The above caption won’t be taken lightly by Ghanaian music lovers especially in this era that Ghanaian musicians, spearheaded by Shatta Wale are fighting for supremacy with their Nigerian counterparts.
But I guess if we embrace the stark reality and make amendment, our music would be heard everywhere. Well, according to Kumasi-based actor Bernard Aduse-Poku who is currently based in the US, Wizkid and other Nigeria artistes have taken over the mainstream radio and TV stations in America.
He noted that Wizkid’s music is played everywhere and not one single song from heavyweights like Shatta Wale or Sarkodie is heard anywhere except at parties organized by Ghanaian immigrants.
Mr Aduse-Poku cited that Shatta Wale’s songs are enjoyed by only Ghanaians in America and not Americans or other foreigners.
He said Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale do not come near Nigerian artiste Mr Eazi whose songs are sung by Latinos in America.
Speaking on Ultimate Showbiz hosted by Austine Woode, Mr Aduse-Poku said the only Ghanaian song he has ever heard since his five-year stay in America is ‘Adonai’ by Sarkodie and Castro.
Obviously the young man is not happy about the trend and wants stakeholders in the industry to help push Ghanaian music beyond the shores of Ghana.
Here’s what he said:
In America, you only hear Ghanaian music at Ghanaian parties. You don’t hear Ghanaian songs on prime time radio…You have no idea the Nigerian songs being played during prime time in America, Power FM and they are playing Nigerian music.
Right now Wizkid is a household name in America, whether you like it or not, they play his songs on Power FM, Z-One FM, Hot FM in New York.
These Nigerian artistes have taken the lead, whatever they are doing is working for them, they play Davido, Tecno’s songs on radio during prime time, even those guys who host afro-centric shows don’t even play Ghanaian songs.
He however reserved special praise for Shatta Wale but insisted he has to do more to reach the same level as the Nigerians.
He said:
I honestly don’t think Ghanaian musicians are doing well with their career. I wouldn’t say we have had some crazy improvement.
Because if you are telling me there has been an improvement, it means when you cast your mind back, lets say two, three years ago, we were not doing anything good.
I think the standard has rather been sustained,.. 2017 was an interesting year as far as music is concerned, it was a year in Ghana, we had so many new artistes, who were on top of the game.
If you take five artistes who made it so big in 2017, three of them might be new artistes….we are doing music, but it doesn’t go anywhere, that is the problem,’ he pointed out.
