Kofi Kinaata, a celebrated Ghanaian Highlife artist, has offered poignant advice to emerging musicians, urging them to prioritize honing their craft over lamenting perceived neglect. He contends that the path to recognition lies not in complaints, but in dedicated effort and consistent output. Kinaata’s message centers on the principle that true talent, when coupled with strategic visibility, inevitably commands attention and opportunity. He encourages aspiring artists to shift their focus from perceived slights to the consistent refinement of their musical abilities, emphasizing that their work should be their primary advocate.
Kinaata’s perspective stems from his observation that many up-and-coming artists are preoccupied with their exclusion from events and platforms, often attributing this to industry bias or lack of recognition. He counters this perception by highlighting the organic process by which established artists, like Sarkodie, secure their positions. He uses the example of events held in Sarkodie’s neighborhood, emphasizing that Sarkodie’s consistent presence and established reputation make his inclusion a natural consequence of his influence and demand. This, Kinaata argues, is the model emerging artists should emulate: building a body of work and a level of recognition that makes their participation in events an undeniable necessity.
The core of Kinaata’s advice lies in the understanding that opportunities are not bestowed, but earned. He posits that complaining about being overlooked is a fruitless exercise, diverting energy that could be better channeled into creative development and strategic self-promotion. He emphasizes the power of consistent effort and the importance of letting one’s work speak for itself. This, he believes, is the most effective way to gain recognition and secure a place within the competitive music industry.
Kinaata’s counsel extends beyond mere hard work to encompass the strategic cultivation of visibility. He implicitly suggests that emerging artists need to be proactive in promoting their music and engaging with their target audience. This could involve leveraging social media, performing at smaller venues, collaborating with other artists, and consistently releasing new material. The underlying message is that visibility is not a matter of luck, but a deliberate and ongoing effort to connect with audiences and build a loyal following.
The artist’s analogy of Sarkodie’s local influence serves as a practical illustration of this principle. Sarkodie’s prominence in his community didn’t arise from complaints or demands, but from years of dedicated work, consistent output, and strategic engagement with his audience. This localized recognition translated into broader appeal, ultimately establishing him as a major force in the Ghanaian music scene. Kinaata suggests that emerging artists can learn from this model, focusing on building a strong foundation within their immediate reach and gradually expanding their influence outwards.
In essence, Kofi Kinaata’s message to aspiring musicians is a call to action. He encourages them to move beyond the mindset of grievance and embrace a proactive approach to their careers. This involves a relentless focus on improving their craft, strategically building their visibility, and letting the quality of their work speak for itself. He emphasizes that success in the music industry is not a product of chance or favoritism, but the result of consistent effort, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication to one’s artistic vision. This, he believes, is the true path to recognition and lasting impact.
