By Gloria Anderson
In a significant move to amplify the rich sounds of Ghanaian music during the festive season, the Creative Arts Industry has encouraged music producers and DJs to prioritize local music.
The campaign, dubbed #PlayGhana led by the Director of the Creative Arts Agency, Gyankromah Akufo-Addo, and renowned Music Producer/Cultural Activist, Smallgod-Nana Appiasei, is aimed to garner support for local music and legislation favoring the broadcasting of local content.
High-profile dignitaries and prominent Ghanaian artists, including Black Sheriff, Samini, Reggie Rockstone, and D-Black, were also present to lend their voices to the cause.
Ms. Akufo-Addo stated, “Today marks the day that we are pledging to push Ghanaian music to the forefront of our audiences, starting at home. The Creative Arts Agency will collaborate with stakeholders and players in the music, film, and broadcasting industries to review our local content regulations.”
She emphasized the need for amendments to both the cultural policy and the broadcasting bill, taking inspiration from Nigeria’s 70% local content law across music, film, and broadcasting.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, stressed the importance of collaboration among artists and music producers. He warned that without such unity, Ghana risked succumbing to the constant influx of foreign music.
Smallgod-Nana Appiasei expressed concern over the decline of Ghanaian music and urged intentional efforts to elevate local content to regional standards.
He said the campaign if taken seriously would not only bolster the festive atmosphere with local sounds but also pave the way for a more robust and sustainable future for Ghanaian music on the global stage.
