Entertainment
[EDITORIAL] Lyrical Wars or Industry Wounds? The Truth Behind Music Beefs
In recent years, beefs have become a dominant force in Ghana’s music industry. From lyrical jabs to full-blown social media feuds, artists regularly go head-to-head, sometimes for fame, other times for pride. But the question remains: Are beefs truly necessary in our music industry?
From one angle, beefs can energise the music scene, stir conversations, and drive massive attention toward artists and their works. It keeps the industry competitive and exciting, pulling fans deeper into the culture. However, beefs can also sow division, fuel unhealthy rivalries, and even threaten the unity and growth of the creative space. On the flip side, they can fragment the industry, spark unnecessary tension, and even escalate into dangerous conflicts.
A historical example that still echoes in the global music scene is the infamous feud between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., which not only divided the hip-hop community but tragically led to the loss of two great talents. What began as a lyrical rivalry ended in bloodshed, costing both men their lives. It’s a harsh reminder that when egos clash without boundaries, the consequences can be devastating. It reminds us that beefs, if not managed, can do more harm than good.
Back home, the Ghanaian music industry has not been immune to such confrontations. High-profile artists have often clashed publicly, leaving fans and observers questioning the real purpose behind these feuds. While beefs have existed in the industry for decades, the pressing question remains: Are they truly necessary?
Ghana’s Long History with Beefs.
Ghana is no stranger to artist rivalries. The likes of legendary DADDY LUMBA and Nana Acheampong to Paa solo and the Sibo brothers, e.t.c. In the early 1990s, Richard Kwasi Siaw Afrofi, popularly known as EX Doe, and his former collaborator, Patrick Gogoh, a.k.a. Chicago, shook the scene with diss tracks that thrilled fans and elevated their careers, at least temporarily, but decades later, one wonders: Did it build legacies or fade as industry noise?
The feud between Shatta Wale and SAMINI marked one of the longest-running beefs in Ghanaian music history. Though the reasons were never obvious, their clashes dominated headlines, disrupted award shows, and split fans into camps. While both artists gained visibility, the industry was left to deal with the aftermath.
The New Age of Lyrical Warfare.
Modern-day rivalries have taken beefs to a more digital, and sometimes theatrical, level. The 2016 lyrical clash between M.anifest (god MC) and Sarkodie (Kanta) revived the essence of pure rap battles in Ghana. Though intellectually stimulating and creatively executed, it sparked debates about respect, originality, and authenticity in Ghanaian hip-hop.
Soon after, rappers like EL, Strongman Burner , Eno Barony, Obibini, Sister Afia, Medikal, among others, also found themselves on the battlefield. The Strongman-Medikal beef, in particular, was a lyrical spectacle, with tracks like “Don’t Try” and “Last Burial” igniting the rap scene and captivating audiences. But again, was it its artistry or animosity?
Beyond the Lyrics: Personal & Industry Beefs.
Feuds aren’t always about the music. Female artists like Wendy Shay, Fantana, and Sister Debby have had their share of online spats, often centred around record label politics and personal branding. Such conflicts don’t just reflect personal differences; they expose the cracks in artist management and industry structure.
And who can forget the drama between Shatta wale(shatta movement) and Stonebwoy that climaxed at the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards? What should have been a celebration of excellence nearly turned violent, resulting in temporary bans for both artists. Though they’ve since reconciled, that moment raised serious questions about professionalism, security, and leadership in the music space.
Is It All Worth It?
Some industry players argue that beef is good for business. Some suggest that beefs sell the industry, make it louder, and keep fans engaged. In some cases, that may be true, streams increase, followings grow, and artists trend. But at what cost?
Beefs can also derail careers, discourage collaborations, and create toxic fan bases. Younger artists looking up to veterans may begin to see division as the norm, rather than unity and creativity.
The Verdict
So, is beef necessary in our music industry?
The answer lies in how the beef is handled. If rooted in creativity, mutual respect, and competition, beefs can sharpen skills and add spice to the culture. But when fueled by ego, hatred, and violence, they become poisonous to both artists and the industry.
As fans, let’s encourage lyrical excellence and constructive competition, not chaos. As artists, let the microphone be your sword, not your downfall. And as stakeholders, let’s create systems that reward artistry over the controversy.
