The creative arts industry in Ghana has long been a vibrant sector, rich with talent and cultural heritage.
From music and film to fashion and visual arts, Ghanaian creatives have made significant local and international contributions.
However, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years: the culture of comparison. This phenomenon, which manifests in various forms, is stifling creativity, hindering collaboration, and ultimately threatening the industry’s growth.
Comparison in the creative arts often involves artists measuring their success against their peers. This is seen in various ways, such as social media metrics, award nominations, and commercial success.
While a certain level of competition is healthy, the pervasive culture of comparison in Ghana has led to detrimental effects.
In an exclusive interview with the Vaultz News, Ghanaian artist, Isaac Sarfo Sowah, popularly known as Da Saint, has revealed that social media plays a major role in the culture of comparison in the creative arts industry.
According to him, it exposes “a lot of things going on” in the creative industry.
“For example, when a new talent is been discovered whether be it Ghana, Nigeria, or any other country with the help of social media it helps to expose the talent, and also it helps countries to imitate themselves or do similar to the trending vibe. And it also helps in promoting, selling, and gaining recognition.”
Da Saint
In the age of social media, the pressure to showcase success has intensified. Artists frequently compare their follower counts, likes, and shares, leading to a skewed perception of what success looks like.
This obsession with numbers diverts attention from the actual craft, causing artists to prioritize online engagement over genuine artistic expression.
Ghana has several prestigious awards celebrating excellence in the creative arts. However, the focus on accolades leads to unhealthy rivalries.
Artists become fixated on winning awards rather than honing their skills or collaborating with others. This competitive mindset creates divisions within the industry, as creatives view each other as rivals rather than potential collaborators.
Earlier, Amerado suggested that if Ghanaians don’t appreciate what they have, they risk losing it to others.
As such, Da Saint added his voice to what he thinks are the dangers of this mentality for the future of the creative arts industry in Ghana.
He noted that if Ghanaians don’t value their creative talent and industry, there will likely be a lack of local investment in the sector and a lack of appreciation and recognition for local talent.
He cited an example where upcoming artists are not supported by local communities until they become famous.
“One thing I have noticed is that Ghanaians don’t appreciate their own, they rather promote people outside the country and leave theirs. For example, being an (upcoming musician) I share my links with my friends, and the feedback I get is the fire emoji, Charley the song be hard, keep it up, you too much, etc but they don’t even listen nor share the link for others to feel your vibe.
“It is very sad when it occurs this way. Look at the likes of Ay Poyoyo, Enoch Darko (WataBombshell) of talented kids and Black Sherif rose to fame when other countries saw what they had in them. Meanwhile, they were in this very same country called Ghana but ask yourself if anybody wanted to push them to that height. We wait till they become big before we start appreciating them which is very bad. We need to work on that side.”
Da Saint
When artists constantly compare themselves to others, there is a tendency to mimic successful formulas rather than innovate.
The fear of not measuring up to peers paralyzes artists, preventing them from taking risks or exploring new ideas. This fear is particularly pronounced among emerging artists who feel overshadowed by established figures in the industry.
As a result, many talented individuals abandon their creative pursuits altogether, stifling the growth of the industry as a whole.
The media plays a significant role in perpetuating the culture of comparison. Sensationalized reporting on rivalries and conflicts between artists can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and competition.
Fostering a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment for artists is crucial in combating the culture of comparison. Initiatives that promote networking, mentorship, and collaboration help foster a sense of community among creatives.
Workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects provide opportunities for artists to learn from one another and grow together.
Da Saint pointed out that Ghanaians need to appreciate their own, “because, if we do it and do it well, we will attract big names, companies and people across the globe to invest in our craft.”
“The media needs to put a stop to circulating negative news about our talents, but rather promote their works especially when it comes to the upcoming talents. They pay more attention to the already made artist and leave the young ones to perish.”
Da Saint
Encouraging artists to focus on personal growth rather than external validation also helps mitigate the effects of comparison.
Workshops and programs that emphasize skill development, creativity, and self-expression empower artists to find their unique voices and pursue their passions without the burden of comparison.
The culture of comparison is a significant challenge facing Ghana’s creative arts industry. By recognizing its detrimental effects and actively working to promote collaboration, support, and diversity, stakeholders help create an environment where creativity thrives.
Fostering a culture that values individual expression over competition will not only benefit artists but also enrich Ghana’s cultural landscape as a whole.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the collective growth of all creatives, paving the way for a brighter and more innovative future.
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