Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, emphasized the critical need for Ghana to establish a distinct musical identity to bolster its global recognition.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with music industry leaders, she underscored the importance of creating a unique music genre that appeals internationally, while also acknowledging Ghana’s historical role in shaping Highlife music.
“As it stands, when we mention Ghana music, the immediate question is often ‘what is Ghana music?’ We are currently supporting a diverse range of music styles, but it’s crucial for our producers and musicians to develop a specific sound that originates from Ghana.
Whether it’s Highlife or Hiplife, the key is to establish a music identity that is universally acknowledged,” she said.
Gyankroma explained further that the current landscape presents challenges in identifying a unique Ghanaian sound within the global music scene, a situation she believes should be rectified.
“Our music industry needs to reach a point where audiences worldwide can readily identify Ghana’s musical signature,“ she said.
“The aim is to foster a unique sound that can stand out on the global stage while allowing the diversity and creativity of Ghanaian musicians to flourish,” she added.
In December of last year, Ghana introduced the PlayGhana project, a significant initiative designed to increase the exposure of Ghanaian music on local radio stations.
This initiative comes at a critical time for the local music industry, aiming to support and promote homegrown talent by ensuring greater airtime for Ghanaian artists.
