafall4048 ай бұрын
stop the ignorant talk. there's much more to success in music than introversion or extroversion
@dohcharlesrobinson12758 ай бұрын
@@alphafall404 You dont have any idea what u are saying Look at Nas in USA he is one of the greatest Hip Hop artist ever even Jay Z is afraid of him and his supreme lyrics but because of quietness he did not Go far even Puff Dadddy was saying the same thing the other time about him.....people follow Blacko all over the world because of his energy and power in the voice....a lot of people dont like slow people No matter how you write good music because they make people feels sorrowful
@alphafall4048 ай бұрын
@@dohcharlesrobinson1275 But that quietness is not introversion. It means not putting in the necessary effort and not being proactive. It refers to the mentality that "I will become successful just because I'm good". These days music production and promotion are key. With a good team and a little rebranding he will be very big. About stage performance, we are yet to see his true potential cos he will massively improve. But think of it that some artiste's strengths lie in the depth of their lyrics. Even at a concert, you don't need to jump up and down to enjoy it.
@fastdecorenterprise8 ай бұрын
natural talent this will be ever green ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@kobbykay79628 ай бұрын
Kofi, please listen to his song Ghanaian Languages ( Brofo), and interview this guy again. He is super talented.
@bismarkatsubludoh43898 ай бұрын
God is great... This guy voice I something altogether ooo
@rich123428 ай бұрын
God bless this brother his music is very deep
@Japhet-u7h8 ай бұрын
Seems this is only interview safo has express himself well and enjoyed himself . Bless u
@nanayaw81918 ай бұрын
He's introvert, his temperament will be Melancholic, and they like classic music or orchestra music or Melancholic music. Theatre music.
@brightoforimusic8 ай бұрын
Bro Kofi no no..........so so good at this.
@brainnurse50788 ай бұрын
He seems very comfortable around kofi. God bless you Kofi🙏🏽
@emmansitv8 ай бұрын
Thanks Kofi TV, kudos to Sark, I just watched the video, after watching finding more about newman and I watched it bcos of Sarkodie... I first skipped it but was curious to listen, knowing Sark doesn't accept featuring any artist. I love the song.
@comfortboampong26118 ай бұрын
This man is intelligent paa
@solomonquarm28378 ай бұрын
Kofi Adoma you be top top notch ❤
@gyanmichael17377 ай бұрын
Best and one kofi tv No size at all
@amanaa43618 ай бұрын
I like the name Joe boy
@gotube008 ай бұрын
I can feel Bisa Kd in him🎉❤❤❤
@mosestekper76598 ай бұрын
The guy is an amazing song writer.
@nanapoku35338 ай бұрын
Safo hss a new style as he's taking up the mantle........Don't be shy to come out with your real age if you been asked..Music carrier is not like Ghanaian soccer carrier.... You're in good hands 🙌 ..
@sarahyamoah19188 ай бұрын
😄
@luxurytvshows31538 ай бұрын
These guy died go come I swear.. the way he speaks
@Samortiz1018 ай бұрын
😅😅
@Chris_churchez8 ай бұрын
A remix with O” Kenneth YGA will be 💯🔥❤️🔥
@emmanuelopokuadusei67328 ай бұрын
how I wish
@benneyremah6 ай бұрын
The guy is really intelligent❤
@Akorfa-Ba8 ай бұрын
Safo is brilliant
@franciskwofie67548 ай бұрын
These bloggers including Kofi will not allow this guy to harness his talent but would force him to the limelight quickly. It is better to work in silence. Blacko came out when he his production line-upped. Please link him to producers and not profit from him through interviews.
@dansobessahalfred99798 ай бұрын
Thumb 👍 up Safo Newman 🙏🏾✅💪☝️👌
@benisjones66358 ай бұрын
He is a old soul and very intelligent 🙌🏾💯
@infronttv42718 ай бұрын
Exactly, reincarnated perosn, he is very deep.
@StephenAmoako-s7p6 ай бұрын
We really love u deeply from our hearts
@-Godisgood8 ай бұрын
Very interesting and super intelligent stay stay bless stay strong stay top 🔝 💕💕👍👍👍
@Emma-jz7gg8 ай бұрын
I see some sort of Adventist in him ……especially his music knowledge
@elceeveli8 ай бұрын
When newman Took off his cap i knew newman was a new man ,akoa b3 nyini .bless up tho 🎶🖤
@BrightTv1238 ай бұрын
😂
@ampahhenry30428 ай бұрын
This guy will be a professional choir master
@fun-ck3br2zb3q8 ай бұрын
Hmmm may he be blessed
@teamflymedicstv8 ай бұрын
Lovveeeeeee❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@boscoisaac8 ай бұрын
I feel sad for hearing this song and I remember all that I go through in my brother 's wife hand
@Francis_Yeboah8 ай бұрын
Why do you tend to not highlight Sarkodie's influence on this song of yours unless they specifically inquires about him first?
