Dr. Mawuli Adzei, a renowned poet, teacher, and advocate for cultural preservation has identified poor cultural orientation as the underlying cause of disregard for the Ghanaian creative arts.
In an exclusive interview with Samuel Eshun on e.tv Ghana’s Fact Sheet, Dr. Adzei emphasized the importance of cultural upbringing and orientation in shaping an individual’s career choices and fostering a deep appreciation for Ghanaian arts and creatives.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Dr. Adzei emphasized that his path in the art field was clear from an early age. “Growing up, I didn’t have the challenge of choosing what I wanted to become. My path was clearly cut for me, and I knew what I wanted to do,” he revealed.
“I always wanted to be someone within the art field. I believe it comes with certain upbringing and orientation,” he added.
Dr. Adzei proudly shared that his understanding of arts helped him establish a healthy relationship with his children. He indicated that two of his three sons have followed in his footsteps and pursued careers in the creative arts.
One of his sons, Dr. Selah Adzei, is a multimedia artist and painter who also lectures at the University of Libya and Communication Studies. Recently, Dr. Selah Adzei held a successful exhibition, showcasing his talent and passion for the visual arts.
The acclaimed poet expressed his support for his son’s artistic aspirations, especially considering the stigma often associated with studying visual arts in Ghanaian society. “When he was interested in drawing during his primary school years, I encouraged him. Despite the prevailing belief that visual arts students are not respected compared to those studying sciences or business, we both have no regrets today.”
Moreover, Dr. Adzei highlighted that his younger son has also embraced the creative arts and has become a top fashion designer in Paris.
The presence of artistic talent within his family further strengthens Dr. Adzei’s conviction that the creative arts run deep in their heritage. Dr. Mawuli Adzei’s story and his family’s artistic pursuits serve as a testament to the importance of cultural orientation in fostering a deep appreciation for the creative arts.