The rise of Kannywood in Nigeria, courtesy Bollywood In fact, the owners of video centers make an active decision to not screen new Bollywood films. While the Bollywood classics are a hit with Ghanaians, the older Dagomba viewers outright rejected the Bollywood films of the 90s citing cultural and moral shifts. The people of Ghana devour Hindi films, and their love for Bollywood can be seen across innumerable DVD shops.
In the capital city of Tamale, old Hindi films like Albela (1951), Love In Tokyo (1966), Noorie (1979), and Andha Kanoon (1983) are still viewed by residents in their homes and neighborhood video centers. The recurrent themes of community, honor, morality and family values resonated with the people of Ghana, kindling their love for Bollywood. It was the post-colonial period that brought Bollywood films to the shores of Ghana. Some 1,100 kilometers away, Rex Cinema in Ghana’s Kumasi had become a favorite with Bollywood fans during the 1960s as the theatre played Bhagwan Dada and Geeta Bali‘s Albela every Friday for a year, selling out its 2,000-seat capacity each week. Ghana’s love story with Bollywood classics These groups periodically organize cultural events that bring together Malian artists, singers, and dancers who have dedicated themselves to different aspects of Indian culture,” added Kumar. “Yaarana Hindustani, Bollywood Fans International, and Dostiare are three prominent cultural groups in capital Bamako. The love for Bollywood music is not just restricted to radio shows but has also spread its wings across cultural groups that promote Indian music and dance. All India Radio News September 27, 2020 When Seduji visited #Kumbh and at that time he was part of the delegation that I met, his passion for India, affection and love are indeed a matter of pride for all of us: PM #MannKiBaat #PMonAIR /RC2HtjBBQQ Such has been his popularity that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned him during Mann Ki Baat last year. For the last 23 years, he has been presenting a radio show on Bollywood songs every Sunday afternoon. A school teacher by profession, Dembele was introduced to Hindi cinema by his father who used to work at a theatre where Bollywood films were screened.
Seydou Dembele is another resident of the country who wears his love for Bollywood up his sleeve. It was Rote Rote Hasna Seekho from Andha Kanoon that Khan crooned for the first time, and since then, there has been no looking back for this Indophile.īut Khan is not the only known Bollywood aficionado in Mali. Like many Bamako residents, Khan, too, grew up on a rich diet of Bollywood films and has been in love with the Indian culture ever since. Hailing from a village in Mopti, Mofas Khan expresses his love for India through Bollywood songs. He presents a weekly radio program called India Gaana dedicated to Bollywood in which he painstakingly interprets Hindi songs in Bambara, the lingua franca of Mali and West Africa, and also gives information about the film personalities.” He is a passionate singer who has learnt Hindi without a teacher. An ardent Indophile who has never been to India but his love for our country and culture is admirable. My meeting with singer Mofas Khan was truly enriching. Even the 8,604 km distance between Mumbai and Bamako is no spoiler for Mali citizens who simply love Bollywood and Indian culture.Īnjani Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Mali told Financial Express, “There is a big fan base in Mali for the Bollywood cinema, song, and dance. But this West African country’s love for Bollywood is an open secret. Nestled on the banks of a calm Niger river, Bamako boasts of rich history, diverse linguistic and cultural traditions. A post shared by WataniSnap® Official Page Bollywood-themed radio shows of Maliīollywood has even enchanted the people of Bamako in Mali.