Ghanaian businessman Great Osama, known privately as Kwaku Abonei, has criticised the conduct of some local musicians during performance negotiations, claiming they make the process more difficult than securing international acts.
Osama, who is bringing Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido to Manso in the Ashanti Region this weekend, said his experience engaging the Nigerian musician had been less stressful than working with some Ghanaian artistes.
Speaking on Angel FM in Kumasi, he alleged that some local musicians subject event organisers to unnecessary delays and lengthy negotiations, particularly when they believe the organisers have the financial capacity to meet their demands.
He claimed that some artistes deliberately make organisers go through several stages of negotiation before agreeing to perform.
“The Ghanaian artistes toss you around to find out if you will stand before they finally agree to work with you,” he said.
In contrast, Great Osama described Davido as humble and accommodating, insisting that the Nigerian star had not made excessive financial demands for the planned Manso show.
He said the negotiations with Davido had been straightforward and that he was working within his financial capacity to meet the requirements for the performance.
“Davido is very humble. He is not making outrageous demands. I am doing what my strength can provide,” he stated.
His comments have drawn attention to the challenges event organisers sometimes face when negotiating performance fees and other arrangements with musicians, as well as the differences in his experience securing the Nigerian star for the upcoming event.
