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.
Entertainment
From Lekzy’s “A Fool in April” to Parrot Mouth’s “Laugh it Off”: Albert Bondah’s Rise as a Creative Force in the comedy industry
In Ghana’s creative arts space, talent alone is not enough. What keeps the industry moving are people who can adapt, solve problems on the spot, and hold a production together when things get uncertain. That is where a true utility player stands out. And in recent times, Albert Bondah has proven exactly why that role matters, especially with his work on “Laugh It Off” by Parrot Mouth.
Fresh off the momentum of successfully steering Lekzy De Comic’s “A Fool in April”, Albert stepped into “Laugh It Off” with both confidence and pressure. The expectations were higher this time. The audience anticipated a seamless experience. The team itself included seasoned practitioners, many with years more experience. It was not just another show. It was a test of leadership, adaptability, and execution under pressure.
And the challenges came early.
From coordinating a diverse team to managing creative differences, Laugh It Off demanded more than technical know-how. There were moments when plans had to change on short notice. Timing had to be adjusted. Resources had to be stretched. At certain points, the weight of leading experienced hands could have easily unsettled the process. But this is where Albert’s strength as a utility player became clear.
Instead of resisting the pressure, he leaned into it. Drawing from his journey across theatre, comedy, and production, Albert approached each challenge with a calm, solution-driven mindset. His experience from past productions, especially handling unpredictable situations like adverse weather in earlier shows, helped him stay grounded.
On Laugh It Off, he knew when to step in, when to delegate, and when to simply let creativity flow. More importantly, he listened. Working with experienced professionals taught him the value of collaboration at a deeper level. He understood that leadership in creative spaces is not about control, but about direction.
By blending his own ideas with the input of others, he created an environment where everyone could contribute effectively. The result was a show that felt cohesive, engaging, and well-executed.
There were lessons too. Laugh It Off reinforced the importance of preparation, but also the need to stay flexible. It highlighted the value of clear communication within a team. And above all, it showed that experience is not just about how long you have worked, but how well you can apply what you know in real time. Albert brought all of that to bear.
From his early days as a student producer at Cape FM to working across major productions in Ghana’s creative arts industry, he has built a reputation for reliability and versatility. But with Laugh It Off, he did more than just contribute; he led, adapted, and delivered under pressure.

Albert Bondah- Comedy Promoter
This is what makes him a creative utility player. He is not confined to one role. He understands the full scope of production. He can move between responsibilities without losing focus on the bigger picture. And when it matters most, he shows up with solutions, not excuses.
As the curtains closed on “Laugh It Off”, one thing became clear: the success of the show was not accidental. It was the result of experience, meeting preparation, and preparation meeting preparation.
For brands, producers, and creatives looking to execute high-quality productions, Albert Bondah represents something valuable: a dependable force behind the scenes who ensures that ideas do not just stay ideas but come to life, even in the face of challenges. In an industry that thrives on unpredictability, that kind of consistency is rare. And it is exactly why Albert continues to stand out.
Written by: Lord Kofi Amoabeng [Creative Writer & Digital Media Marketer]
Entertainment
Haruna Rashid Yussif vrs Africa University of Communication and Business; SRC Presidential Aspirant Challenges Election Outcome
Tension is rising within the Africa University of Communication and Business (AUCB) following a dispute involving SRC presidential aspirant Haruna Rashid Yussif, who has raised concerns over the conduct and outcome of the recent Student Representative Council (SRC) elections.
Haruna Rasfid Yussif, a prominent contender in the race, is reportedly contesting aspects of the electoral process, questioning both transparency and fairness. His grievances are believed to stem from irregularities observed before and during the voting process, which he argues may have influenced the final results.
According to emerging reports, sections of his campaign team have also expressed dissatisfaction, calling for a thorough review of the election procedures. While full official details remain limited, discussions circulating within student circles suggest that the matter could escalate if not addressed by university authorities.
The SRC election, a key democratic exercise within the institution, is expected to reflect the voice and choice of the student body. However, controversies such as this risk undermining confidence in the process, particularly among candidates and their supporters.
Observers note that disputes of this nature are not uncommon in student politics, but the response from university management will be critical in determining how the situation unfolds. Calls for dialogue, transparency, and possible redress mechanisms are already gaining traction.
As of now, the leadership of the Africa University of Communication and Business has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement addressing the concerns raised by Haruna Rashid Yussif.
The coming days are expected to be decisive as stakeholders await clarity, accountability, and a resolution that preserves the integrity of student governance on campus.
The silence from authorities at the Africa University of Communication and Business is only adding to the pressure. Students across campus are beginning to ask tough questions about accountability, fairness, and whether the SRC election truly reflected the will of the people.
Student politics may often mirror national dynamics, but this situation is fast escalating beyond routine disagreement. If not addressed swiftly, it risks eroding trust in the very system meant to represent student voices.
For now, all eyes are on the university’s leadership. Will they step in to investigate and restore confidence, or allow the controversy to deepen?
One thing is clear: this isn’t just about an election anymore. It’s about credibility.
Entertainment
Nigeria mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi
Nigeria is mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi, whose passing was confirmed on Monday.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, disclosed that the actor died in his sleep on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Yakubu, Akiyesi “slept and did not wake up.” He added that the late actor’s body has been placed in a morgue in the capital as the guild awaits further information from his family. The exact cause of death has not yet been made public.
Akiyesi, who began acting in the late 1990s, appeared in more than 100 movies and became known for roles in Marry Who You Love, Deadly Affair, and Desperate Ladies. Tributes have continued to pour in on social media, with colleagues and fans celebrating his impact on Nigeria’s film industry.
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