Patapaa Sparks Online Debate with Lively Performance at Kwaw Kese’s Mother’s Funeral — Years After Sarkodie’s Viral Lyric
Ghanaian musician Justice Amoa, popularly known as Patapaa, has once again found himself at the centre of public attention following a viral video showing him delivering an electrifying performance at the funeral of Kwaw Kese’s late mother, Madam Yaa Serwaa. The solemn ceremony took place on Saturday, 31st May 2025, in Agona Swedru, Central Region.
Clad in a respectful all-black outfit, Patapaa joined a host of celebrities, fans, and sympathisers to mourn with his fellow artiste, Kwaw Kese, who lost his mother recently. However, it wasn’t just his presence that got people talking it was his high-energy stage antics during the funeral reception that sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.
Multiple videos shared online show Patapaa passionately performing some of his hit songs, including the viral anthem “One Corner” as he danced and engaged with the crowd. His dramatic, lively delivery transformed what is traditionally a somber event into a moment of celebration, drawing mixed reactions from the public.
While some attendees appeared to enjoy the performance as part of a culturally accepted post-burial entertainment segment, others on social media questioned whether such a charged display was appropriate at a funeral.
As the videos gained traction online, fans quickly brought up a 2018 lyric by rapper Sarkodie, which has now taken on new life. In the remix of “Meye Guy” by rapper Ypee, which featured Sarkodie and Medikal, Sarkodie made a now-famous bar:
“M’awoda Patapaa bɛba abɛ perform ama me”,
which translates to: “Even at my funeral, Patapaa will come and perform for me.”
The line, initially seen as playful banter—or even a slight jab—has ironically come full circle, as Patapaa is now actually performing at a fellow musician’s funeral, albeit in honour and support. This coincidence has reignited online debates about the meaning and impact of celebrity lyrics and how they age over time.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. While some social media users applauded Patapaa for bringing life and joy to the otherwise sorrowful occasion, others felt the nature of the performance was too exuberant for the setting.
Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) were awash with comments such as:
• @Afia_nhyira: “This is how we do it in Ghana! We celebrate the life of the dead, not just mourn. Big ups, Patapaa!”
• @Kay_OfficialGH: “He should have toned it down. That kind of performance belongs to a concert, not a funeral.”
• @KojoCee: “Sarkodie wasn’t lying after all. Patapaa performing at a funeral is now a reality!”
Cultural Context Matters
In many Ghanaian communities, funerals—especially after the burial—often transition into celebratory events, with music, dancing, and performances to honour the life of the deceased. In that light, Patapaa’s performance may be seen by some as fitting within tradition rather than out of place.
While the appropriateness of Patapaa’s high-octane funeral performance remains a matter of personal and cultural interpretation, one thing is certain: the “One Corner” hitmaker continues to be a master of grabbing headlines and sparking conversations. Whether you see it as a tribute, a spectacle, or simply Patapaa being Patapaa, this performance—and its unintended connection to Sarkodie’s lyric—has become yet another unforgettable moment in Ghana’s entertainment