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 President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa, has criticised the ban on partnerships between musicians and alcoholic beverage brands, describing it as a major threat to the survival of artistes in the country.
Speaking on Onua Showbiz with Nana Kwame Gyan last Saturday, Mr Dankwa argued that many musicians rely heavily on ambassadorial deals, live performances, and music streams as their primary sources of income. According to him, the restriction on alcohol-related endorsements, which often come with significant financial rewards, has removed a critical source of livelihood for creatives who do not earn fixed monthly salaries.
He noted that unlike workers in formal employment, musicians depend solely on their creative output to make a living, stressing that the ban fails to take into account the economic realities of those within the creative industry.
Mr Dankwa also questioned the justification for the ban, which is aimed at protecting minors from exposure to alcoholic products. He described the argument as weak, stating that children continue to encounter alcohol and tobacco products through various channels despite the restrictions on celebrity endorsements.
He cited everyday practices where minors are sent to purchase cigarettes or are involved in the sale of alcohol, questioning the effectiveness of enforcement by regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). He argued that placing the blame on musicians for children’s exposure to alcohol through advertisements is misplaced.
As an alternative approach, Mr Dankwa proposed stricter enforcement measures targeted at event organisers and vendors. He suggested that organisers of events where alcohol is sold should be mandated to restrict access to adults only, with the FDA empowered to sanction those who fail to comply.
According to him, such practical measures would better address the issue of minors’ exposure to alcohol without undermining the livelihoods of musicians.
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.
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.
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