Ghanaian media personality and fashion mogul, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), has called on Ghanaians to take pride in their cultural heritage by prioritizing and promoting Ghanaian music. The well-known broadcaster and creative entrepreneur expressed his sentiments in a passionate appeal, emphasizing the need for citizens to show their patriotism by supporting homegrown music over foreign influences.
KOD’s Advocacy for Ghanaian Music
Over the years, KOD has been a vocal advocate for Ghana’s entertainment industry, particularly in the fashion and music sectors. He has consistently encouraged industry players and music lovers alike to embrace Ghanaian sounds and artists, urging stakeholders to create an ecosystem where local talent can thrive.
According to KOD, one of the biggest challenges facing Ghanaian musicians is the overwhelming preference for foreign songs, particularly from Nigeria, America, and Europe. He believes that Ghanaians should be more intentional about celebrating their own artists and making Ghanaian music the dominant sound in the country.
The Influence of Foreign Music in Ghana
For decades, Ghana’s airwaves have been saturated with foreign music, with Nigerian Afrobeats, American hip-hop, and European pop dominating radio stations, streaming platforms, and nightclubs. While Ghanaian artists continue to make significant contributions to the global music scene, they often struggle to gain the same level of recognition and support within their own country.
KOD highlighted that although globalization has made music accessible to everyone, Ghanaians must develop a strong sense of ownership when it comes to their local music industry.
“We need to build a strong cultural identity in our music. Nigeria has done it, South Africa has done it, and we must also take deliberate steps to ensure that our music is given priority,” he said.
The Role of DJs, Media, and Event Organizers
KOD did not hesitate to call out DJs, media houses, and event organizers for their role in shaping music consumption in Ghana. He argued that these stakeholders have a responsibility to push Ghanaian music rather than prioritizing foreign content.
“Our DJs must make a conscious effort to play more Ghanaian songs at events, on radio, and at clubs. Media houses should dedicate more airtime to promoting local talent, and event organizers should book more Ghanaian acts for their shows. This is how we create an industry that flourishes,” he stressed.
He further noted that in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, local music dominates mainstream media because there is a deliberate effort to push homegrown talent. He urged Ghanaian media practitioners to follow suit by creating policies that encourage and promote local music.
The Impact of Supporting Ghanaian Music
KOD believes that prioritizing Ghanaian music is not only about national pride but also about economic empowerment. He emphasized that when Ghanaians support local artists, it boosts the music industry, creates jobs, and enhances the country's cultural export.
“The more we invest in our musicians, the bigger they become. This means more concerts, more revenue, and more international collaborations. We need to understand that every time we choose a foreign song over a Ghanaian one, we are taking money out of our own economy,” he explained.
He encouraged fans to buy music, attend concerts, and engage with Ghanaian artists on streaming platforms and social media, as this directly contributes to their success.
Ghanaian Artists Speak on the Issue
Many Ghanaian musicians have echoed KOD’s sentiments in recent years. Artists such as Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and KiDi have repeatedly spoken about the need for Ghanaians to appreciate their own talent. Some have even suggested policies that mandate a certain percentage of local music on radio and television, similar to practices in countries like South Africa and Canada.
Sarkodie, in particular, has been an advocate for Ghanaian music dominance. He once stated that Ghanaian artists should not have to fight for recognition in their own country while foreign artists are automatically embraced.
Similarly, Shatta Wale has called on the entertainment industry to be more aggressive in marketing Ghanaian music to the world, while Stonebwoy has consistently highlighted the importance of creating a unique Ghanaian sound that stands out globally.
Steps to Promote Ghanaian Music
KOD outlined some key steps that can be taken to ensure Ghanaian music becomes the number one choice in the country:
Media Support: Radio and television stations should dedicate a significant percentage of airtime to Ghanaian music.
Streaming & Playlist Placement: Local artists should be given priority on curated playlists across streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
Government Policies: Policies should be introduced to ensure Ghanaian music gets a fair share of promotion and investment.
Corporate Sponsorship: Companies and brands should invest more in local artists through sponsorship deals and endorsements.
Fan Engagement: Ghanaians should actively follow, stream, and support their local artists just as they do with foreign musicians.
Conclusion
KOD’s call to prioritize Ghanaian music is an important reminder of the power of cultural pride and economic self-sufficiency. While Ghanaian artists continue to make waves internationally, the local market must be the foundation that sustains their growth. By making a conscious effort to celebrate homegrown talent, Ghanaians can help build a thriving music industry that not only competes on the global stage but also uplifts the nation as a whole.
As KOD aptly put it, “Being proud of where you come from means celebrating what is yours. Let’s make Ghanaian music the heartbeat of our nation.”
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