Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Wiyaala, has explained the reason she is not visible in the country when it comes to performing at events.
She indicated that most of the time, she does not get booked by organizers to perform at concerts.
She further mentioned that she does not reside in Accra, adding that it is not easy to be called to perform at events, which she believes affected her career.
Wiyaala clarified that she has never taken a break from music as perceived by some members of the public.
“I have never taken a break in music. It was because I was not booked for events. Why would I take a break? Music is my life and it is what I do for a living. If I am not doing that then I will be sewing clothes, writing songs to teaching the children.
“Also, because I am not based in Accra and attending events, it’s difficult for people to reach out to me. It’s my social media handles that keep people informed about what I do. So I have never taken a break in my life since I started singing.”
Wiyaala
Wiyaala further revealed that there is no collaborative spirit among musicians in Ghana.
“Maybe among the guys, yeah. For me I don’t feel it and it’s not there. It’s not real. Everybody says I would like to do this with you but no one follows through. The place we collaborate most is Facebook, we come and comment and put an emoji,” she stated.
The singer noted that behind the scenes, musicians don’t relate as it’s seen on social media rather they monitor the progress of their fellow musicians.
Also, she revealed that Ghanaian musicians don’t support one another in the entertainment industry.
“Somebody will do something and it’s nice, just say it’s good, congratulate them, and share them but they won’t. People get opportunities and they don’t want to share it among themselves. Some people get the opportunity to talk on showbiz and there you just know that this is a supporter of this person. They use words which kills the spirit of collaboration and friendship, and naturally you don’t even want to talk or meet that artist. or even want to know them.”
Wiyaala
Wiyaala further noted that it has always been the usual people doing collaborations in the entertainment industry.
Her Take On Features
Ghanaian music sensation, Wiyaala states that she does not believe in paying or receiving money for features with other artists.
She noted that she would only partner with another musician if she developed a strong personal connection with that person, stating that connections are important for a collaboration to be impactful and lasting.
“It’s not that I don’t like features. It will happen when it happens, because I have to meet you first. I don’t care how popular your name is or how big your songs are. I need to meet you and talk to you first. If not, collaborating with you wouldn’t be sweet.
“When you meet some musicians, the vibe they give you is so good that when the collaboration comes out, that song will hit you. It will be there forever. But some of them, if you go and just do it for them, and mostly they will charge you a high amount of money. There’ll be no emotions attached to it.”
Wiyaala
She stated that paying high fees for features is a no-go for her, adding that it leads to a lack of emotional investment and results in a product that feels commercial rather than authentic.
“So when I’m collaborating with somebody (whether you’re featuring me or I’m featuring you), there shouldn’t be any payment whatsoever. Because if I have to go and pay plenty of money to get a feature, it means they’re not giving me their emotion. I’m buying it. They would just give me something commercial,” she said.
“I just think that as musicians, when we are collaborating, it shouldn’t be for sale. We do it art for art. And then when we finish, those who are not musicians, when they want to enjoy it, appreciate us. So, for me, I have to meet you. We collaborate and let the music do the appreciation for us,” Wiyaala further added.
READ ALSO: Bawumia’s Economic “Logic” Lampooned
