Sarkodie, a prominent figure in the Ghanaian music scene, found himself embroiled in controversy following a seemingly innocuous Instagram post on January 8, 2025. His words, “Back to gari soakings like we never left,” ignited a firestorm of speculation, particularly due to its timing, just one day after the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama. The phrase “gari soakings,” referring to a simple, affordable meal often associated with economic hardship, resonated with many Ghanaians who interpreted the post as a thinly veiled critique of Mahama’s return to power and a harbinger of potential economic difficulties. This interpretation was further fueled by the prevailing political climate and Sarkodie’s own history of political commentary, specifically his criticism of Mahama’s previous administration.
The controversy deepened as the post sparked widespread debate across social media and traditional media platforms. Many condemned Sarkodie for what they perceived as a politically charged and insensitive remark, arguing that it was not only disrespectful to the newly elected president but also dismissive of the struggles faced by ordinary Ghanaians during times of economic hardship. Others defended Sarkodie’s right to express his opinion, suggesting that the post could be interpreted in various ways and should not be immediately attributed to political motivations. This ambiguity, however, failed to quell the growing criticism, with many demanding clarification from the rapper himself.
DJ Slim, a respected entertainment pundit and media personality, emerged as a prominent voice in the criticism against Sarkodie. During an episode of his podcast, “The Street Is Watching,” Slim excoriated Sarkodie for the perceived political undertones of the Instagram post. He expressed profound disappointment in the rapper, accusing him of letting down his fans and the wider Ghanaian public. Slim argued that the timing of the post, so close to Mahama’s inauguration, strongly suggested a deliberate political statement, effectively aligning Sarkodie with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). This public declaration, according to Slim, was a betrayal of Sarkodie’s previous image as a socially conscious artist who spoke for the common people, regardless of political affiliation.
The controversy surrounding Sarkodie’s post brought to light the complex relationship between artists, politics, and public perception. Sarkodie’s previous outspokenness against Mahama’s earlier administration, particularly through his 2014 hit song “Inflation,” had established him as a voice willing to challenge authority. However, his subsequent silence during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, despite similar economic concerns raised by the public, drew criticism and accusations of hypocrisy. This perceived inconsistency fueled the negative reaction to his “gari soakings” post, with many questioning his motives and accusing him of selective outrage based on political allegiances.
The incident also highlighted the power of social media in amplifying and shaping public discourse. Sarkodie’s seemingly simple post quickly became a lightning rod for political debate, demonstrating the potential for online platforms to both disseminate information and contribute to polarization. The speed and intensity of the reactions underscored the heightened sensitivity surrounding political issues in Ghana and the scrutiny faced by public figures, particularly those with a large following. The controversy served as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with influence and the potential consequences of seemingly casual remarks in the digital age.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Sarkodie remained largely silent, declining to offer a public explanation or apology. This silence further fueled speculation and criticism, leaving many to interpret his inaction as a tacit admission of guilt. The incident served as a cautionary tale for public figures navigating the complex intersection of personal expression, political commentary, and public image in the age of social media. It also underscored the importance of clear communication and the potential pitfalls of ambiguous statements that can be easily misinterpreted and amplified, leading to unintended consequences and damaging reputations.