@johncobina68718 ай бұрын
True bro, the way and manner he’s reluctant to praise Sark de33 I’m shocked. He’s been saying quality song sells itself forgetting that Sark is the pillar behind his trend now. He should wise up
@danielmensah66818 ай бұрын
Yes ooo bro, He has to be grateful to long Sark. If not him this song wouldn't have reached here
@trendingnewshubgh8 ай бұрын
True paa
@Motivational-k3r8 ай бұрын
Some people are not jumping like that
@alterofpraiseandworship27618 ай бұрын
He acknowledges people who supported him when he was not popular than those who came in after his Akokoa Sark has done well, but this guy sees those who gave him food at the studio 🎙 as the true supporters
@monsoon2128 ай бұрын
Teacher Newman and teacher Stephen
@youngplanet20618 ай бұрын
All the best bro👌
@christianaosaah86688 ай бұрын
Newmen Sarfo well done he is my brother son
@Danny-pu5yn8 ай бұрын
😮
@Bedianawalker8 ай бұрын
Interesting interview
@mawuyram-ht8us8 ай бұрын
Why is nobody talking about his voice😩
@kimtv4768 ай бұрын
Newman New Talent. Big up!!!
@durowaajackline59688 ай бұрын
NYC one ,, keep it up
@blayackahkwasie39228 ай бұрын
The song goes beyond the family lifestyle. We live in a country where the resources are for the good of all the masses but the few privileged ones are the ones enjoying it. The rest of us are made to do the donkey jobs during elections whilst their own children who don't partake in those donkey jobs are the ones enjoying them. Meanwhile, these same leaders are the Muslims, the Christians, and the traditionalists who are found in the various churches, mosques and the shrines
@mabelblankson4 ай бұрын
💯
@sophiakwofie62598 ай бұрын
Kofi sarfo looks like you, the way he talks
@CynthiaDNkoom-oi3yj8 ай бұрын
To the point 😮😢
@Samkrewmuzik8 ай бұрын
I am the Joe Boy he is talking about
@KhalifaOfficial-c3j8 ай бұрын
Masa wobooowa🤣🤣
@amNoah61138 ай бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂😂
@davidgorby85178 ай бұрын
Eeeiii akoa boa...🤣🤣
@ThePdmilano8 ай бұрын
nice & educative! happy to support
@cindyulasas39448 ай бұрын
the help this talent ........geess
@julianayiadom51488 ай бұрын
A lot of people relate to this song.
@nupc7178 ай бұрын
bro has a good head on his shoulders i will give him that
@SnowPyrate8 ай бұрын
Kofi, ask him if he is interested in studying abroad. Gets his transcripts and let’s start some applications for him to do masters or PhD. Hit me up
@Crime_and_theLaw8 ай бұрын
Thats very generous of you, can you extend your helping hand to me as well.
@SnowPyrate8 ай бұрын
@@Crime_and_theLaw what is your email?
@preciousowusuaampofo4758 ай бұрын
❤@@SnowPyratethere's is me also you here praying for this help andmiracle. God bless you Sir/ Madam
@patrickasante69918 ай бұрын
He is reserved 😂
@matthewafrifa19218 ай бұрын
This guy in time no catch for Ghana music yet.
@oseigeorge87298 ай бұрын
Nice one 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤
@bigmama50488 ай бұрын
Sad that these charlatans can do this with impunity what right had that man got to pay the police to imprison him . He has lost weight. Ghana is lawless
@NewMan-nw1ry8 ай бұрын
Sekyere. Kwamang home Town of lin win
@goldiegold83958 ай бұрын
He looks like Nana Agyemang oo of Araba fame 😊 (Auntie Araba ee bra oo, Araba.......Auntie Araba ee bra oo, Araba.....Auntie Araba b3sen ma y3n k) na me ponk) p3 nt3m💃) 🎵 🎵
@jamesonashes7 ай бұрын
Great song. Who else thought he was in a wheelchair?
@Yhawlocal8 ай бұрын
Second version of Agyekum.
@releasestress28 ай бұрын
🔥🔥
@cynthiapokugyaama62578 ай бұрын
Go Sarfo
@kingb5838 ай бұрын
KOFI ADOMA VRS NEWMAN, 3F)NATON WHO WINS?
@unikkwin72798 ай бұрын
Oh bro let the world know Sakordie played a part in this your new fame and trendiing
@josephinebonsuserwaa8 ай бұрын
I wonder self…if care is not taken he will lost his fame
@Samortiz1018 ай бұрын
Relax sis Sarkodie will never leave this guy. We know him
@empiretvgh8 ай бұрын
He has said thank you to Sarkodie in every interview so far, do you want him to cut off his head for Sark
@0382isaac8 ай бұрын
@@empiretvghaahh say it again
@johncobina68718 ай бұрын
True bro, the way and manner he’s reluctant to praise Sark de33 I’m shocked. He’s been saying quality song sells itself forgetting that Sark is the pillar behind his trend now. He should wise up
@africanstars69558 ай бұрын
💥💥❤❤❤
@KwabenaPoku-el1xp8 ай бұрын
Dis guy is just like me
@castroabankwah57618 ай бұрын
He is reluctant to praise sarkodie His body language tells
@yzzzy8488 ай бұрын
Stop this
@NanaKonadu-g4m8 ай бұрын
Praise him for what reason paa??
@steve32888 ай бұрын
From the look on his face he is 36 years. He should look at BISA kdei concept of metamfo video to bring good music video. He shouldn't take time because he is now on heat
@akosuaish8 ай бұрын
He is mature ( old)
@obagnes68 ай бұрын
Joying
@releasestress28 ай бұрын
Ghana
@queenstv34738 ай бұрын
Who said joe boy be shattawale run oo 😅😅😅😅
@mablelove2078 ай бұрын
Am Joe Boy
@INSIDEAfricaLKS8 ай бұрын
Spell his name right
@rooneybello20254 ай бұрын
Without the Cap, He looks like an old grown man. I am sure he's using the cap as a brand to cover up his age.