In a candid discussion reflecting on his journey and the current state of the music industry, Mensa, a pioneer in Ghanaian hip life, shared his insights on the challenges faced by creatives in the industry. Mensa reminisced about the early days of hip life, working with Reggie Rockstone, and how intuition and opportunity shaped his career.
However, he highlighted a critical issue that has persisted over the years: the lack of supportive structures for creatives.
Mensa in an interview with Joshua Kodjo Mensah, emphasized that while hip life has evolved, morphing into the global phenomenon of Afrobeat with significant contributions from Nigerian artists, the foundational issues remain unaddressed. “There’s no structure which supports creatives. Everybody is really trying hard to make it work in this industry,” he stated. He lamented the absence of established systems such as dedicated music schools, dance academies, and high-level media training institutions that could provide a sustainable career path for artists.
Reflecting on his own career, Mensa noted the proactive steps he had to take to ensure his growth and relevance. “If I don’t do something proactive, I will kind of plateau very quickly,” he recalled, sharing how he sought further education and experiences abroad to enhance his skills in music creation and engineering. This self-driven approach, though beneficial, underscored the broader issue of sustainability and support within the local industry.
Mensa expressed concern about the quality and originality of contemporary music, attributing the trend to the industry’s focus on profitability. “It’s a struggle, but I just, things are changing. Do the structures support people? There’s no structure. There’s no structure at all,” he asserted. He noted that while some are making a living from music, the lack of a supportive infrastructure forces many to seek help from personal networks rather than relying on an established industry framework.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications for the creative arts, beyond music. Mensa called for a holistic approach to building an industry that includes top-level training in various creative fields, such as filmmaking and computer science. “It’s all about building a real foundation that supports the creative arts,” he said, stressing the importance of sustainable growth and integrity in creating lasting art.
Despite the challenges, Mensa acknowledged the efforts of those within the industry. “I don’t want to knock creatives because I know how difficult it is,” he said, recognizing the shared struggle to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability. The conversation highlighted a critical need for systemic change to support the creative community in Ghana, ensuring that future generations of artists can thrive and sustain their careers in a well-structured environment.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
