Cyril-Alex Gockel, popularly known as C-Real, a member of the Grammy Academy, has voiced concerns over the lack of cultural identity in the music of Ghanaian artists, claiming it may be hindering their chances of winning prestigious awards like the Grammy. Despite international recognition for some, including reggae icon Rocky Dawuni’s multiple nominations, no Ghanaian artist has yet secured a Grammy victory.
Appearing on Channel One TV’s entertainment show The Chat, C-Real emphasized the importance of embracing Ghana’s unique musical identity. He pointed out that while the country’s music scene has produced internationally recognized genres like Highlife and Hiplife, these genres have not been properly institutionalized or promoted on a global scale. Instead, internal disputes about who deserves credit for these genres have led to their diminished appeal.
According to C-Real, while he respects global pop music icons like Beyoncé, the lack of ownership or authenticity in the genre makes it less appealing. “I love pop music – Beyoncé is the biggest pop star in the world, but I don’t know who owns it, and I don’t care. We often chase global trends rather than focusing on what is exclusively Ghanaian,” he explained.
As a member of the Grammy Academy, C-Real stressed that Ghanaian artists should invest more in developing and promoting their own distinct sounds, rather than trying to replicate international success. This approach, he believes, would allow them to carve a unique space in the global music industry.
In addition to his work with the Grammy Academy, C-Real is also a marketing consultant and media personality at 3Music TV. His message reflects the growing concern among local artists and industry experts that Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and musical diversity are not being fully utilized to secure the country's place on the global stage.
C-Real’s remarks echo a broader conversation about the need for more originality and cultural pride in the Ghanaian music industry. If artists embrace their cultural identity, they may be able to stand out more in the international music scene, not just as followers of global trends but as innovators in their own right.
The full discussion was aired on The Chat on Channel One TV, where C-Real also shared his thoughts on other aspects of the Ghanaian music landscape.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0