Broadcast journalist and entertainment pundit, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo, has averred that comparison is a long-aged phenomenon and that people should not be chastised when they compare two artistes.
Arnold believes that comparison is good for the growth of the industry except that comparison becomes bad when it is unhealthy and is meant to rundown someone’s efforts or hard-earned reputation.
Music fans and pundits in recent weeks have sought to liken the exploits of Black Sheriff to Shatta Wale. The topic has generated several conservations, but while some believe it is not right, others are of the firm conviction that it is good for the industry.
Sharing his thoughts on Akoma FM ‘s Entertainment 360, the entertainment pundit indicated that comparison is not a bad practice.
“The issue about comparison started long ago. When artistes like Dada K.D and Ofori Amponsah were surging, they were compared to Daddy Lumba. Kwesi Pee, because he was sounding like Kojo Antwi, he was compared to him. We must not kill ourselves over this.
“Comparison started from the Bible when God questioned Cain for not availing to the altar with good sacrifice but his brother Abel brought something appealing as offering. We compare to know who is toppling the chart, who has more records, who is doing what. Was Shatta Wale once not compared to Samini? Was Sarkodie not, compared to Obrafour? As far as music remains, comparison will not stop”.
Arnold Asamoah Baidoo
However, Arnold said that comparison will only become bad when there is agenda to downgrade the achievement of musicians through unhealthy comparison.
Black Sherif Doesn’t Support Unhealthy Comparison
Meanwhile, in an earlier interview, Black Sherif posited that he does not support music enthusiasts who have started comparing him to big artists like Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, and Burna Boy, among others. He contended that, although music fans have been known to make such comparisons over the years, they are “unnecessary and unhealthy” for the industry.
Black Sherif explained that as someone who has insight into the “music game”, he cannot compare himself to these “bigger” artists who have more experience nor can he support an agenda to disrespect them.
“I don’t support that. Music fans will always be music fans, and so it is left to us [to do better]. There is no way I would downplay someone’s work or something. I respect the game, and I won’t compare myself to bigger names because that is the game, you don’t do that”.
Black Sherif
The ‘Second Sermon’ hitmaker noted that he has witnessed artists like Shatta Wale, Sarkodie and others hustle to make a name for themselves and that cannot be taken for granted. He stated that some people who make these comments only want some engagements on social media.
The ‘Second Sermon’ hitmaker stated “if you respect the game and the people in the game, you don’t compare”.
Black Sherif’s comments came after some social media users saw it fit to compare his growing career to that of other artists after the charting success of his latest song, ‘Kwaku The Traveller’.
This comparison displeased musician, Shatta Wale, who noted that it downplays the impact artists make over the years.
READ ALSO: GPL: Kotoko, Hearts Clash In Kumasi Today