Entertainment
[EDITORIAL] Why Ayisi is not Getting the Expected Mileage in Ghana’s Music Industry
Ayisi stands out as one of Ghana’s most gifted contemporary musicians, technically sound, lyrically introspective, sonically refined, and artistically intentional. His music reflects depth, vulnerability, and a clear artistic identity that aligns with global alternative and neo-soul sensibilities. Yet, despite these strengths, Ayisi has not enjoyed the level of mainstream traction or industry mileage his talent seemingly deserves. This situation is not unique to Ayisi alone but reflects broader structural and cultural realities within Ghana’s music ecosystem.
- Misalignment with Ghana’s Mainstream Music Appetite
Ghana’s mainstream music market is largely driven by danceability, immediacy, and viral appeal. High-energy Afrobeats, street-oriented sounds, and party anthems dominate radio rotations, club playlists, and digital trends.
Ayisi’s music, however, leans toward:
- Emotional depth
- Alternative R&B / soul textures
- Slower tempos and reflective themes
While artistically rich, this style does not easily fit into mainstream commercial programming, especially in a market where DJs, presenters, and promoters prioritise instant crowd reaction over long-form appreciation.
In essence, Ayisi’s music asks listeners to feel and reflect, while the mainstream often wants to move and escape.
- Industry Bias Against Alternative and Non-Formula Artists
Ghana’s music industry still operates within narrow success templates. Artists who do not conform to popular formulas sonically or aesthetically often struggle for institutional support.
Ayisi’s alternative positioning places him:
- Outside heavy radio rotation
- Outside dominant label investment priorities
- Outside event promoters’ “sure crowd pull” calculations
As a result, his music thrives more in critical circles than in commercial pipelines. The industry has not yet fully matured to support multiple successful lanes simultaneously.
- Weak Industry Structures for Artist Development
One of the biggest challenges facing Ayisi and many artists like him is the absence of strong artist development systems in Ghana.
There is little to no structured support for:
- Long-term brand building
- Audience education for alternative music
- Strategic international positioning
- Consistent touring circuits for niche artists
Without these systems, artists who rely on gradual audience growth rather than instant hits are often left to fend for themselves.
- Limited Radio and Media Risk Appetite
Radio remains influential in Ghana, but many stations operate on risk-avoidance logic. Presenters often prefer songs that are already popular or “tested” rather than nurturing new or unconventional sounds.
Ayisi’s music:
- Does not scream for attention
- Requires repeated listening
- Is better suited to curated listening spaces
Unfortunately, such qualities do not always align with commercial radio programming, which thrives on repetition of familiar hits.
- Branding Perception and Market Expectation
Ayisi’s artistic branding is subtle, minimalist, and introspective. While globally appealing, this approach can be misinterpreted locally as:
- Being “too laid-back”
- Lacking aggression or hype
- Not pushing hard enough for visibility
In Ghana’s attention-driven entertainment space, silence and subtlety are often mistaken for weakness—even when they are deliberate artistic choices.
- Niche Audience Without Strong Monetisation Pathways
Ayisi has a loyal and appreciative audience, especially among:
- Young professionals
- Creative communities
- Alternative music lovers
However, Ghana lacks robust monetisation systems for niche audiences. Streaming revenues are low, live venues for alternative music are limited, and brand partnerships often favor mass-appeal artists.
Thus, even when the audience exists, the ecosystem does not convert appreciation into sustainable career growth.
- Better Suited for Global Than Local Market Dynamics
Ironically, Ayisi’s sound aligns more naturally with international alternative and neo-soul markets than Ghana’s domestic mainstream. Without deliberate international marketing, sync placements, or touring support, this advantage remains untapped.
Many Ghanaian artists only gain local respect after international validation, something Ayisi has not yet been institutionally positioned to leverage fully.
Talent Is Not the Problem – Structure Is
Ayisi’s limited mileage is not a reflection of artistic inadequacy but a systemic mismatch between creativity and industry infrastructure. His journey exposes the uncomfortable truth that Ghana’s music industry still struggles to nurture diversity beyond hit-making.
Until the industry:
- Embraces multiple success models
- Invests in artist development
- Builds spaces for alternative sounds
- Redefines what “success” truly means
Artists like Ayisi will continue to be celebrated for talent but denied full industry momentum.
Ayisi’s story is not just about one musician, it is a mirror held up to Ghana’s creative ecosystem, asking whether it is ready to evolve.
Culture
“We Entertain Stupidity in This Country” — GHOne’s Lilly Mohammed Slams Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Over IShowSpeed Passport Saga

