In the world of creativity, accolades and awards often serve as the gold standard for success.
They symbolize achievement, recognition, and a form of validation that many artists, writers, musicians, and designers strive for.
However, this pursuit of awards leads to a detrimental mindset, prioritizing external validation over genuine self-expression and innovation.
Ghanaian Kumawood actor, Kwaku Manu, has advised creatives to avoid finding validation in awards.
The actor shared his candid thoughts, making it clear that he has never looked to awards for validation because, in his view, they’ve never added any real value to his career.
“Since I started working, I have not considered awards because they’ve done nothing for me. It’s good if you’re acknowledged for your efforts and your name is mentioned. But for someone to dress up, fly from Kumasi to Accra, and book hotel rooms for themselves and their team, what’s the point?”
Kwaku Manu
Kwaku Manu acknowledged that recognition is nice, but he believes the stress and financial strain of attending award shows are simply not worth it. “It’s not like they’re even getting money from the awards. Forget about deals or opportunities,” he added.
Creativity is inherently subjective and personal. What resonates with one person does not resonate with another, and this diversity of thought makes art, literature, and music so rich and varied.
When creatives seek validation through awards, they risk conforming to established norms and expectations, potentially stifling their unique voice.
True creativity thrives in an environment where artists feel free to explore, experiment, and express themselves without the fear of judgment or the pressure to win accolades.
Relying on awards for validation leads to a precarious cycle of dependency. Creatives find themselves producing work that they believe will be more appealing to judges or audiences rather than staying true to their vision.
This results in a dilution of originality and authenticity, as artists prioritize the pursuit of trophies over the exploration of their ideas.
Moreover, the subjective nature of awards means that they are often influenced by trends, biases, and the preferences of a select few, which further alienate those who do not fit into these narrow categories.
Psychological Impact of Awards
The psychological toll of seeking validation through awards is significant. The pressure to win leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout.
When creatives tie their self-worth to external recognition, they experience a sense of failure if they do not receive the awards they desire.
This creates a toxic environment where the joy of creating is overshadowed by the fear of inadequacy.
In contrast, when artists focus on their craft for the sake of expression and connection, they are more likely to experience fulfillment and satisfaction in their work.
Kwaku Manu, reflecting on his experience with the Ghana Movie Awards, didn’t hold back, calling it a waste of time due to the disregard Kumawood actors faced.
“I went for the Ghana Movie Awards sometime back, and it was a waste of time for me. Those of us who came from Kumasi, our names weren’t even mentioned. The hosts mentioned all the names of the English-speaking actors and ignored us.”
Kwaku Manu
Kwaku Manu’s comments are in line with recent conversations about the current state of award schemes in Ghana’s arts industry and whether they genuinely benefit creatives or simply serve as empty recognition.
The most recent case was the issue of snubs at the recent Telecel Ghana Music Awards, which includes King Paluta’s ‘Makoma’ not getting a nomination for the Most Popular Song of the Year.
Intrinsic motivation is the driving force behind authentic creativity. When artists create for themselves, they are more likely to produce work that is innovative, meaningful, and resonant.
This intrinsic motivation fosters a deeper connection with the audience, as the work is often imbued with passion and authenticity.
Rather than seeking validation through awards, creatives should focus on the impact of their work on others and the joy it brings them personally. This shift in mindset leads to a more sustainable and fulfilling creative practice.
In a world that often equates success with awards, creatives need to remember that true validation comes from within.
Awards provide temporary recognition, but they should not define an artist’s worth or the value of their work. The most significant reward for any creative is the joy of creation itself, which transcends any trophy or award.
READ ALSO: GETFund Allocation for MPs Sparks Accountability Concerns
