KiDi’s Candid Alarm: Why Ghana’s Musical Brilliance Risks Collapse Without Industry Structures

Ghanaian Afrobeats and Highlife star KiDi has sparked fresh debate about the state of Ghana’s creative economy after declaring that the country “does not have a proper music industry.” Speaking during an interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz show, the award-winning artiste lamented the absence of systems and structures to support musicians, arguing that talent alone cannot guarantee survival in today’s competitive global market.

The Weight of His Words

KiDi, known for his chart-topping hits and international collaborations, emphasised that Ghana is overflowing with gifted musicians. However, he believes their potential is being stifled by poor institutional frameworks, weak royalty collection, and a lack of investor confidence. “We are surviving on vibes and inshallah,” he quipped, pointing to the unpredictable and unsustainable environment artists face.

Core Challenges Highlighted

1. Broken Royalty Systems – Many artistes have publicly complained about receiving little or no royalties from the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO ARSOG, etc.), despite frequent airplay.
2. Weak Industry Institutions – Copyright enforcement, performance monitoring, and support structures remain fragile, leaving artists to fend for themselves.
3. Investor Scepticism – The lack of transparency and poor governance make Ghana’s music ecosystem unattractive to serious investors.
4. Professionalisation Gaps – Limited access to trained managers, lawyers, and structured labels hinders sustainable career development.

Impact on Artists

These challenges mean that artists with massive local hits often struggle financially, while upcoming acts find it nearly impossible to break through. Without strong systems in place, even established names risk burnout, exploitation, and loss of international relevance.

A Call to Action

Industry observers say KiDi’s concerns should not be brushed aside. To unlock the full potential of Ghana’s creative talent, stakeholders must:

• Modernise royalty collection with digital tracking and transparent reporting.
• Reform collecting societies and enforce accountability.
• Provide legal and business literacy training for artists.
• Create financing models and tax incentives to attract private capital.
• Build live performance circuits and professional artist management networks.

Conclusion

KiDi’s candid remarks serve as a wake-up call. Ghanaian music is rich in talent and creativity, but without strong industry structures, the nation risks losing its brightest stars to frustration or foreign systems that offer more stability. For Ghana’s creative economy to thrive globally, structure must match talent.