‘Ghetto Arise’: Edem delivers powerful speech on how to escape destructive cycles of poverty, drug abuse

Rapper Edem has noticed that the ‘wo nim red’ trend is affecting young people. His 10-year-old son recently asked him about it. The phrase means ‘do you know red’ in Akan.

Edem was surprised his son knew about this drug trend. His son attends an international school and doesn’t go out much. He usually stays at home, school, or church.

Edem explained to his son that it refers to a drug. He mentioned that he wasn’t sure what kind of drug it was. The boy said classmates were asking each other, “Wo nim red? Wo nim red?”

For Edem, this shows that drug abuse is becoming trendy and is a serious problem. He expressed willingness to join campaigns against drug abuse for free. He believes staying silent won’t help the situation.

He warned that anyone could become a victim of rampant drug use among youth. Edem has previously taken people to rehab and paid for their treatment.

The Ghetto Arise hitmaker knows this drug is popular among youth in poor communities. He encouraged vulnerable young people to improve their lives and avoid drugs.

“Every ghetto boy should aim to make money,” he said. “Take care of your parents and strive for better.”

Edem stated it’s impossible to eliminate ghettos entirely, even in developed countries. However, he shared a positive perspective on ghettos.

“A ghetto is not just a place; it's a mindset,” he explained. Some people from ghettos have succeeded because they think differently.

He cautioned that negative beliefs can ruin even the best environments if one moves away from the ghetto physically but not mentally.

“When I sang Ghetto Arise, I meant the mind, not the location,” he emphasized.

Edem grew up in Accra Newtown's slums with many challenges around him. He lived in a crowded chamber and hall house with limited facilities.

Many friends from his past ended up in jail or became addicts. Edem credits his success to not letting his mind be trapped by those circumstances.

He advised others to read and empower themselves through available resources like YouTube channels. A positive mindset can lead to better life choices and opportunities.