M.anifest calls out ‘accent and identity switching’ among Ghanaians, divides opinion

Award-winning Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has stirred conversation on social media after criticising what he describes as an “inferiority complex” he has observed among some Ghanaians when they find themselves in foreign or unfamiliar social settings.

In a pointed reflection, the musician lamented how quickly some people abandon their natural accents, speech patterns and cultural confidence in the presence of others.

“You’re loud and proud to be Ghanaian… until you’re amongst others. Then your identity cowers and your need for validation takes over. You impulsively start speaking like them. Copying their slang, affectations and cadences,” he wrote on Facebook.

According to him, this tendency reflects a deeper discomfort with self-identity rather than simple adaptability.

He added that when others, like himself, attempt to encourage cultural confidence, they are often dismissed or labelled negatively.

“We come along and remind you we’re enough. Your inferiority complex stands tall in defense and calls us ‘too know’ and a litany of other charges. We smile and kiss posterity,” he concluded.

Mixed reactions from fans

The post quickly drew strong reactions in the comments section.

Many supporters agreed with the rapper’s stance, arguing that some Ghanaians feel pressured to sound foreign or change their mannerisms to gain acceptance or appear sophisticated. For them, M.anifest’s comments highlighted a long-standing issue tied to colonial mentality and social validation.

Others, however, pushed back.

Critics suggested that what the rapper describes as insecurity could simply be social intelligence and adaptability. They argued that adjusting one’s accent or communication style in different environments can be a practical skill  especially for travel, business, or multicultural interactions.