READ WHAT THE BATAKARI AMBASSADOR KING AYISOBA HAS FOR U

Distinctive, award-winning musician from Bongo
Soe in the Upper East Region, King Ayisoba, is
once again on the campaign trail for more
people to patronise batakari or smock from
northern Ghana.
Also referred to as fugu, a batakari is made of
handloomed strips of cotton. The strips are sewn
together by hand or machine and it is common
to have embroidery on the neckline.
The process of making a batakari, right from
kapok collection through to spinning, weaving,
dyeing and sewing all create employment and
wealth in northern Ghana.
Ayisoba loves everything Ghanaian and initiated
his campaign for batakari patronage two years
ago.
In an interview with The Mirror, he said we
would be making very positive statements about
ourselves if we patronise made-in-Ghana
clothing including smocks.
“Look at our state officials. Most of them are
supporting industries in Europe, America and
China because they are always wearing Western
suits. It is surprising they don’t realise that
wearing stuff made here creates wealth within
this country,” Ayisoba said.
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The artiste shined brightest in 2006 when he
released the ‘Modern Ghanaians’ album that
contained the famous ‘I Want to See My Father’
song.
He won the Most Popular Song of the Year
honour at the 2007 Ghana Music Awards and has
since won other awards here and abroad.
Currently one of the most popular African
artistes on the world scene, Ayisoba will stage a
show dubbed ‘Batakari Night’ on January 30 at
the Alliance Francaise in Accra to help push his
call for use of the smock.
Apart from him, the show will also feature other
kologo players from Bolgatanga such as Ayuune
Suley, Agongo and Stevoo.
The evening also features keyboardist Opoku
Mensah and his band as well as Wanlov and Yaa
Pono.
Ayisoba says there will be an exhibition and sale
of various batakari designs at the 8.00pm
programme.