Ghana has a vibrant music scene with several talented artists who have gained local and international recognition.
These established artists have paved the way for upcoming stars by creating opportunities and serving as mentors.
Creating a thriving music industry in Ghana requires a combination of various factors, including infrastructure development, talent nurturing, marketing strategies, and government support.
Sarkodie, one of Ghana’s most successful and influential artists, has played a significant role in nurturing upcoming talents. He has collaborated with many young artists, provided them with platforms to showcase their skills, and even signed some of them to his record label, SarkCess Music.
It can be recalled that Sarkodie advocated for compassion and understanding toward young and upcoming artists in the entertainment industry.
“My era coming up, we had time to make our mistakes behind cameras and at least work on our approach to this business (how to speak during interviews, stagecraft, how to deal with this industry in general) still learning but comparing to these young kings coming up, they start right in front of our eyes (social x traditional media) they have to learn to correct mistakes at their peak …it’s a lot of pressure and sometimes affect their decisions. It’s not easy at all for them. I would urge we take it easy on them and give them a chance (sic).”
Sarkodie
Multiple award-winning dancehall and reggae artist, Stonebwoy has been instrumental in supporting and promoting young talents. Initiating the “Bhim Nation” movement, he has provided a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their music and gain exposure.
Also, one of Ghana’s leading female vocalists, Efya, has not only achieved success in her own right but has also mentored and supported young female artists. She has collaborated with many upcoming artists and actively promotes their music through her social media platforms.
Kuami Eugene, rising to fame through winning the 2015 edition of the music reality show “MTN Hitmaker,” has become one of Ghana’s most sought-after artists. He has collaborated with various upcoming artists and provided them with exposure, helping to launch their careers.
Other top record labels like Rufftown Records; Bullet, Highly Spiritual Music; Kaywa, Black Avenue Musik; D-Black, and Zylofon Media; Nana Appiah Mensah, have also played significant roles in nurturing and birthing upcoming stars.
Their contributions have helped to create a thriving music industry in Ghana, fostering the growth and success of new talents.
Ghana has created a vibrant and sustainable music industry that not only supports local artists but also generates revenue, employment opportunities, and cultural exchange.
Guru Explores His Legacy Birthing Stars
Rapper Guru NKZ pointed out that singer Mr. Drew was a dancer in the music videos for his “Samba” and “Kokompe Love” hits.
He highlighted his penchant for using his fame to showcase young talents, giving them a chance to make a case for their gift.
“Dancegod Lloyd, Mr Drew, and others, I think they started from most of our music videos. Now, they are big, and I’m proud of them. I heard Dancegod share his testimony, and I think it was Xbills who invited him to appear in my music video, he did so well, and that brought him here,” he said contentedly.
The serial hitmaker noted that from the onset, he decided against using “already-made brands,” preferring talented but lesser-known creative arts folks.
He buttressed this by citing the story, rise, and “unmatched legacy” of Xbills Ebenezer, whom he brought onto the scene.
“In the same vein, engineers were discovered through Guru’s music: Ball J, Kin-Dee, Danny Beatz, Cash 2 – even though he was already in the business, Beat Monster, Tipsy – it’s a tall list and these guys are all big. They came out with big, big songs. The idea was to bring on an entire empire.”
Guru
Guru revealed that his songs never had big artists on them, stating that all artists featured in his songs were upcoming artists.
“When I was an underground artiste, I was managing fellow underground acts. This is the nature of my legacy. I don’t care about how big [or small] you are, if you have the capacity, I will put you on,” Guru stressed.
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