Because in the end, music should unite more than it divides.
The third edition of Ghana Chieftaincy Awards and the Royal Investment Summit have been launched.
This year’s edition, themed “A United Front for Environmental Awareness, Royal Investment and Tourism Promotion”, was officially launched at the Swiss Spirit Alisa Hotel at North Ridge, Accra, on Thursday 17th July 2025.
The launch marks a significant expansion of the awards’ scope to include environmental advocacy, investment promotion and tourism development, alongside its core mission of recognising excellence in chieftaincy.
The launch was held under the auspices of His Majesty Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area and Board Chairman of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards.
The 2025 award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 3rd and 4th October at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.
Speaking at the launch, Nana Obokese Ampah, Chief Executive Officer of the Obokese Foundation, organisers of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards, outlined the four thematic pillars of the scheme.
“We have four thematic areas. The first among them is the development of Chieftaincy as an institution, women and youth empowerment, rural support and number four is Diaspora integration,” he noted.
He also announced a partnership with the Blackstar Experience for this year’s awards.
Rex Owusu Marfo, Co-ordinator of the Blackstar Experience, expressed his office’s commitment to the success of the 2025 Ghana Chieftaincy Awards and Royal Investment Summit.
“The Blackstar Experience in partnership with the Obokese Foundation envisage a Ghana where royal investments translate into tangible opportunities for our youth and women. By leveraging the importance of chieftaincy, we can attract ethical investment, revival cultural enterprises and create jobs that will honour our heritage,” he said.
The Ghana Chieftaincy Awards, also known as the Nananom Honours, are organised by the Obokese Foundation to recognise traditional leaders who exemplify leadership, good governance, community development and cultural preservation.
The Abankese Festival 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of Ghana’s rich heritage, culture, and unity. With the theme One Beat, One People, it will weave together music, art, fashion, food, and community initiatives across three historic coastal towns.
This year’s Festival promises to unite local communities, the diaspora, and global tourists in a four-day cultural celebration across Anomabo, Elmina, and Cape Coast from December 24 to 27.
The festival will showcase Ghana’s rich heritage through drumming, dancing, masquerade parades, art exhibitions, and live performances by top Ghanaian and international artists.
Highlights include the elegant all-white Diaspora Ball, the OBAASIMA Beauty Parade honouring Ghanaian womanhood, Echoes of Culture celebrating oral traditions and folklore, and the Abankese Music Concert featuring diverse music genres.
Beyond entertainment, Abankese 2025 emphasises community impact with free medical screenings and a feeding programme for 2,000 children.
🎉 What You Need to Know
📍 Locations & Dates
-
Anomabo: December 24, 2025 (opening with a glamorous Diaspora Ball at Fort William)
-
Elmina: December 25, 2025 — featuring the “Rhythms of Elmina” performances
-
Cape Coast: December 26–27, 2025 — with multiple signature events including the Freedom Marathon and Obaasima Beauty Parade.
🌟 Key Festival Highlights
-
Diaspora Ball: An elegant white-themed gala at Anomabo that reconnects Ghana with its global diaspora community.
-
Rhythms of Elmina: A dynamic blend of music, dance, and masquerade presentations on December 25.
-
Echoes of Culture: Folklore, storytelling, dance, and art exhibitions that preserve ancestral traditions.
-
Abankese Music Concert: A high-energy lineup featuring both local and international acts across genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, Hiplife, and Reggae.
-
Obaasima Beauty Parade: Celebrates the elegance and strength of Ghanaian women through traditional fashion and storytelling.
-
Health & Community Outreach: Free medical screenings for locals and feeding programs for 2,000 children—integral to the festival’s ethos of giving back.
🌀 Why It Matters
-
Cultural Revitalisation: Showcasing Ghana’s heritage beyond the colonial history of coastal castles, fostering pride in ancestral arts and identity.
-
Unity in Diversity: Bringing together visitors, locals, and the diaspora under a shared cultural rhythm—celebrating heritage and forging connection.
-
Tourism & Economic Impact: With a multi-venue format across Anomabo, Elmina, and Cape Coast, the festival boosts cultural tourism and local livelihoods.
