Ghanaian musician and social commentator Wanlov the Kubolor has revealed that he does not like being addressed by the name “Owusu Bonsu” because it reminds him of colonial influence and distorted African identity.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Wanlov explained that he often reacts with surprise whenever strangers call him by that name in public.
“Sometimes when I am in traffic, I hear people shouting ‘Owusu Bonsu,’ and I turn around thinking it might be one of my old schoolmates, but then I realise it is just someone who has learned that is my name,” he said.
According to him, the pronunciation and structure of the name carry colonial influences he is uncomfortable with.
“When I hear the name, I think about colonialism. The pronunciation of my name was corrupted by them, so if people pronounce my name the proper way, I would prefer that,” he explained.
Wanlov also spoke about his thoughts on the name “Emmanuel,” which he partly associates with ancient historical meanings rather than only religious interpretation.
“With the ‘Koo Emma,’ I manage it because it has ancient history. ‘Emmanu’ means student and ‘el’ means God, so it means ‘student of God,’” he stated.
He further shared another interpretation of the name linked to ancient beliefs and symbolism.
“The ‘el’ is also linked to the planet Saturn, so one of the oldest meanings is ‘student of Saturn,’” he claimed.
According to him, many people have misunderstood the original meaning of the name over time.
“People take the ‘el’ to mean God, which is why many say Emmanuel means ‘God is with you,’ but I see it more as ‘student of God,’” he added.
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