Ghana’s ability to sustain its music and creative arts sector has been a source of great concern, according to Rex Omar, Chairman of the Board of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), who has described the sector as fundamentally unprepared to support its practitioners.
During an interview with George Quaye on Joy Prime, the seasoned highlife performer gave a depressing account of the circumstances that most Ghanaian musicians face. He claims that the great majority of musicians find it difficult to make a living from their job, even though a small number of well-known musicians have widespread recognition.
“Ghana is not ready to support music, even today,” he said. I can confirm that 97% of Ghanaian musicians do not earn a living.
Although success stories continue to inspire young people to seek careers in music, Rex Omar clarified that many people enter the field out of passion rather than a desire to make a living. He maintained that most artists are unable to succeed in the long run when they lack a strong business plan.
He vented, “They go into music out of passion, but the business side that should sustain them is nonexistent.”