Former Lynx entertainment signee, Maya Blu, has sparked a thought-provoking conversation about the country’s music industry, cautioning against the tendency to force Ghanaian artistes, particularly young musicians, into the highlife genre.
She said the world is evolving, and artists should be allowed to explore various genres that resonate with their unique styles and creative visions.
“The world has evolved, and people are just doing what audiences love. For her, it’s not about abandoning tradition but recognising that creativity doesn’t always follow nostalgia. While some argue Ghanaian artists aren’t preserving highlife, everyone is doing what they do best, and we have to respect that.”
Maya Blu
Maya Blu was one of the signees of Lynx Entertainment. However, her label ended the contract last year, and she expressed deep shock at the decision of the label to part ways with her.
“It’s their label, and they can choose to take whatever decision that suits them. My exit from Lynx came as a big shock because there was no disagreement or any hint whatsoever.
“But I am cool. I don’t have anything against their decision to let me go. We had an agreement, and so, if we have to part ways, I take that in good faith.”
Maya Blu
Though no longer with Lynx, Maya isn’t slowing down. If anything, she’s more focused than ever. Her story is just one of many creatives.
According to her, she hasn’t faded out; rather, she’s just getting started, and this time, she’s calling the shots.
During her time with Lynx Entertainment, Maya Blu drew inspiration from Richie Mensah, CEO of Lynx Entertainment, whom she described as an incredible mentor.
Her ambition extends over the Ghanaian music scene. She has expressed her desire to perform at the Grammys and Oscars, highlighting her aspiration to reach global audiences.
Maya Blu Gets Candid on the Creative Industry
She had the label, the spotlight, the buzz, but Maya Blu, once a female signee on one of Ghana’s top record labels, is now carving her lane and speaking her truth.
The ‘Good Girl No Dey Pay’ singer opened up about why she refuses to chase numbers in an industry built on them.
At a time when artists live and die by streams, charts, and virality, Maya Blu is choosing a different path. “I don’t do music for the numbers or the masses,” she said. “I make sure I enjoy the music and forget about the numbers.”
It’s a bold declaration, one that may raise eyebrows but also makes it clear that Maya is now creating on her terms.
In 2024, global revenue from Afrobeats reportedly hit a whopping $100 million, yet only 2% of that money made it back to Nigeria, the genre’s global torchbearer.
In the case of how much Ghana is making from Afrobeats, Maya Blu said the truth is far more complex than the numbers suggest.
“A lot of it is based on assumptions. People don’t really come out to talk about how much they make, but there are artists in this industry doing well for themselves.”
Maya Blu
Maya Blu, who came into the limelight through Lynx’s new talent wave, has often been described as “lucky” or “privileged,” but she’s the first to say it wasn’t all roses.
“Yes, I was advantaged. But it comes at a cost. I had to work my way through all of it.”
Maya Blu
That cost, she hints, isn’t just about industry pressure: “it’s about having to constantly prove that you’re more than just a label’s pick.”
In recent months, Lynx Entertainment has dropped several of its fresh signees, including Maya, Saint Lennon, and Kasar Music, sparking fresh conversation about artist development and label dynamics in Ghana.
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