Ghanaian rap heavyweight Sarkodie has strongly pushed back against the common perception that music is merely a hobby or side hustle, insisting it is a legitimate, demanding, and highly rewarding full-time profession.

In a recent interview that has gone viral on social media, the Sarkcess Music boss addressed the recurring question many Ghanaian musicians face, “Apart from music, what proper business do you do?”

Sarkodie described the question as “a bit insulting,” arguing it diminishes the professionalism and investment required to thrive in the industry.

“Music is actually one of the biggest industries in the world, and in many cases, it’s just as serious (if not more) than what people like to call ‘proper businesses’,” he stated.

“At the end of the day, investing in a music career is a real business decision. Like any other venture, it has its risks, but it can also be highly rewarding if approached the right way.”
Sarkodie, Rapper

The multiple award-winning rapper, born Michael Owusu Addo, compared music favourably to traditional sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and product-based businesses.

He noted that while outsiders often underestimate its potential, those within the industry understand its sustainability and profitability.

“Music pays more than many other businesses when done strategically,” Sarkodie added in related comments that have sparked widespread debate online.

He urged investors to take the creative sector seriously and called for better structures, distribution deals, and financial planning to support artistes.

This latest stance comes as Ghana’s music scene experiences significant growth, with Afrobeats, Ghanapiano, and highlife fusions gaining international traction.

Sarkodie himself continues to lead by example. In March 2026, he made history by staging Rapperholic at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Ghana’s Independence Day -a milestone that underscored the global viability of Ghanaian music.

The “King of Rap” is also preparing to release a much-anticipated full gospel album in 2026, a project reported to be over 90% complete.

The move reflects his evolution as an artiste while reinforcing his message that music can be both spiritually fulfilling and commercially viable.

Sarkodie’s comments have resonated widely on X (formerly Twitter), where fans and industry players praised him for championing the professionalisation of Ghanaian entertainment.

Public Reaction

Many young talents echoed his frustration, noting societal pressure to pursue “serious” jobs like teaching, banking, or trading alongside music.

“Music is not a side hustle by default , it’s an industry,” one user wrote, aligning with Sarkodie’s view. Others highlighted successful acts like Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, who have built empires through strategic music careers.

Industry observers say Sarkodie’s intervention is timely, especially with the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA 2026) approaching in May.

The event is expected to spotlight not just artistic excellence but also the business acumen of nominees, including Sarkodie, who has secured multiple nods.

Beyond his own success which includes BET Awards, sold-out international tours, and consistent chart dominance Sarkodie has mentored upcoming artistes and advocated for stronger ecosystems in Ghana’s creative economy.

His message is clear: treating music with the same seriousness as medicine, law, or engineering will help unlock its full potential for wealth creation, employment, and cultural export.

As debates continue online, Sarkodie’s words serve as both a defence of his craft and a call to action for stakeholders to respect and invest in music as genuine work.