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.

Some commenters framed it as hospitality and cultural flexibility rather than self-esteem problems.

Another group accused M.anifest of describing himself in the post. They accused him of hardly representing his Ewe roots and heritage, being the son of an Ewe father and Akan mother. They also cited his penchant for what they describe as big English grammer that hinders understanding and positions the rapper as an elite and intellectual above the common people. 

Identity vs adaptability

The debate raises broader questions about authenticity and belonging in an increasingly globalised world.

It is a genuine and insightful question to consider if changing how one speaks is a sign of confidence and versatility, or evidence of internalised inferiority.

For M.anifest and those who agree with him, the answer appears to lie in embracing growth and exposure without erasing one’s roots.

As the conversation continues, one thing is clear; the post has reignited reflection on what it truly means to be proudly Ghanaian, both at home and abroad.