📋 At-a-Glance Overview
| Date | Location | Highlight Event |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | Anomabo | Diaspora Ball at Fort William |
| Dec 25 | Elmina | Rhythms of Elmina performances |
| Dec 26–27 | Cape Coast | Music Concerts, Obaasima Parade, Health Drives |
🤝 Who’s Behind It
Blow Media and the Abankese Foundation, in partnership with local chiefs, Ghanaian government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and international collaborators, are leading the festival efforts.—designed to resonate both locally and globally
Organised by Blow Media and the Abankese Foundation with support from local chiefs, government agencies, and tourism partners, the festival is more than an event. It is a movement celebrating the true spirit of African culture.
Join us and experience the heartbeat of Africa.
In a move that reflects the dynamic relationship between music and politics, the Ghana Music Awards Europe has unveiled a new category for its upcoming edition Political Campaign Song of the Year. This innovative addition seeks to recognise the powerful role music plays in shaping public discourse and driving political engagement.
The announcement was made at the official nominee unveiling for the 4th edition of the awards, held on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, at the Closag Hall in Accra.
This strategic addition reflects the ever-expanding role of music in Ghanaian society, particularly in the political landscape, where campaign songs often become anthems that shape narratives, stir emotions, and mobilise support across the country.
According to the P.R.O. of the scheme, Vida Adu Twumwaa, the inclusion of this category is part of a broader vision to “open the scope of the awards to all corners where music plays a major role.” They believe that recognising political campaign songs not only acknowledges the creativity and influence of the artists behind them, but also appreciates the power of music as a communication tool in democratic processes.
Over the years, political parties in Ghana have increasingly turned to musicians and composers to craft catchy, message-driven tunes to champion their ideals and connect with the masses. From highlife to hiplife and gospel-infused jingles, campaign songs have transcended their initial purpose to become cultural moments in their own right widely shared across social media, rallies, and radio airwaves.
“This is a bold and timely step,” said the P.R.O. of the scheme. “We’re honouring the role of music in every area of our live,s not just in the clubs or on streaming platforms, but also in the national conversation.” The category will be featured every four years, in line with Ghana’s general election cycle.
The Ghana Music Awards Europe, founded to celebrate Ghanaian talent abroad and at home, continues to gain recognition for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation. The addition of the Political Campaign Song of the Year category positions the scheme as not just an awards event, but a cultural barometer that reflects the nation’s heartbeat.
This year’s shortlist for the new category includes Nacee, Akwaboah, Eno Barony, among others.
The night also featured performances from the legendary Kwesi Pee, Rap Fada, and the Nkyimkyim Band, who entertained the audience as the nominations were rolled out.
Nominees across genres such as Highlife, Afrobeat, Gospel, Hiplife, and Reggae/Dancehall were also revealed during the event.
The Ghana Music Awards Europe 2025 will take place on 20 September in Belgium. The ceremony promises a grand celebration of Ghanaian music, uniting fans from Accra to Amsterdam, London, Berlin, France, and beyond.
Ato Forson Exposes ‘Gold-for-Oil’ as a Sham: No Gold Was Ever Traded for Fuel
[EDITORIAL] Lyrical Wars or Industry Wounds? The Truth Behind Music Beefs
Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi Sues Afia Schwarzenegger for Defamation
-
Sports1 week agoFauja Singh, World’s Oldest Marathon Runner, Dies at 114 After Hit-and-Run Accident in India
-
Politics1 week agoParliament Passes Landmark Fisheries Bill to Protect Ghana’s Marine Resources and Secure Global Market Access
-
Sports1 week agoDR Congo Signs €40 Million Sponsorship Deal with FC Barcelona to Boost Tourism Image
-
Entertainment4 days agoGhana Chieftaincy Awards 2025 and Royal Investment Summit launched in Accra
-
General News3 days agoAblekuma North MP Ewurabena Aubynn Joins Ghana Shippers Authority Board
-
Europe Sports2 weeks agoLiverpool Retires Number 20 Shirt to Honour Late Star Diogo Jota After Fatal Car Crash
-
Politics2 weeks agoChaos at Odorkor Polling Station Halts Voting as Hawa Koomson Sparks Altercation During Ablekuma North Re-run
-
Crime and Investigation2 weeks agoNana Agradaa Seeks Bail Pending Appeal, Claims Unfair Trial and Judicial Bias