Ghanaian rapper Medikal has spoken out about the pressure on specific groups and individuals within the music industry to produce hit songs.
Addressing fellow musicians and industry stakeholders regarding what he terms as the industry’s mounting pressure, the Rapper emphasized that this relentless drive has led to a concerning fixation on achieving commercial success at any cost.
Sharing his thoughts with his followers on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), Medikal expressed, “Ghana music is gradually losing its authenticity and distinctiveness due to the immense pressure imposed by certain factions. The essence of enjoyment and amusement is progressively shifting from mere entertainment to a predefined target. Note well: Music is not a competition.”
Historically, music has served as a platform for self-expression, narrative, and a reflective lens that captures both the triumphs and struggles of society.
Presently, however, the pursuit of “making it big” appears to overshadow these fundamental qualities. Artists like Medikal are finding themselves compelled to conform to standardized formulas that are perceived as more market-friendly, often yielding songs that lack the distinct nuances and genuine authenticity that have characterized Ghanaian music for generations.
According to Medikal, the vital “sauce” that has been an integral part of Ghanaian music is gradually becoming diluted under the weight of mounting expectations.
These sentiments follow the ongoing critiques that have surrounded the industry, particularly in the wake of the recent triumphs achieved by Nigerian stars such as Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Asake, all of whom have hosted groundbreaking concerts on international stages.