Ghanaian musicians advocate for increased local music airplay through #playghana initiative

Ghanaian musicians, including Black Sherif, Samini, Small God, and Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, have joined forces to promote the #PlayGhana initiative, aimed at boosting the presence of Ghanaian music on the airwaves.

The artists gathered in front of the Ministry of Information in Ghana to deliberate on the initiative, which seeks to advocate for the implementation of a 70% local content law, similar to that of Nigeria, to increase the playing of Ghanaian music. The #PlayGhana initiative comes ahead of the Christmas 'detty December' activities, during which there is a surge of diasporans spending their holidays in Ghana.

The initiative represents a collective effort to celebrate and promote the diverse talent within the Ghanaian music industry. The artists' push for increased local content draws parallels to Nigeria's efforts to achieve 70% local content in its music industry, as announced by Lai Mohammed in March of 2020. The success of the said initiative has led to the rise of Nigerian superstars like Rema, Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Tems.

The #PlayGhana initiative aims to replicate the success of Nigeria's local content regulations and serve as a blueprint for other resource-rich African nations. The involvement of prominent Ghanaian artists in the #PlayGhana initiative underscores the importance of supporting local talent and the cultural significance of promoting homegrown music.

Contrary to the blog posts saying that Black Sherif and other Ghanaian artists were calling for a ban on foreign content, they are advocating for increased Ghanaian music airplay. The artists' advocacy for increased local music airplay is a significant step towards amplifying the presence of Ghanaian music both domestically and internationally.