Ghanaian artiste, Jupitar has expressed his displeasure about the seeming low visibility of songs done in minority languages on radio stations in Ghana.
The reggae and dancehall artist disclosed that most radio stations and the media space, in general, have limited the promotion of music to Twi or Pidgin.
According to him, there are brilliant rappers in other parts of Ghana who do not get airplay in the southern part of the country because their songs are done in their native languages.
“Most of our radio stations in our media space have chosen one particular language that they will promote. There is a very good rapper in the north who raps in Dagati or Sissala. But he can’t fluently speak Twi or pidgin…if you take that music to Accra. It won’t get up to two airplay,” he said.
Mentioning Fancy Gadam’s ‘Total Cheat’, he noted that the song was successful on radio stations because a larger part of the piece was in pidgin English.
On the contrary, Jupitar explained that South African artists Focalistic and Nigerian artists Phyno and Asake do their songs in their native languages yet their songs are appreciated by people in Nigeria who are from other tribes.
“Take Nigeria for example, look at artists like Focalistic. Phyno, Asake. They all make songs in their native language. But yet they play these songs and they jam to it. So our creative space shouldn’t limit songs to one language,” he said.
The singer has in the past been slammed for making statements that invoke tribal sentiments. Last year, he bemoaned a lack of support for some musicians who hail from a certain tribe in Ghana.
According to him, celebrities, especially musicians who come from the Ga tribe, hardly get the needed support from industry players.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “This whole industry is a setup and if you be ‘Ga’ like myself, @shattawalegh, @iamkingpromise or @dkbghana, etc certain kinda support you go suffer or you no go get kraa no matter the effort.”
Jupitar is known for songs such as ‘Enemies’, ‘Badness’, and ‘Moni Konika’ among others.
Lamenting On The Balance Of Music And Marriage
Jupitar, recently discussed the challenges he faces in juggling his music career and family life.
The dancehall and reggae artists characterized the demanding nature of the music industry as “suicidal” when trying to establish a family.
Despite recognizing the difficulty, he conceded to occasionally making compromises to strike a balance, understanding that sacrifices are unavoidable.
Jupitar emphasized the ongoing struggle to harmonize his music career with family responsibilities, acknowledging the necessity of sacrifices to navigate both realms.
“Even aside from maturity stuff, the music itself is a whole business. It’s very tough combining music and family. It’s been one tough decision for a musician to say, I’m settling down and then also pursuing this music. It’s suicidal, I won’t lie,” he said.
“ I try as much as possible to sometimes violate the process. Even if I will come home at ten, I will come home the next morning. I won’t do it often. The balance is quite difficult,” he further added.
Jupitar is one of the leading reggae and dancehall artists in Ghana, who has released several hit songs. His unique style and musical dexterity have helped in unveiling his talent outside the shores of Ghana.
Notably, Jupitar has graced the stage alongside acclaimed acts such as Busy Signal, Mavado, and Demarco.
In 2013, Jupitar won two awards for Discovery of the Year, one from the MTN 4Syte Music and another from the BASS Awards.
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