One Person Cannot Carry a Nation – Black Sherif on Taking Ghanaian Music Global

Ghanaian musician Black Sherif has challenged the popular expectation that one artiste should be responsible for taking Ghanaian music to the global stage, insisting that the task requires collective effort from the entire industry.

According to the award-winning artiste, although a musician can become a prominent representative of the country’s sound internationally, achieving sustainable global success cannot depend on the efforts of a single individual.

“It is not realistic for one person to carry an entire nation to the global stage as people assume. It can never be the work of an individual artiste,” he said.

Black Sherif made the remarks while discussing the state of Ghana’s music industry and the country’s prospects of expanding its presence in the international market.

His comments came amid conversations about his growing international profile, having gained recognition beyond Ghana and performed alongside international acts.

However, he maintained that the industry’s ambitions should not be centred on one musician, arguing that the progress of Ghanaian music depends on the combined contributions of artistes, businesses and other stakeholders.

He described the process as a “collective motion”, stressing that the industry must work together to create an environment where musicians can thrive.

Reflecting on areas where Ghana is making progress, Black Sherif said the country was doing well in music production, while businesses and other aspects of the industry were also gaining momentum.

“It does not sound real if we’re talking about one person taking it. It doesn’t sound real. It’s not realistic. I think with the music making, we’re doing well. The businesses and all of the things we are picking up momentum,” he added.

The musician further explained that developing a sustainable music industry requires more than producing successful artistes.

He believes industry players must work together to create opportunities, provide value for musicians and inspire younger generations to consider music as a viable career.

“When we bring value to artistes and make kids growing up see some things and want to pursue music, we need people,” he said.

Black Sherif also expressed confidence in the willingness of his generation of musicians to contribute to the industry’s development and help create better opportunities for emerging talents.

Source: AdomOnline