Kwabena Kwabena has expressed his concerns regarding the Play Ghana initiative. In his submission, he made a startling revelation about the compromised state of most Ghanaian DJs.
According to the multiple serial hitmaker, these DJs are allegedly being influenced by Nigerian artistes who have them on their payrolls. As a result, Kwabena Kwabena believes that the initiative will not be successful in achieving its intended goals.
The Highlife musician, noted for his monster ‘Aso’ said this when he was hosted by MzGee on United Showbiz, which aired on December 16, 2023. In his words:
“There are several DJs in this country who are on the payrolls of Nigerian artistes. When we go for promotions, the DJs say the Nigerians pay very well. Same with our influencers; they pick them from Ghana and give them good treatment, so why will they not do the work for them?” he said.
“It is a flimsy excuse to say musicians don’t retweet when they tweet. It’s about the money and nothing else. When Nigerian artistes release songs, they have people in Ghana to distribute the songs.
“I don’t know if they did their research well, but the reality on the ground is that it is not feasible. The 80/20 is not feasible. I believe investment and appeal will work. We should let influencers know that it’s something nationalistic, so if they vary their charges in favour of the Ghanaian act,” he concluded.
#PlayGhana Initiative
The #PlayGhana initiative was officially launched on Thursday by the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry in partnership with the Creative Arts Agency and key players in the music industry.
During the press briefing, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, the Director of the Creative Arts Agency, highlighted the significance of the Christmas season for the creative community in Ghana. She emphasized that while Ghanaian culture, encompassing fashion, arts, and food, is celebrated globally by diasporans, the same level of recognition is not always extended to Ghanaian music.
“Today marks the day that we are pledging to push Ghanaian music to the forefront of our audiences, starting at home. The Creative Arts Agency will collaborate with stakeholders and players in the music industry, film, and broadcasting to review our local content regulations,” she noted.
Miss Akufo-Addo added that “both the Cultural Policy and the Broadcasting Bill must be amended and enforced. Our Nigerian cousins have implemented 70% local content law; within music, film, and broadcasting, Ghana must do the same.”
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