‘Some’ Ghanaian DJs are killing Ghana Music

• Posted on April 8, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Before putting this piece together, I made extensive enquiries from Publicist friends in Nigeria if their airwaves have some Ghanaian Music. Honestly, of the 4 reliable Media friends I enquired from, none of them could even mention a name of a song from Ghana. How pathetic!

To them, they will be real with me and truthfully tell me that, no Nigerian Station or Club plays Ghanaian songs. Even when they play, it will not play to the end as they quickly change it to ‘Nigerianly’ soothe the ears of the listeners.

I slept soliloquizing how many of Nigerian songs I could mention with the Artiste and even their Record Labels. Was I being ‘too-known’ because I am a Journalist in that field or their music has strong force in Ghana? These questions honestly I cannot answer alone but with the help of others who are well vested in that field.

Invariably, some Radio Stations in Ghana cannot do without playing Nigerian songs, I can confidently posit. I was so mad one day when I was in a cab from Osu to Legon when the frequency was on one popular Radio Station in Accra. Because of traffic, the journey was a bit longer than usual. I spent 1:45mins reaching my campus and throughout, the Station kept playing Nigerian songs. (lips sealed before I spew something not media friendly). For Christ sake, does it make sense? Considering the fact that, there are enormous Up and Coming Artistes who have amazing songs awaiting just a single play on a popular platform to break through.

Beverly Afaglo is one woman who has earned my respect for her statement during the Ghana DJ Awards. She clearly mentioned that, Ghanaian DJs do not play the songs of Ghanaians but rather sort to the Nigerian music. To her, she understands the plight of that since her husband (Praye honeho) is in the industry.

If Ghana music is highly promoted by the DJs in Ghana, it will travel far more than it is doing now. Undeniably, it is (Ghana Music) doing very well but with few competitors to battle strong holds outside the shores of Ghana.

I can mention countless number of people who will do spectacular if we replace the Nigerian songs with theirs. If a DJ would take upon him/herself to help 3 Up and Coming Artistes in Ghana, how competitive the industry will be. This will minimize people composing any garbage and bringing for consumption. One of the reasons why there are too many rubbish songs in the musical system is the fact that the competition is between some handful persons.

The DJs might have their own reasons for doing that but let’s be real, how convincing will they sound to a yearning Up and Coming Artiste?  No wonder Chris Brown credits Nigeria for Azonto.

I am convinced that, some DJs in Ghana are the murderers of Ghana Music and if there is any blame, the DJs should bear those predicaments.

If I don’t stop here, I will dirty my garments with stains the strongest detergent in Ghana cannot wash.

THIS IS AN UGLY TRUTH

Author: Nana Kwesi Coomson (www.233times.net)