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Ghana should learn from South Africa

According to him, having radio stations in Ghana play most local songs will not only help the artistes but the entire nation.

Musician, Qweci (Ded Buddy)

“There has been talks that we should patronise made in Ghana goods. What we fail to realise is, this is a bigger portion of made in Ghana goods. This is part of our infrastructure. If we get it right, we will get a lot from it… When you go to Nigeria, you will not hear Ghanaian music. Forget it. Their industry booms. If we push that agenda, it will bring shows because organisers will focus on artistes over here,” he told Abrantepa on Radio Univers’ mid-morning show, Brunch2Lunch, Monday.

The Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture days ago welcomed the announcement by the leadership team at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) that 90% local music will be played across its 18 radio stations.

Reports suggest that the 90% quota will ensure that local artists benefit financially.

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For Qweci, the development is, “the best thing to happen to their industry eventhough without the law, they play more South African songs.”

He continued: “It is time they did that because their music is unique so they feel they have to protect not only those in the mainstream but the upcoming.”

He stated that the practice of playing more foreign songs was affecting the industry negatively.

“Mr President, it is sad to wake up and turn on the radio only to hear 90 % of the radio shows and 80% of the radio stations playing foreign music as music made in Ghana begs to make it onto their playlist. This practice is killing the talents in Ghana at the rate that even upcoming talents die out before trying to make it out, and our legends ( the pioneers ) cannot be heard anymore because most playlist are busy promoting foreign (both old and new) music in Ghana.

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“As leaders who believe in made in Ghana products, I am calling on you to stand with us in implementing a 95% Ghanaian music playlist for all radio shows in Ghana,” portions of his letter read.

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