Ghanaian musician, Trigmatic has spoken about some of the challenges bedeviling the African music industry.
Trigmatic bemoaned the rate at which African artists are now focused more on the international markets at the expense of their local ones.
The artist noted that the African music industry is huge, however, not much has been done to fully exploit the industry to benefit the market.
“I have been to a few African countries and I realize that we have similar cultures. The market for the industry is huge that we haven’t tapped into. It was difficult for me to get other songs from other countries, on their radio platforms and the pubs. You will hear some Nigerian music, but you hardly will hear Ghanaian songs maybe something from Magnum, Stonebwoy and so you realize there is a gap.
“The Ugandan is also looking at crossing over maybe to Europe or America. The Tanzanians are also doing the same. We are not so concerned about what is happening in our market and so our market is very open, the protection of our market is not there. We have broken our walls.”
Trigmatic
Trigmatic further advocated for the African music industry to concentrate more on its domestic market as opposed to looking to the Western market for approval.
Trigmatic argues that although the international market is good, the African music industry should be mindful of recognizing the international market at the expense of protecting its local market.
“We are always excited. It’s like we’re always looking for validation from outside, from the Western world, which is not bad but it’s bad when it’s as a result of us not believing in what we have, even for our own market,” Trigmatic said.
According to him, this has caused a distraction in some of the prestigious African music awards such as KORA awards and others.
“We are always excited that maybe there is a category on the Grammys for us but we are not worried that we have killed KORA awards, one of our very prestigious awards, and the likes.
“I’m not saying is bad that we want to cross over, the market there is big and very good. However, we need to be mindful of how open we are letting our talents go if we don’t learn to make the best out of it internally and make our walls strong.”
Trigmatic
Musician Shares Thoughts on Ghana’s Leadership
Trigmatic attributed the challenges Ghana is currently facing to issues of leadership.
He shared his thoughts on the state of leadership and accountability in Ghana, which inspired his latest song, “Diplomatic Thief”.
Trigmatic expressed his concerns about the lack of true leadership in Ghana, stating that merely holding a position does not equate to being a leader.
“When a person is given a position, it does not mean they are leading. Not all persons in positions are leaders. So I believe that the problem we have is a leadership problem. We lack accountability. Leaders don’t even want to be accountable for anything. Things are not going right as they should.”
Trigmatic
“However, everything you say or do will be politicized. Many people are afraid, so they tend rather not to talk or leave the country,” he stated.
Trigmatic also highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that he has consistently encountered fellow Ghanaians who are unhappy with the system.
“And this has been a cycle that’s been happening over and over. Anytime I travel, I meet a Ghanaian who is unhappy about the system. And then my question is, so when or how will it change? The only thing I can do is through my music… And so I put it in there.”
Trigmatic
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