Entertainment pundit MC Yaa Yeboah has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Rev. Fr. Peter Kusi Twumasi, Acting Rector of St. Stephen Rectorate in Bodomase, who recently faced backlash for singing King Paluta’s hit song “Aseda” in church. Yaa Yeboah has criticized the public apology issued by the priest, arguing that it was unnecessary and that the criticism is misplaced.
During the United Showbiz programme on UTV, aired on August 17, 2024, Yaa Yeboah stated that the lyrics of “Aseda” are not inappropriate for a religious setting. She challenged the notion that the song, which expresses gratitude, is inherently secular or disrespectful. Yaa Yeboah argued that if the song had been performed by a different artist, such as Nacee, the reaction might not have been the same, questioning whether King Paluta’s music is truly at odds with religious values.
“The pastor’s choice to sing a song like ‘Aseda’ to express his gratitude to God should not be criticized,” Yaa Yeboah asserted. “There’s nothing in the song that undermines the sanctity of the church. If the intention was to protect religious sanctity, there’s actually nothing wrong with the song itself.”
Rev. Fr. Peter Kusi Twumasi’s apology came in response to a viral video showing him singing and dancing to “Aseda” with his congregation. The video, which sparked a range of reactions on social media, led to Fr. Twumasi issuing a letter of regret on August 13, 2024. In his apology, he acknowledged allowing secular influences into a sacred space and expressed regret for any offense caused. He apologized to the Bishop, the Diocese, the National Liturgical Commission, and the Catholic community.
Yaa Yeboah’s comments underscore a broader debate about the boundaries of secular music within religious settings and the appropriateness of public apologies in such contexts.
