King of African Dancehall, Shatta Wale Calls for Reform in Ghana’s Music Industry in an Open Letter to President Mahama.
In a heartfelt open letter to Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama, iconic musician Shatta Wale has called for much-needed reforms in the country’s music industry. The letter, which reflects Shatta Wale’s deep concerns for the future of Ghanaian music, urges President Mahama to prioritize the development of the sector by attracting more professionals to radio and television, akin to the way ministers are appointed to key governmental roles when a new administration takes charge.
The letter, shared with his followers and the public, serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges the music industry faces and the changes needed to make it more professional and sustainable for future generations of musicians.
A Call for Change
Shatta Wale, one of Ghana’s most influential musicians, expressed his hope that President Mahama would apply the same level of attention and reform to the entertainment industry that comes with changes in other sectors of government. He emphasized that the younger generation of musicians should not have to endure the same struggles that artists like him had to face to carve out a career in music.
“The entertainment industry needs that change,” Shatta Wale writes, highlighting the importance of transforming the music sector into a legitimate career option for young talents. He believes that such reforms would not only benefit musicians but would also help position Ghana’s music industry as a global powerhouse, with radio and TV platforms reflecting the professionalism and creativity that the sector has to offer.
A Vision for the Future of Ghanaian Music
Shatta Wale’s message is clear: he wants to see the next generation of artists grow in an environment where music is treated not just as entertainment or a hobby, but as a respected, professional career path. With the right infrastructure, support, and training, the music industry could create more jobs, boost Ghana’s economy, and open doors for local talent to shine on the international stage.
The call for a more professionalized music ecosystem comes at a time when Ghanaian music continues to gain global recognition, with artists breaking through international charts and stages. However, as Shatta Wale points out, there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the industry continues to thrive sustainably.
A Message of Hope and Progress
The open letter ends with Shatta Wale’s respectful plea for the President to consider these changes not just for the benefit of the current generation of musicians, but also for the next. He is hopeful that under President Mahama’s leadership, the industry will see the kind of transformation that will make Ghanaian music a respected profession, one that offers both recognition and opportunities for growth.
“Just for the next generations to come and see this music business as a job and not just fun,” Shatta Wale humbly concludes.
Read Shatta Wale’s open letter below:
