Rama Blak Revives 1957 Classic, Celebrating Women’s Musical Legacy
By Esther Korantemaa Offei
Awura Ama Agyapong, popularly known as Rama Blak, has released a remake of the 1957 classic “Nothing but a Man’s Slave” as part of efforts to reconnect contemporary audiences with the roots of Ghanaian highlife and the role of women in its evolution.
Speaking in an interview on Highlife Jam on ZED FM, the Ghanaian singer, songwriter and ethnomusicologist explained that the inspiration to revisit the historic piece came during a lecture at the University of Ghana’s Music Department.
“The idea actually came from Professor Collins. He is one of the most impactful lecturers at the department. Many students who have passed through his classes speak highly of him,” she said.
According to Rama Blak, John Collins introduced the song while teaching about how women entered live band performances in the early 1950s, a time when female participation in contemporary music was heavily restricted.
“He played the song to show us how women began stepping into the limelight. When I heard it, I said to myself, ‘I would love to do this song.’ Later, when Dr. Simon also mentioned it, I felt it was a confirmation,” she noted.
Although she recorded the remake last year, the singer chose February 14, 2026 Valentine’s Day for its official release. “I don’t know what I was waiting for. Today is a day of love, and I felt it was the right time to put it out,” she said with a laugh.
Rama Blak described the project as a bridge between Ghana’s musical past and present, particularly as groups like the Adeha Dance Band work to revitalize dance band highlife in modern contexts.
“In traditional settings, women were dominant in certain roles, but when it came to contemporary live band music, many families would not allow their daughters to participate. This song reminds us of that journey,” she explained.
She added that her remake represents her “gender contribution” to the broader movement of music revitalization in Ghana, blending scholarship, performance and advocacy into one powerful statement.
