The Ghanaian music scene has been abuzz with controversy following accusations leveled against Highlife musician Gladstorm Kwabena Akwaboah Jnr., popularly known as Akwaboah, by DJ KA, a Disc Jockey who served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) at the funeral of Akwaboah’s father. The heart of the matter revolves around allegations of non-payment for services rendered, with DJ KA claiming that Akwaboah has failed to adequately compensate him for his role as MC at the funeral held on September 30, 2023, in Trede, Kumasi. This incident has sparked public debate about professional ethics, artist responsibility, and the often-overlooked contributions of event staff in the entertainment industry.
The dispute began when Akwaboah personally contacted DJ KA to officiate as MC at his father’s funeral. DJ KA accepted the offer, trusting that his services would be appropriately remunerated after the event. According to DJ KA’s account, after the funeral, he inquired about his payment, and Akwaboah, instead of offering a concrete figure, requested the DJ to name his price. DJ KA, choosing to leave the compensation to Akwaboah’s discretion, simply asked for a reasonable amount after the burial proceedings. This seemingly amicable agreement quickly deteriorated when DJ KA received only GH¢200, an amount he claims barely covered his fuel expenses, and decidedly fell short of fair compensation for his services as MC.
Adding fuel to the fire, DJ KA revealed that his role at the funeral extended beyond merely emceeing. Despite the presence of other MCs at the event, he diligently continued his duties throughout, reassured by Akwaboah’s confirmation that he was the designated MC. This dedicated service, however, seemed to go unacknowledged in the eventual meager payment. Furthermore, DJ KA alleges that his attempts to communicate with Akwaboah about the outstanding payment were met with evasion and unfulfilled promises. The musician reportedly cited travel to Accra as a reason for delaying payment, assuring DJ KA that the money would be sent later.
The situation became further complicated by a personal request DJ KA made of Akwaboah. He had asked the musician to record a short birthday message for his mother. While seemingly unrelated to the payment dispute, this unfulfilled request further strained the already tense relationship between the two. The lack of response from Akwaboah, coupled with the paltry payment for his services at the funeral, left DJ KA feeling undervalued and disrespected. This sentiment was palpable in a video he released on social media, where he detailed the entire ordeal, expressing his frustration and disappointment.
The public reaction to DJ KA’s video has been largely critical of Akwaboah, with many expressing their disapproval of the musician’s alleged treatment of the DJ. The incident has raised questions about the broader issue of fair compensation for service providers in the entertainment industry, with many commentators highlighting the often-precarious position of freelancers and event staff who rely on the goodwill and professionalism of their clients. Some have argued that this is a systemic problem within the industry, where behind-the-scenes workers are frequently undervalued, their contributions minimized, and their payments delayed or withheld.
This controversy underscores the importance of clear communication and contractual agreements in professional relationships, especially in the entertainment sector where informal arrangements are often the norm. The absence of a formal agreement in this particular instance left room for misinterpretations and ultimately resulted in a public dispute that has damaged the reputations of both parties involved. While the monetary value of the disputed payment may seem relatively small, the symbolic value of this incident is significant, highlighting the need for greater respect and recognition for all contributors to the entertainment industry, regardless of their role or perceived status. The fallout from this incident serves as a cautionary tale for both artists and service providers, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication, fair compensation, and professional courtesy.
