Sarkodie's ‘Try Me' Song: When A Role Model Stoop So Low To Disrespect Womanhood

Respect for ourselves guides our principles, while respect for others guides our conduct. A lady should be both who she is and what she desires.

A woman gave birth to you, so you have no right to disparage her. Men who adore their mothers are kind to women.

My mother always tells me the same thing: "If you become successful in life and don't want to assist me as your mother for whatever reason, do me one favor. Never beat or disparage a woman, regardless of whether or not you are married to her. Respect every woman because I am also a woman and your mother."

My mother's advice has stayed with me for many years, and whenever I have a problem with a female or lady, I remember what she told me to do, and I am cautious about what I say or do.

Respecting womanhood is extremely essential to me and all of my brothers, as it was our mother's wish that we do so, and I believe it is the right and wisest thing for any decent and cultured man to do.

Do not misunderstand, I am not flawless. But I strive to respect women the majority of the time, if not all of the time.

When I hear a man insult a woman, particularly one who should know better and behave appropriately, it breaks my heart.

This morning, I awoke to a song by Sarkodie in response to Yvonne Nelson's recent book, "I Am Not Yvonne Nelson." On another occasion, I would have disregarded the track.

I decided to listen to 'Try Me' because it was by Sarkodie, a rapper whom I have greatly admired over the years, and to hear what he had to say. From the title, I sensed something was amiss. I nonetheless attempted to listen.

After reading the first few lines, I became extremely dissatisfied. The rapper I have always admired, the BET Award winner, has lost control of his fury and declared war on womanhood by insulting Yvonne Nelson and reducing her to a prostitute from the streets. Very pitiful.

And I must state sincerely that Sarkodie's response to the book was extremely sexist and beneath the belt. If the response had come from any other artist, I probably wouldn't have given it much thought. But from Sarkodie? No. It's beneath the waist.

I don't believe a musician of Sarkodie's stature or any man held in high regard should have insulted a woman the way he did because she accused him in her book of impregnating her and compelling her to have an abortion in 2010. I mean, while listening to "Try Me," I questioned whether Sarkodie was actually rhyming.

In her book, Yvonne expresses anguish over Sarkodie's alleged treatment of her in 2010, and his song has done nothing but exacerbate her suffering.

At one point in the hymn, he stated that he was praying for her to receive the necessary healing. At another point, he insulted her by labeling her a prostitute who has slept with a large number of men and sucked "dicks." Wow. Is this the same Sarkodie I've admired for years? Using rap to inflict additional pain on a woman who is already grieving over how you purportedly treated her in the past? Come on, Sarkodie. This is not suitable for you, Chairman. You have a significant brand.

We simply do not listen to your music. We have held your brand in such high regard over the years. However, you have disappointed us all. Was it absolutely essential to offend Yvonne? Why did you choose to publicly harm her with these insults? Do you not believe that this so-called 'Try Me' song reveals your true nature? Why do you feel the need to strike back at a female? Why do you wish to battle a female? What will you do if Yvonne attempts you? Insult her further? How do you feel about the fact that your daughter heard you disparage a woman?

Sarkodie, Yvonne's comments in response to your song demonstrated unequivocally that she has been deeply wounded once more. I had a great deal of regard for a rapper like you, so your behavior is extremely disappointing.

I am convinced that you (Sarkodie) could have managed the situation with a measure of maturity. You could've performed better. You could have clarified issues and expressed your hurt at being accused without being so offensive.

A musician of your caliber should not succumb to the temptation to take up a microphone and release a song that insults a woman who appears to be in love with you despite the alleged pains you have caused her in the past.

Over the years, you (Sarkodie) have been regarded as a role model by many Ghanaians. Your 'Try Me' song, on the other hand, is a sad example of a role model like yourself disrespecting femininity.

I firmly believe that a role model must always be a role model and that womanhood must always be respected, regardless of the circumstances in which males find themselves. Next time, Sarkodie, you should strive to perform better. This 'Try Me' track is unacceptable to me.