Broadcast journalist Lilly Mohammed has descended on Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the decision to issue a Ghanaian passport to American streamer IShowSpeed.
Speaking on GH Today, GHOne TV’s morning show, the host expressed strong dissatisfaction with the minister’s action, questioning the justification for granting Ghanaian citizenship to the internet personality after a brief visit to the country.
“Let’s get serious as a country. It’s like we’re not serious at all. Somebody comes to Ghana, he’s a streamer, he’s putting Ghana on the global map, he’s doing whatever. He comes for a day or two, and then you shove a Ghanaian passport into his hands. You’re not serious,” she said.
Lilly Mohammed stated that she could not see the importance of IShowSpeed’s visit that warranted the issuance of a Ghanaian passport.
“You’re not serious. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, you were somebody we had high expectations of. You shoved a Ghanaian passport into the hands of somebody who came here streaming and embarking on his own personal thing. Coming to step on our jollof, jumping on the Black Stars Square, what has that done to our GDP? What has it added to our economy?” she questioned.
The media personality further compared the situation to Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, who has consistently promoted Africa on the global stage, asking whether any country had rewarded him with citizenship for his efforts.
“Wode Maya has been putting Ghana on the map globally. Have you seen America give him an American passport? Even Nigeria, has Nigeria given him a Nigerian passport? You entertain stupidity so much. You’ve given him a Ghanaian passport for what achievement? What has he done for Ghana?” she asked.
She also criticised the public reaction surrounding the visit, particularly an incident where some Ghanaians reportedly ate jollof rice that IShowSpeed had stepped on during his visit.
“You give him a Ghanaian passport because he sat on our jollof, and the moment he steps away, Ghanaians rush to eat it. You are not serious. With the greatest respect, let’s put some value on our passport. Let’s put value on this country,” she stressed.
Lilly Mohammed further lamented the difficulties faced by Ghanaian citizens in acquiring passports, contrasting it with the ease with which the streamer was allegedly granted one.
“Meanwhile, Ghanaians are queuing for passports. Ghanaian citizens born in this country, who by the Constitution are entitled to citizenship, are struggling. You say you have opened the passport system to eliminate goro boys, yet people are still finding it difficult to get a basic passport,” she said.
While clarifying that she had no personal issue with the streamer, she maintained that the decision to issue him a Ghanaian passport was unjustified.
“I have no problem with him. I didn’t even know him until he came to Ghana. It’s a beautiful thing what he’s doing, and it’s risky. For a young man, he’s very bold and deserves a pat on the back. However, to give him a Ghanaian passport, what has he done to deserve it? Let’s get serious in this country, for real,” she concluded.
Background
On Tuesday, January 27, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the Ministry had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to popular American streamer and internet personality IShowSpeed. According to the minister, the decision followed confirmation of what he described as the influencer’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.

IShowSpeed, an American streamer currently on an African tour highlighting the continent’s culture and lifestyle, arrived in Ghana on Sunday. He was officially welcomed on Monday, January 26, with a traditional Akan naming ceremony held in the Eastern Region.
Entertainment
Ghana Music Awards Europe Appoints Mona Gucci as Chief Operations Officer
Ghana Music Awards Europe has officially announced the appointment of Abigail Monalisa Semaha, widely known as Mona Gucci, as its new Chief Operations Officer.
The announcement, made in Accra and Europe, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership as it expands its footprint across Europe and the global Ghanaian music community.
According to the organizers, the appointment reflects Ghana Music Awards Europe’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership. Mona Gucci brings with her extensive experience in media, branding, communications, and creative industry management. She is widely respected for her deep understanding of entertainment culture, audience engagement, and strategic leadership.
In her new role, Mona Gucci will oversee the day-to-day operations of Ghana Music Awards Europe, lead strategic planning, manage partnerships, and supervise the execution of key initiatives aimed at elevating the awards scheme’s brand. Her leadership is expected to improve organizational efficiency, strengthen industry relationships, and enhance the overall experience for artists, stakeholders, and audiences.
Speaking on the appointment, organizers of Ghana Music Awards Europe expressed strong confidence in her ability to drive growth and innovation within the organization. They noted that her professionalism, experience, and insight into the entertainment landscape make her a valuable addition to the executive team.
Mona Gucci also expressed her excitement about the new role, stating that she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the celebration and global promotion of Ghanaian music and culture.
Ghana Music Awards Europe remains dedicated to recognizing and honoring Ghanaian musical excellence while creating platforms that connect artists to international audiences. The annual awards scheme was established to celebrate and promote Ghanaian music and creatives in Europe and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and global recognition for Ghana’s vibrant music industry.

Entertainment
High Court Confirms No Will on Record for Late Highlife Icon Daddy Lumba
The High Court in Accra has confirmed that there is no record of a last will belonging to the late highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, widely known as Daddy Lumba, at the Probate and Administration Division’s registry.
This confirmation followed an official search conducted as part of the legal process surrounding the administration of the musician’s estate.
According to court documents, the registry search was initiated to determine whether Daddy Lumba had deposited a will with the High Court. The request also sought details such as the date of deposit, the individual who submitted the document, and the lawyer who prepared it, should such a will exist.
However, a formal response from the registry, dated January 19, 2026, at 2:37 pm, stated that no will associated with the late musician is on record. The document, signed and stamped by the Registrar of the Probate and Administration Division, confirmed that the court’s registry holds no such record.
The absence of a registered will indicates that Daddy Lumba’s estate may be administered under Ghana’s intestate succession laws, unless a valid will is produced from another source. This development introduces additional legal considerations for the family and legal representatives managing his affairs.
Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most influential and celebrated highlife musicians, left behind an extensive musical catalogue that continues to shape the country’s music industry. Since his passing, public attention has remained focused on the handling of his estate, reflecting both his stature and the enduring impact of his legacy.

-
Entertainment1 week agoThe Exposé that Redefined the Creative Vote: Inside Kojo Preko Dankwa’s Deep Dive into the Creative Arts Agency
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoComedians are Chasing MC Roles: What Should Professional MCs Do?
-
Entertainment1 week ago8 Events that Ignited Detty December in Ghana
-
Entertainment1 week agoCreative Diplomacy in Limbo as PanAfrica–Ghana Awaits Government Response on Healing Africa Tour
-
Sports2 weeks agoMané Strike Sends Senegal into AFCON 2025 Final
-
Lifestyle1 week agoMost People Aren’t Afraid of Failure. They’re Afraid of Knowing Themselves
-
Mining2 weeks agoAkonta Mining Operations Manager Granted GH¢10 Million Bail in Illegal Mining Case
-
Culture3 hours ago
“We Entertain Stupidity in This Country” — GHOne’s Lilly Mohammed Slams Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Over IShowSpeed Passport Saga

