In a significant move to amplify the rich sounds of Ghanaian music during the festive season, the Creative Arts Industry has encouraged music producers and DJs to prioritise local music.
The campaign, dubbed #PlayGhana, led by the Director of the Creative Arts Agency, Gyankromah Akufo-Addo and renowned Music Producer/Cultural Activist, Smallgod-Nana Appiasei, is aimed to garner support for local music and legislation favoring the broadcasting of local content.
High-profile dignitaries and prominent Ghanaian artists, including Black Sheriff, Samini, Reggie Rockstone and D-Black were present at the event, to lend their voices to the cause.
Ms. Akufo-Addo stated, “today marks the day that we are pledging to push Ghanaian music to the forefront of our audiences, starting at home. The Creative Arts Agency will collaborate with stakeholders and players in the music, film and broadcasting industries to review our local content regulations.”
She emphasised the need for amendments to both the cultural policy and the broadcasting bill, taking inspiration from Nigeria’s 70% local content law across music, film and broadcasting.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, urged Ghanaians to deliberate on playing local music during the festive season.
This forms part of efforts by the government to amplify the promotion of Ghanaian music and creative content, leading to the legislation for the broadcasting of local content.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among artists and music producers. He warned that without such unity, Ghana risked succumbing to the constant influx of foreign music.
Smallgod-Nana Appiasei expressed his concern over the decline of Ghanaian music and urged intentional efforts to elevate local content to regional standards.
He said, the campaign, if taken seriously, would not only bolster the festive atmosphere with local sounds, but also pave the way for a more robust and sustainable future for Ghanaian music on the global stage.
