Veteran Ghanaian musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has raised concerns about the direction of the music industry, highlighting a shift towards imitation rather than innovation.
Ambolley emphasized the importance of introducing fresh and creative ideas instead of replicating others in the industry.
He specifically pointed out that many contemporary artists are not pushing themselves to be original, which could hinder the industry’s future growth. Drawing a comparison to Nigerian musicians like Burna Boy, Ambolley noted how they incorporate their cultural identity into their music, making them easily identifiable on the global stage.
Ambolley criticized Ghanaian artists who claim titles like ‘Dancehall Kings’ or adopt foreign styles like singing in patois, arguing that such actions divert them from their authentic artistic identities. He stressed the importance of maintaining a unique identity in music, citing Burna Boy as an example of an artist whose Nigerian roots are evident in his music.
With hits like ‘Abrentsie,’ ‘Adwoa,’ and ‘The Simigwa,’ Ambolley’s legacy in Ghana’s music scene is undeniable, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry.
