Yes we sing in the bathroom, but just a handful is bold or has the vocal capability to take it to the outside world. While some are happy merely singing at family reunions and school plays, others take it to Sunday School and finally get the chance to lead the Praise and Worship team at church. Others still have a longing thirst to record an album and have it on the market. Even though some face family splitting decisions and move into the “secular genre” some still stay in the Gospel scene and do all right for themselves.

Ok, now I’m blabbing too much. All I’m trying to say is that more of our female vocalists like to stay on the Gospel side of things.

That aside, my column today, talks about the latest generation of female singers on the other side of the page: nonreligious music. We have but a few worth noting: Cee (Mentor II), Dela (Mentor III), Irene & Jane (Stars of the Future 1), Becca (Mentor……no show) and I dare include MzBel.

Only a few of our young ladies have taken the secular route in music in Ghana. The rest remain in the bosom of the gospel singers association. But our focus is on our non-gospel ladies. It was advertising cycle one Monday afternoon and in succession were these three aforementioned ladies.

Now I disintegrated, broke apart, dissembled the songs, the videos and all that there was to go along with being a music diva. That includes lyrical content, packaging and international appeal.
Let’s start with Becca. I’m wondering why she decided to contest for Mentor when she is clearly above the Mentor threshold. Maybe it was merely a publicity stunt. If it was, then it sure did work. I thank God that she didn’t stay too long in the Mentor game; she might have lost herself in the plain-vanilla standards. Have my head if you want.

It’s the truth and the sooner some of us came out to say it, the quicker we can progress. Freddy has to admit that this lady is leading the pack in cross-border music. But just like anything, sustenance is key. If she keeps up with the good lyrical content, visual appeal and the rich voice she possesses, there really is no limit for her.
Next we sandwich the one and only Mzbel. What I might say will most definitely stir the still waters, but somebody’s gotto say it. I dare say, that I really don’t know what Mzbel’s talent is.

She sings sometimes, other times she raps. Have you ever been to or heard any of her live concerts? She shrieks out her songs. It really isn’t pleasant. Trust me on this one.

She might get away with naughty-dressed-as-innocent lines, but if it were backed by some real music, we probably can overlook it. But when it is the only thing that stands out, then we have a problem. What happens when you grow old and wrinkly, what more substance will you have to keep your fans interested in you? Unless you plan on having a music career only while you are young. Look at Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross… I could go on.

Irene & Jane have also started well. I’m glad they’ve decided to team up forces. But knowing how the music industry usually works, who know? Look at the Pussy Cat Dolls for example (that many ladies? It was intended for doom, I presume), Spice Girls, Atomic Kitten, and many other girl bands that have disintegrated. Freddy still has hope for them though. Note this, one album does not make you a star. Nobody knows what happened to DEEBA. Get my point?

Cee, from Mentor II has a “powerful” voice. No doubt. It’s a shame she’s misusing it. Singing is not about shouting. How long can you shout for? If you’re all about shouting, you are better off in a rock band. You might want to add a little melody to your style Miss.

For Dela, whose video I just saw a few nights ago on TV3 may have something to offer. She’s got an album called “Girl Talk” and one track on it, “Odo”, doesn’t seem too bad. She might need some time for grooming ‘cos I think she needs some more maturity.

Just as a precautionary measure against failed Diva attempts, here are four steps to becoming a true DIVA. (Free counsel). First make sure that you’ve got the talent for it-very important. Then make sure that you’ve got finesse. Don’t forget to have an empowering and positive impact with your music. Last on the bill, instead of looking sluttish, opt for sexy.

Holla at Freddy on famosfreddy@yahoo.com. Comments, criticism, and commendations are all welcome.