 |
| Image: IG |
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has pointed to a difference in how wealthy individuals support musicians in Ghana and Nigeria, arguing that Nigerian artists benefit from investors who are more willing to take financial risks on homegrown talent.
The rapper believes that while Ghanaian musicians can put together business plans to attract investors, convincing people to commit their money to music projects remains a challenge. In Nigeria, however, he sees a stronger willingness among wealthy individuals to invest in artists and help them reach bigger stages.
Sarkodie explained that the financial demands of organising major international concerts can be overwhelming, but artists still have to find ways to meet those costs if they want to compete at the highest level.
He said:
“What Ghanaian artists do is organic. I give a business plan, even with that it is hard to get some people to come in. But in Nigeria, I think they take a lot of risk, most of the rich people with money, take a lot of risk to put their people on. If I breakdown what it takes to do the O2 Arena, you will freak out, but then we still have to do it.
“I met Tony Elumelu in a suit store in London. He remembered booking me for his bank’s end-of-year party. He said he’s supporting a Nigerian artiste he believes is the future of Afrobeats. The amount he’s given to the artiste is huge. Ghanaians don’t have that.”
His account of meeting Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu in London illustrates the kind of financial backing he believes can make a difference in an artist’s career. According to Sarkodie, Elumelu recalled booking him to perform at his bank’s end-of-year party before telling him about his support for a Nigerian musician he considers important to the future of Afrobeats.
For Sarkodie, the amount of money involved in that investment highlights a gap between the two countries when it comes to private-sector support for music.
His comments also bring attention to the financial challenges artists face when trying to expand beyond their home markets. Performing at major venues such as the O2 Arena requires substantial investment, from production and logistics to promotion and other operational expenses. For artists hoping to build an international audience, securing the necessary funding can be just as important as producing successful music.
Sarkodie’s comparison suggests that talent alone may not be enough to achieve such milestones. Access to investors who are prepared to commit significant resources can also influence how far musicians can take their careers.
While Ghana and Nigeria both have established music industries, the rapper believes the willingness of wealthy individuals to support local performers gives Nigerian artists an advantage.
#GhanaMusic
#Afrobeats
#NigerianMusic
No comments:
Post a Comment