Ghanaian reggae musician, Shasha Marley, has been making waves in the news recently after he disclosed that he turned down a tempting offer of $50,000 from a political party in Ghana.
The offer came with the condition of composing a campaign song for the political party and was presented to Shasha Marley earlier this year. Despite initial excitement about the opportunity, the musician decided to reject the offer after consulting with his wife.
In an interview with Abeiku Santana on the Atuu show aired on UTV, Shasha Marley revealed, “You will be surprised and amazed to know that this year [2024], I rejected a $50,000 offer from a political party to do a reggae song for them… I had a call from a very old friend of mine who is not a politician, saying he has a big deal for me. I could not sleep that night. The following day, we met and he explained to me… When I returned home and briefed my wife, she advised me against it due to the politics involved, and eventually I agreed and rejected the offer.”
This decision highlights the delicate balance that artists often have to strike between financial gain and personal integrity. In Ghana, it is common for political parties to enlist musicians to create campaign songs that resonate with the public and help garner support.
Notable musicians like Diana Asamoah and Daddy Lumba have composed campaign songs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), while Jewel Ackah famously did the same for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). These songs play a crucial role in shaping public perception and influencing voter sentiment during election periods.
Shasha Marley’s rejection of the offer sheds light on the ethical considerations and personal convictions that artists navigate when engaging with political entities. While the financial incentives may be enticing, many artists, like Shasha Marley, prioritize maintaining independence and avoiding potential controversies that may arise from political affiliations.
