The Ghanaian music scene, while vibrant and culturally rich, has long been plagued by systemic issues, particularly regarding royalty collection and distribution. The experiences of established artists like the music duo Keche, and even veteran Highlife musician Amakye Dede, paint a bleak picture of the current state of affairs. These artists, despite producing numerous hit songs and contributing significantly to the Ghanaian music landscape, have reported receiving negligible royalties from GHAMRO, the organization tasked with protecting their intellectual property rights. Keche’s disclosure of never receiving even GH₵20, a paltry sum, highlights the profound disconnect between the value they create and the compensation they receive. This situation is not unique to them, but represents a pervasive problem impacting countless Ghanaian musicians who struggle to earn a living from their creative pursuits.
GHAMRO’s apparent inefficiencies and the resulting financial hardship faced by artists underscore a critical flaw within the Ghanaian music industry’s infrastructure. Amakye Dede’s experience of travelling from Kumasi to Accra only to be presented with a meager GH₵300 in royalties adds another layer of indignity to the issue. This instance reveals not only the inadequate financial compensation but also a lack of respect for the time, effort, and artistic contribution of musicians. Such experiences breed disillusionment and discourage artists from pursuing music as a viable career path. The cumulative effect of these individual struggles undermines the growth and sustainability of the entire Ghanaian music industry.
The core issue lies in the dysfunctional system of royalty collection and distribution. The lack of transparency and accountability within GHAMRO raises questions about its effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate. Whether due to administrative inefficiencies, corruption, or a lack of adequate resources, the current system fails to ensure that artists receive their rightful dues. This systemic failure perpetuates a cycle of poverty for many musicians, forcing them to seek alternative sources of income and potentially hindering their artistic output. Furthermore, it discourages investment in the music industry, as potential stakeholders are wary of engaging in a system where artists are not adequately compensated for their work.
Keche’s hopes for change under new political leadership, specifically referencing former President John Dramani Mahama’s previous support for the creative arts, reflects a broader sentiment within the Ghanaian music industry. Many artists believe that government intervention is crucial to addressing the deep-rooted problems plaguing the royalty system. They see political will as a catalyst for enacting necessary reforms within GHAMRO, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability in the collection and distribution of royalties. This desire for change underscores the importance of political leaders recognizing the economic and cultural significance of the music industry and prioritizing its development.
A functional and equitable royalty system is essential for the long-term health and vibrancy of the Ghanaian music industry. It not only provides artists with the financial stability to pursue their craft but also incentivizes creativity and innovation. When artists are fairly compensated for their work, they are more likely to invest in their artistic development, produce high-quality music, and contribute to the cultural enrichment of society. Moreover, a robust royalty system attracts investment, creates job opportunities, and contributes to the overall economic growth of the nation.
Ultimately, addressing the royalty crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates strengthening GHAMRO’s operational capacity, improving transparency and accountability within the organization, and enacting legislation that protects artists’ intellectual property rights. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and artists themselves is crucial for developing sustainable solutions. By working together, these actors can create an environment where Ghanaian musicians are fairly compensated for their work, enabling them to thrive and contribute to a flourishing and dynamic music industry. The hope expressed by artists like Keche for political leadership that prioritizes the creative sector signifies a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
