For my decade-long practice as an entertainment journalist in Ghana, I have never fully understood the concept of talking down on another brand simply to change the public’s perception about it.
I do not understand why an industry that has only a handful of creatives—people who, through their selflessness and the support of others in the industry, have created a life and a legacy worth celebrating for all of us—continues to degrade its own anytime something positive happens.
At times, I am tempted to believe the notion that Ghanaians simply do not like their own people. We seem to appreciate and celebrate outsiders far more easily, yet we are quick to criticize our own at every opportunity.
Because tell me: why is it that when an artist who has had a long-time dream of staging a show at an arena—one that has hosted some of the most celebrated music stars across the world—gets closer to achieving that dream, all we seem to have to say are the worst things?
This is an arena many of us have longed to see one of our own fill. It is a dream not just for the artist, but for anyone associated with entertainment in Ghana. The pride and prestige that such a feat would bring to the country as a whole cannot be overstated.
There are countless benefits when a Ghanaian musical artist gets the opportunity to perform at these global event centers. It goes beyond personal success. It elevates the visibility of our music, opens doors for collaborations, strengthens the global perception of our creative industry, and creates economic and cultural opportunities for many others back home.
My colleague Kenneth Darko has already compiled a detailed breakdown of these benefits.
So why is it that, as a people, we are so quick to focus on trivial conversations, negativity, and degrading comments when industry discussions should be centered on uplifting and building the sector?
Let me be clear: I am not against discussions that bring relevant points and facts to the table. Constructive criticism is necessary for growth. What worries me, however, is when winners allow losers to rewrite history.
You can never truly benefit from something you consistently undermine. As an industry, we are not seeing the level of growth we ought to because we constantly downplay everyone’s efforts.
No one is ever good enough. Someone will always find a reason to hate, insult, or diminish another person’s hard work. And somehow, this culture has been accepted by a section of the industry as “what keeps the industry going.” What crass thinking.
Instead of building momentum around the few successes we have, we tear them down in the name of comparison, rivalry, or misplaced pride. Yet the truth is simple: every win for one creative should be seen as a win for the industry as a whole.
It is even more ironic when you consider that many of us proudly identify as Christians. Yet we seem to forget the very scriptures that encourage belief, possibility, and collective victory.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
And Romans 8:37 declares: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”
If we truly believe these words, then we should also believe in the limitless potential of our own people.
As an industry, we must focus on nurturing, supporting, and protecting our creatives. We must refrain from disrespecting talent through needless comparisons and destructive narratives. That is the only way forward.
If anyone is dreaming about seeing real change in our creative ecosystem, the time is now. And it begins with the person staring back at you in the mirror.
The author, Rebecca Tweneboah Darko (Becky), is an entertainment journalist/Producer with The Multimedia Group.
The views expressed in the article are her own and do not reflect the sentiment of the institution.
Facebook: Becky Gh. Instagram: @iambecky23. Twitter: @iambecky23. YouTube: Becks Channel
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