King Paluta is a Ghanaian musician who has unexpectedly become popular in his country beyond the entertainment sector, and his song Aseda has been included in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
In a daring yet refreshing move, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) included one question on the Aseda track to the Creative Arts section B of the national exams asking the learners to reflect on the messages the song conveyed to the society.
The development has created the debate online with many Ghanaians celebrating the cultural relevancy of the question and bickering on the possible solutions.
Aseda as a Text of Academic Context
In BECE the question is:
King Paluta whose real name was Thomas Adjei Wireko is a Ghanaian musician who is popular owing to his ability to mix the traditional rhythm, tale telling, and modern hip-hop beats. One of the most powerful songs he has is Aseda which carries very deep messages on very critical issues of the Ghanaian population.
Give the names of two of these problems in the society.”
It was almost the first time in history that the work of a contemporary Ghanaian artist has ever been critically appraised at the national level, and it excited tremendous pride amongst adherents and creators.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reaction
After the leakage of the question on social media, Instagram, X (previously Twitter), and TikTok were observed in an uproar of the discussion of students, and even fans of the artist.
Others attempted to solve the question themselves and there were those who were simply glad that King Paluta was among those who were to take the highly esteemed examination.
One of the followers claimed:
BECE paper to the streets Atonsu! Amen to King Paluta!
One of the users jested:
I had failed in creative arts at school, but we are passing this one. Aseda talks about facts of reality—poverty, gratitude, and the battle between good and evil!”
Which were The Aseda Societal Concerns?
The song, Aseda, as named by the Twi language, which translates to Thanksgiving, is spiritual and thoughtful, and it has reached many individuals due to its relatability as triggered by King Paluta.
The students were to employ the lyrics and the tone of the song, and mention issues such as:
Struggling against poverty and hardship: The song is on overcoming the odds and appreciating the goodness of life, especially when one has experienced famine, pain or lack of opportunity.
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Loss of rejection or betrayal by close individuals: King Paluta complains about how it feels to be abandoned when in need which is a common way of conducting things in the Ghanaian society.
The other aspects behind the song are the faith in God, perseverance and hope of a better tomorrow; which the WAEC most likely believed was rich soils on which to apply critical thinking, as well as cultural relatability.
Elevation of King Paluta King Paluta to the national scene
King Paluta, whose real name is Thomas Adjei Wireko, has found a niche in the Ghanaian music industry through his hiplife style of music, traditional music and conscious rap. He has particularly gained fame through his story telling abilities which are age cutting and geographical.
He was born of Atonsu in Kumasi and it was not an easy ride as he got to participate in local rap battles before making his presence felt by the rest of the country. His persistence, honesty and lyrics have however made him eventually gain wide respect.
Although his favorite Artiste of the Year eluded him during the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) to his archrival musician, his song “Aseda” was named Best Highlife Song of the Year, making him even more enshrined in the musical scene in Ghana.
The importance of the Move by WAEC
This is an immense cultural event that a song like Aseda is being found in a national examination. It shows a growing willingness on the part of education centers to recognize what is called local material and the role that modern Ghanaian music plays in shaping the youth in the country.
This shift by WAEC has been praised by teachers and cultural critics alike calling it a daring step in the direction of making the learning process more accessible and relatable as well as getting students to pursue creative works of their own society.
It was reported by one junior high art teacher in Accra:
It is education of this kind that we desire. Rather teach children to learn to analyze and judge music that they already listen to, that is what can make critical thinkers and patriots.”
Next Where King Paluta Goes?
Now King Paluta has his name in the history of academic and music in Ghana and his future seems brighter than ever.
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In addition to his uncertainty of whether he was ready to accept such kind of accolade, it is quite clear that the music has transcended beyond the entertainment to catharsis, thought-provoking and even national communication.
As the song lyrics Aseda go:
Masomdwee ne me dee, meyee survivor- mase da Nyame.
My life is with me to keep and I am a survivor life is a gift to God.
