Ghanaian musician King Paluta’s song “Makoma” has been featured in a University of Ghana psychology examination, reflecting the growing influence of contemporary music in academic discourse.
The exam question, which formed part of a semester assessment in personality psychology, required students to critically analyse the personality traits of a character portrayed in the song using established psychological theories.
“In his hit song ‘Makoma’, King Paluta invites listeners to check and evaluate the personality of the persona portrayed in the song,” the question read. “Drawing on theories and concepts learned from a semester-long course in personality psychology, discuss the key aspects of the persona’s personality that listeners should focus on and explain the psychological reasoning behind each aspect.”
The inclusion of the song in an academic setting highlights how elements of popular culture are increasingly being used as case studies to deepen students’ understanding of theoretical concepts. By referencing a widely recognised Ghanaian song, examiners appear to be bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life social contexts.
King Paluta, known for his storytelling and socially reflective lyrics, has gained prominence in Ghana’s music industry with songs that often explore themes of relationships, identity and personal conduct.
The reference to “Makoma” in the examination is also seen by some industry watchers as further evidence of King Paluta’s rising profile and the broader acceptance of local music as a tool for education and critical thinking.