Rapper Sarkodie has challenged Ghanaian business executives and wealthy individuals to take a more active role in financing local musicians, arguing that limited investment support makes it difficult for artistes to undertake major projects and compete internationally.
Speaking on the When We Sit podcast, the award-winning musician said many Ghanaian artistes relied heavily on their own efforts to build their careers because securing financial backing from local investors remained a challenge, even when they presented structured business proposals.
“What Ghanaian artists do is organic. I give a business plan; even with that, it is hard to get some people to come in,” he said.
Sarkodie contrasted this experience with Nigeria’s music industry, where he believes wealthy individuals are more willing to take financial risks by investing in artistes they consider capable of achieving international success.
“But in Nigeria, I think they take a lot of risks; most rich people take a lot of risks to put their people on,” he added.
The rapper said the financial demands of building an internationally competitive music career could be substantial, particularly when artistes sought to stage major concerts and expand their presence in foreign markets.
He cited the cost of organising a concert at the O2 Arena in London as an example of the scale of investment required to reach global audiences.
“If I break down what it takes to do the O2 Arena, you will freak out, but then we still have to do it,” he said.
Sarkodie also recounted an encounter with Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu, during which the businessman reportedly discussed the amount of money he was investing in a Nigerian artiste he believed represented the future of Afrobeats.
For Sarkodie, the experience illustrated how financial backing from influential businesspeople could help musicians develop their brands, invest in production and pursue opportunities beyond their domestic markets.
He urged Ghanaian investors to view music as a business opportunity and support local artistes with the funding and strategic partnerships needed to grow their careers.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the commercial development of Ghana’s creative industry and the need for stronger private-sector participation in promoting local talent internationally.
The rapper’s appeal highlights the importance of combining artistic creativity with financial investment to help Ghanaian musicians undertake ambitious projects, access wider audiences and strengthen the country’s position in the global music market.
