Ghanaian rapper, Edem, has voiced his apprehension regarding the prevalence of gatekeepers within the entertainment industry.
He contends that these gatekeepers frequently impede the advancement of artists they are not inclined to support, often making decisions driven by emotion rather than logic.
During an interview on Metro TV, Edem disclosed that the Ghanaian entertainment landscape predominantly thrives on the exchange of favors rather than monetary value.
Many stakeholders prioritize assistance with the expectation of reciprocal favors, rather than emphasizing financial transactions.
Edem underscored the necessity for the industry to transition towards a more financially oriented discourse to encourage individuals to take their roles more seriously.
“We’re in a space where people are more emotional than value-oriented. The gatekeepers feel that if I don’t agree with you, then it means that I should use my tools. And that’s because we are not in a space where we exchange a lot of monetary value. It’s a lot of help, and I think I can do this for you and get a favor in return.
“And I think when we move away from there and begin to make sure everything is about a money conversation, then people will be more serious because you wouldn’t be a gatekeeper and I won’t offer you anything. But you know that even though I’m a gatekeeper, when I bring a million dollars for the artiste, I’m also making some,” he said.
Edem also related an incident in which he saw a gatekeeper obstructing Dancehall artist Shatta Wale’s performance at an event by claiming there wouldn’t be enough demand for tickets. The gatekeeper, on the other hand, suggested a preferred artist.
“I’ve seen a conversation between a gatekeeper and a group of people who wanted to bring Shatta Wale to an event. The person straight up told them, ‘You know what this stadium event is 20 Ghana cedis, so he wouldn’t be able to sell out.’ Immediately, the gatekeeper brought in an artistE of their interest.” he stated.
Additionally, Edem said he had seen budgets giving $5,000 to international DJs—a number he thought had never before been given to a Ghanaian DJ.
He maintained that he would be happy to provide proof of these crimes when the time came.
“And my name also came up in that meeting without a person knowing that I was in the back of that conversation. And so I saw it. And I’ve seen budgets where people here are giving outsiders $5,000, a budget for a DJ. I don’t know which Ghanaian DJ has been paid that money before, so the gatekeeper stuff is real.
“And all what I’m saying if somebody doubts me, I have screenshots,” he revealed.