Ghanaian music sensation Fameye has recently opened up about his frustrations with the prevailing lack of genuine support and funding in the Ghanaian music industry. The artist, who gained fame in 2019 with hits like “Nothing I Get” and “Obolo,” expressed his concerns during an appearance on the Day Show on TV3. He pointed out that Ghanaians living abroad often do not attend their fellow countrymen’s shows with the same enthusiasm and anticipation that Nigerian artists’ performances generate. Fameye’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges facing Ghanaian musicians and the need for a shift in perspective within the music industry.
Fameye’s frustration is primarily centered around the lack of support from Ghanaians residing outside of the country. He shared his personal experience of playing shows in the United Kingdom and the United States, where he had hoped for a significant turnout and support from his fellow countrymen. However, the reality did not meet his expectations.
“Since I blew up in 2019, I played shows in the UK and America, but it didn’t pick for us. Even when it would work for us, the Ghanaians have to be the majority there, and even then, they are shy to tag along,” Fameye remarked. This reluctance to support Ghanaian artists abroad has hindered their growth and exposure on the international stage.
Another issue that Fameye highlighted is the constant negative comparisons and criticism that Ghanaian artists face in comparison to their Nigerian counterparts. This unfavorable comparison deters potential investors and sponsors from allocating resources to Ghanaian artists who have the potential to achieve feats similar to those of Nigerian artists.
“Why do you think Ghanaians keep canceling their shows? They don’t come. When Wizkid has a show, people seek permission from work four months prior to the show, they won’t do that for any Ghanaian artist,” Fameye noted. This disparity in support not only affects the artists themselves but also the overall growth of the Ghanaian music industry.
In light of the challenges faced by Ghanaian artists, Fameye suggested that Ghanaian artists are now more inclined to collaborate with Nigerian artists, as they believe that such collaborations might provide them with the desired exposure. Nigerian artists have successfully cultivated a global fan base and have a strong presence on the international music scene, making collaborations with them an attractive prospect for Ghanaian artists looking to expand their reach.
