Open Letter to Ghanaian Musicians: Prayers and expectations of fans in 2014

• Posted on December 27, 2013December 27, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• 1 Comment

The 2013 year has been very challenging one; undeniably this is the year many Artistes bemoaned of constipated monetary movements in and out of their limited accounts. A close friend (Songster) mentioned that this is the year he did not even earn GHc 2,000 on a single show even though he had enormous events to play.

In 2014, the fans of Songsters have cried out loud, spewing their expectations to the Musicians. Though not too demanding, the fans expect professionalism in Ghana Music. Outlined, these are the prayers and expectations of fans and non-fans alike which this Reporter and www.233times.net is part of:

1. No profane songs in 2014; give fans the very best of thought provoking songs not tinting the minds of listeners and fans with profanity.
2. Pay attention to Publicity. Fans expect that in 2014, the Lord God would grace the Ghanaian Musicians with discerning spirit to see the relevance of publicity and halt the short cuts used to get media coverage and pay Publicists good money to do the work best for them.
3. Enough of titling of songs with foods. As to whether it is a new style evolving in the country, it is unclear now. Many songs that surfaced in 2013 were named after foods. In 2014, a little seriousness in naming of songs would be appreciated.
4. More International Awards by Ghanaian Musicians. It is also the prayer of fans that the world would recognize the great talents in the country via International Awards; BET, MOBO etc.
5. Stay in touch with fans via Social Media. Even though most Musicians do not handle their Social Media accounts, the fans expect that whoever is behind it would reply their mentions, comments etc. Without fans, an Artiste is useless so making them feel part of the fraternity is important.
6. Enough of the publicity stunts. Musicians with the notion of getting headlines use all means to poke fans with stunted reportage. Some even craft death in the media and later refute it in order to reawaken people on them. It’s not all about stunts, if you do well, you will be accepted!
7. God granting Ghanaian Musicians with creativity. You listen to a song of an Artiste and it sounds like the previous work. No clear distinction is noticed in subsequent ones. The fans pray and hope that creativity would be granted them as many argue that creativity is innate.
8. More International features. To get to the global map, aside being handled well by Management and knowing how to maneuver to get to the peak, one pivotal aspect of hitting the globe is featuring international Acts to share their fan base. Fans expect that, the music of Artistes from Ghana would not only be brewed in Ghanaian pots but would reach residents in the Americas, Europe etc so featuring International Acts would be appreciated by fans.
9. Unity amongst Musicians. If there is one industry that is divided than the pie-chart, then Ghana Music would gladly embrace the title. Though music is a competitive sport, it is not an avenue for hating and division amongst you. Do not hate on competition but instead upgrade on what one has done to be hailed. “Divided we fall, united we stand” until there is unity amongst Musicians, Ghana Music would still suffer from the stroke it is diagnosed with.
10. All the best in 2014. The fans and well wishers extend their blessings to all Ghanaian Musicians in 2014. May the Good Lord grant each and everyone the wisdom needed to soar in the industry. All the best Ghanaian Musicians.

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