I deserve to be the national ambassador for promoting smock – King Ayisoba

Traditional musician King Ayisoba has expressed disappointment in the government for overlooking him for an ambassadorial role in promoting Ghana’s traditional smock despite his years of work popularizing the garment.

He believes he deserves the appointment, citing years of work to project the traditional garment locally and internationally.

King Ayisoba says his contribution to promoting fugu goes back nearly two decades, long before the current attention it is enjoying.

As an ardent advocate of northern Ghanaian culture, he started the Fugu Festival in 2008, organising events at the National Theatre and Alliance Française before extending the initiative to Kumasi, Bongo, Bole and Burkina Faso.

He also pointed to his music videos, including “I Want to See You My Father,” as evidence of his long-standing commitment to showcasing the smock.

According to him, he has consistently worn and promoted fugu through his music and performances, since his entry into mainstream industry.

Against that background, he questioned the decision to appoint fellow musician Wiyaala as the national ambassador for fugu promotion, arguing that his own track record deserved greater recognition.

King Ayisoba said he had contacted Wiyaala’s manager to express his concerns and that his sentiments had been understood.

He also claimed that President John Dramani Mahama, whom he described as a brother, was aware of his contribution to promoting the cultural identity of northern Ghana.

The musician further raised concerns about what he described as the influence of corruption in decisions of this nature, insisting that recognition should go to those whose work merits it.