The music industry is often a battleground where talent meets opportunity, and the discourse surrounding the dominance of Nigerian artists in Ghana has been a topic of fervent discussion within entertainment circles.
Recently, Ghanaian gospel artist Celestine Donkor added her voice to this ongoing conversation, shedding light on why Nigerian artists seem to flourish in Ghana’s music scene.
In a candid interview on Hitz FM, the renowned ‘Agbebolo’ hitmaker articulated her perspective, attributing the success of Nigerian artists in Ghana to the favorable environment provided by Ghanaians themselves. Celestine Donkor pointed out that Ghanaians have facilitated a conducive platform for Nigerian artists to promote their music within the country, thus aiding their prominence in the industry.
Key to her argument was the assertion that Nigerians have been afforded opportunities to host programs in Ghana, thanks to the hospitality and support extended by Ghanaians. This, she emphasized, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and reach of Nigerian music within the Ghanaian market.
“Ghanaian society or space, has given the Nigerian musician fertile grounds, they have made them succeed in being able to come to host programs. They don’t pay payola they are played here. They have some of the big pastors bringing them. We don’t get the same advantage” She lamented.
A striking aspect of Donkor’s commentary was her mention of payola, a controversial practice in the Ghanaian music scene. She underscored the disparity in treatment between Nigerian and Ghanaian artists, highlighting that Nigerian artists seemingly bypass the need for payola while enjoying airplay in Ghana. She lamented the necessity for Ghanaian gospel artists to engage in payola, implying that their success often hinges on monetary transactions rather than sheer talent.
“Oh yes we pay payola, you can’t be head if you don’t pay, honestly. You will have a good song but you will be stuck somewhere if you don’t pay to be played. It is rather unfortunate, it is not so in other places. But it is like that here in Ghana.” She said.
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