Takoradi Member of Parliament, Hon. Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah, has urged young Ghanaian artistes to adopt strategic thinking, branding, and self-drive as key ingredients to building a successful music career, warning that government cannot financially support every artiste overnight.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Ghana Artists Achievers Awards, the Western Regional Minister briefly pivoted to highlight the critical role music plays in Ghanaian culture and the need to support emerging talents. But he stressed that success in the music industry demands more than just talent and government intervention.
“There is no beer bar that you will not hear music, there is no hotel that you will not hear music, there is no funeral that you will not hear music. So music is very important for the Ghanaian public, and I believe that young artistes need to be supported to rise.”he remarked.
He emphasized that while talent is a foundational asset, it is not enough to sustain a career in music. Citing global icons such as Michael Jackson and Ghanaian legends like Koo Nimo, he acknowledged that societies around the world often help propel artistes.
“Like I’ve said all the time, talent is just the entry fee. Strategy is important, branding is key to bringing back customers. You need to have a bigger and higher purpose than just singing. You should have meaning; you should be able to change culture and mindset, and uplift the souls of people.” he said.
The MP described upcoming musicians as “the new talent reservoir,” noting that many underground artistes are at the forefront of genre evolution: from palm wine and highlife to hiplife and dancehall. He called for greater national support to help them innovate and thrive.
Drawing from examples within the music industry, he pointed out that prominent artistes like Sarkodie have been instrumental in giving underground acts such as Black Sherif and Kweku Smoke platforms to shine. “That is very potent because they give you a space on their platform—it gives you that opportunity to also shine,” he said.
He continued, “You need to have a bigger and higher purpose than just singing. You should have meaning; you should be able to change culture and mindset, and uplift the souls of people. So, I believe young artistes are the new talent—like the reservoir we are looking for.”
However, he cautioned against unrealistic expectations: “They should also understand that it is not money overnight and they shouldn’t expect that government can support every single artiste overnight. It is not possible.”
He urged artistes to maximize every opportunity. “The little opportunity they get from anywhere, they should turn it around and multiply it. That will make them succeed,” he advised.
Referencing Sarkodie’s rise, he added, “I don’t think that government gives Sarkodie money, but out of hard work, he has been able to shoot up. Government will also support him to do things either internationally or nationally.”
Hon. Okyere Darko-Mensah concluded by encouraging young people to take charge of their dreams as the general public’s support comes to surge the work they have committed a notch higher.