On Thursday, December 14, the Creative Arts Agency, in collaboration with several musicians, officially launched the #PlayGhana initiative.
The primary objective of this initiative is to bolster the promotion of Ghanaian music throughout the country consistently, all year round. The timing is strategic, aiming to kick off before the Christmas ‘detty December’ festivities, during which there is a surge in the presence of diasporans spending their holidays in Ghana.
During the press conference to launch the initiative, Samini emphasised the importance of giving Ghanaian music a prominent position, highlighting that the prevalent dominance of foreign music over local songs has significantly impeded the growth of the industry.
While #PlayGhana has garnered support from many quarters, there have been some critics, including Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale.
Read Also: Samini, Black Sherif, Smallgod, Reggie Rockstone lead #PlayGhana initiative
Taking to social media on Monday, December 18, Shatta Wale ridiculed the initiative and the proposed percentage allocation for Ghanaian music on the airwaves.
He argued that even if foreign music were restricted to just 10% of airplay, it would still overshadow Ghanaian songs.
“I just woke up to tell you, you can’t fight foreign music. Their 10% music will overshadow the whole Ghana Country with so much jealousy when it’s not them on the frontline. You see how poverty dey worry your artiste with nonsense suggestion…It’s poverty, my guy [sic],” Shatta Wale wrote.
I just woke up to tell you ,you can’t fight foreign music
Their 10% music will over-shadow the whole Ghana
Country with so much jealousy when it’s not them on the frontline
You see how poverty deh worry your artiste with nonesense suggestion ..
It’s poverty…
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) December 17, 2023
This perspective did not sit well with his fellow artiste Samini, who has been actively supporting the #PlayGhana initiative.
Samini questioned why there should be an issue if artistes demand more support for the industry’s growth. He reiterated the commitment to prioritising Ghanaian music over foreign content.
“Bro Lol. Ghana has become a spotlight over the last few years and this is not ending anytime soon. What’s wrong with creatives appealing for more local content on our airwaves? Who does this hurt? So if it’s not your suggestion then it’s nonsense eeh lol. Shut up I beg,” Samini rebutted.
Bro Lol. Ghana has become a spotlight over the last few years and this is not ending anytime soon. What’s wrong with creatives appealing for more local content on our airwaves? Who does this hurt? So if it’s not your suggestion then it’s nonsense eeh lol. Shut up I beg… https://t.co/y6NQJcOLNJ
— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) December 18, 2023
In a riposte to Samini, Shatta Wale clarified that he does not oppose artistes demanding more support for Ghanaian music.
However, he pointed out that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed for initiatives like #PlayGhana to succeed.
He asserted that the creatives advocating for more local content are not effectively playing their roles for such initiatives to thrive.
He emphasised that his intention is not to belittle anyone’s efforts but to highlight an existing challenge.
“My legend, you just have to know we are too grown now to bull… the agenda. Nothing is wrong if creatives are on that path, but the question is: Do the creatives themselves play their roles well to make these DJs play your songs… BIG NO! WHY?”
My legend ,you just have to know we are too grown now to bullshit the agenda .Nothing is wrong if creatives are on that path but the question is : Do the creative themselves play their roles well to make these DJ’s play your songs ..BIG NO !! ,WHY ?
Don’t pretend like you don’t… https://t.co/YwGr8WE6A4
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) December 18, 2023
“Don’t pretend like you don’t know the problem… you do that’s why today they don’t even listen to the great Samini when he talks… I am not here to rubbish your efforts neither do I want my ways to be accepted but ‘THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM MY LEGEND’ and you know it. I say this with a good heart Love,” Shatta Wale tweeted.
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