Ras Wormz, hip-hop and Afro-indigenous rap-artist from Bongo in the Upper East Region has attributed the slow growth of the region’s music industry to poor artiste management, limited airplay for local music and inadequate support from audiences and businesses.
Speaking on Tooma La Dengo Sanga on Bolga FM, the rapper argued that the region is not short of musical talent but lacks the structures and professional systems needed to turn that talent into sustainable careers.
Ras Wormz estimated that about 90 percent of artistes in the Upper East Region operate without managers, while many of those who have managers are not receiving the level of professional support required to advance their careers.
He said an effective manager must take responsibility for building an artiste’s brand, securing performance opportunities, coordinating promotions and providing strategic direction.
“An artiste needs a manager to push the brand, book shows and do proper promotion. Not a caretaker while neglecting the key responsibilities of a manager. Without that, you will just be recording and releasing songs with no direction,” he said.
The rapper also criticised what he described as inadequate airplay for music produced by artistes from the Upper East Region.
He compared the situation to Tamale, where he said local radio stations give considerable airtime to indigenous music and artistes from the Northern Region.
“In Tamale, their radio stations play about 95% of indigenous songs from Tamale. But here in Upper East, it’s the opposite,” he said.
Ras Wormz, however, commended Bolga FM for its contribution to promoting local artistes and their music.
Beyond management and media exposure, Ras Wormz identified audience support as another major challenge confronting the regional music industry.
He said local artistes often struggle to attract large audiences when they organise events, despite the financial sacrifices involved in producing and promoting their music.
According to him, people in the region sometimes turn out in greater numbers to support visiting artistes than they do for musicians from their own communities.
He believed this affects artistes’ ability to generate revenue, organise bigger events and reinvest in their careers.
Despite his criticisms, Ras Wormz challenged artistes themselves to take greater responsibility for their careers rather than waiting for external support.
He urged musicians to improve the quality of their work, remain consistent and approach their careers with greater professionalism.
“Take your music as a business. Work on improving your quality, be consistent and don’t just wait for help. If you treat it like a business, people will start treating you like one too,” he advised.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Moses Anaba| Bolgatanga
