Ghanaian highlife musician, George Jahraa, is unhappy about the support he has received from the Ghanaian music industry over the years.
The legendary musician who performed at the African Legends Night over the weekend intimated that he has not received recognition from Ghanaian music consumers and the entire industry.
Jahraa stated that despite the enduring popularity of his hit songs, which have remained relevant for over 20 years, more can be done to acknowledge his contributions to the music industry.
“To be honest with you, I have not been celebrated enough. I started with most of the big guns and even some, I started before them but it looks like before you can be a big artist, you need to start from abroad and even if you start from Ghana, no matter what you do, Ghanaians abroad don’t recognize you.
“In my personal opinion, I have not been recognized enough. I have been underrated. You can go online, what people do with ‘Ashikele’ after 20 years, I have been underrated.”
George Jahraa
He also took a dig at the government for not taking a special interest in the music industry, citing Mali as an example where the government actively supports and promotes its musicians.
“If you take a look at other West African countries, I can cite Mali because I have been there for some time, I have been in and out for a long time. The Malian government takes special interest in their music, but if you come to Ghana?
“It looks like governments don’t show any interest in our music industry and anytime you criticize them, they take it so personally so I think the govt should get involved.”
George Jahraa
George Jahraa has been in the music industry for more than 30 years with hit songs like “Driver Banza”, “Zanu Kade”, “Srade Nam”, and “Ashikele”, among others
The Ghanaian highlife artist and legendary songwriter revealed that he uses a unique vocabulary exclusively for creating his songs.
The highlife star revealed that his creative process extends beyond conventional diction, resulting in the unique feel of his music. “I have my own vocabulary that I use for my music; it’s something I just have,” George Jahraa explained.
George was presented with a special award during the 2024 African Legends Night event which was held at the Movempick Hotel in Accra on October 5, 2024.
Organized by Global Media Alliance, African Legends Night once again affirmed its status as the premier event for celebrating African heritage through classic music.
George Jahraa, the second act of the evening, delivered an unforgettable performance, followed by South Africa’s Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Okyeame Kwame.
George Jahraa Expresses Worry Over ‘Galamsey’ Menace
The Ghanaian musician has added his voice to calls to stop illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
His admonition comes on the back of protests from various groups in the country over the possible danger the act has on the people of Ghana.
Religious leaders, religious bodies, and prominent figures in the country have also joined in the protest against galamsey, which is predominantly occurring in many regions across Ghana.
Jahraa questioned why the government has not taken decisive action while the country’s water bodies continue to be polluted.
“Illegal mining is a very big minus to successive governments. How can you live in a country where all river bodies will be turned brown? I heard someone say that if galamsey is banned, they are going to lose their seat.
“So because you lose your seat, do we drink poison and die? Why don’t we think about the future generations. Galamsey is bad and it should be stopped now.”
George Jahraa
In the meantime, some people have called on creatives to also help drum home the galamsey issue through their various works.
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