Some individuals believe that Ghanaians usually express dissatisfaction and disapproval towards their artists rather than offering them encouragement. However, it’s important to remember that generalizations like this may not always be accurate or applicable to every individual in the country.
Support for artists can vary. While it is true that artists in the industry may face both praise and criticism, it is not fair to assume that Ghanaians as a whole do not support their local artists.
Many Ghanaians are patriotic and take pride in their country’s cultural heritage, including arts and music. Numerous Ghanaian artists have received significant support and recognition within Ghana and internationally.
Ghanaian afrobeat artist Kelvynboy voiced concerns regarding the support system within the country’s music industry.
According to him, Ghanaian fans would rather complain about their artists rather than show support for them.
“The fans, however, like to complain more than to do the right thing. Somebody can rather come online, comment, and talk shit about artists than to go online and book a ticket. They are not playing their part in the ‘support your own’ ecosystem.
“I used to think that it was the artists’ fault like we were not doing something right, but now I’ve come to realize that no, It’s us Ghanaians. We are not crazy like Nigerians. They put energy into supporting their artists. But Ghanaians would rather come to complain. That’s too easy for them to do than even booking a ticket online.”
Kelvynboy
The support system within Ghana’s music industry has been a subject of concern for many stakeholders.
It’s also worth noting that criticism and constructive feedback are not negative. They can be important for an artist’s growth and development. Artists, like any other professionals, thrive on both support and constructive critique to improve their craft.
While there are instances of complaints and criticism about Ghanaian artists, it is crucial to recognize that such perspectives do not represent the attitudes and behaviors of all Ghanaians.
Ghanaians And Their Musical Preferences
It is important to note that musical taste is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person, regardless of nationality.
While some individuals prefer certain genres or styles of music over others, it would be incorrect to make a generalized statement about an entire population.
Ghana has a rich musical heritage and diverse music scene, with various genres like highlife, hiplife, gospel, and afrobeat, which have gained popularity not only within the country but also internationally. It’s essential to appreciate the wide range of musical preferences that exist within any cultural group.
Kelvynboy asserted that Ghanaian local audiences do not fully embrace complex music. According to him, they [Ghanaians] prefer simple or catchy music.
The Afrobeat artist observed that songs with profound messages often struggle to gain traction in Ghana. He then described the phenomenon as a result of “lazy ears”, in which listeners tend to favor familiar sounds over more thought-provoking music.
“In Ghana, if you do a deep song, it doesn’t get buzz. Ghanaians have these lazy ears. They want to hear what they expect. They don’t want to hear conscious music.
“I’ve always known that and I do not do that. That’s why I’ve always stayed different. I know the simple things to say and I know it will be very easy for it to be catchy, but is that what God brought me here to do? To impress you?”
Kelvynboy
To him, staying true to his unique style and message is important, even if it means forgoing popularity.
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