In a recent interview on Rhythmzlive with Blessing, renowned Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame made a passionate plea for the Ghanaian music industry to focus on cultural integrity and global competition. Addressing the growing trend of comparing local artists to their Nigerian counterparts, Kwame emphasized that the real competition lies beyond Africa.
“Become very intentional about what we let in,” Okyeame Kwame stated. “Sometimes people are competing with Nigerian musicians, suggesting we ban Nigerian music. The competition is actually Jay-Z or that artist from the U.S. who is coming into our media through social media, TikTok—these ones who are holding guns and smoking and things like that. They are the ones we are competing with, not our neighbors.”
Kwame stressed the importance of not banning or restricting music from other African countries. Instead, he advocated for educating the younger generation about the choices they have and the impact of these choices on their identity.
“No, we shouldn’t ban anything. We shouldn’t restrict. Control causes implosion. We need to educate our younger generation to know that this is the array of choices that you have. If you choose that one, you will lose your identity; if you choose this one, you have your identity,” he explained.
He further highlighted the importance of maintaining African identity as a cornerstone for success. “It’s based on that identity of yours that you are going to be a great husband, a good businessman, and differentiate yourself in the global market as that African entrepreneur who has values. It is very important that at every single level of our education, our identity as Africans, as Ghanaians, as Ashantis, as Ewes, we do not lose it.”
Kwame warned that losing this identity would result in cultural disorientation. “Once we lose it, any other thing can come and inhabit where our true identity is, and we are lost forever.”
Expressing optimism, Okyeame Kwame noted, “I like what is happening. I’m not the only one making music and using these signals and elements.”
His call for cultural integrity and focus on global competition resonates deeply, urging the Ghanaian music industry to look beyond regional rivalries and embrace a broader perspective.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
