Rapper says PHD cost Ghana a place in xenophobia song

Hiplife musician and member of VVIP who is also referred to as the grandpapa of Hiplife, Reggie Rockstone says Ghanaian artistes are not gaining international recognition because they undermine each other.

He said the exclusion of Ghana from the ‘Africa for south Africa’ campaign song against xenophobia by music stars from five African countries is because of the pull-him-down attitude amongst local musicians.

Musicians from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique and the affected country South Africa, composed the song.

Commenting on the exclusion of Ghana, an indifferent Reggie Rockstone said a combination of ‘Pull him down and the payola syndrome (Musicians paying Television stations and Disc jockeys to play their music) for situation.

He was speaking to Gloria Nyarku (MzGee), host of Hitz FM's Saturday entertainment review.

The Hiplife connoisseur said until the society’s attitude to Ghanaian music changes, the efforts of Ghanaian artistes will not be appreciated beyond the shores of the country.

He faults various governments for being nonchalant about the contribution of our local music towards the growth of the economy, adding that the authorities are only concerned about the works of the musician only when elections beckon.

Meanwhile, award-winning Record promoter of the Year, DJ Kwame B says Payola is a reality both on radio and television, citing Television networks as the major culprits of the menace.

Kwame emphasized that payola does not necessarily define the songs he plays on his show because he believes in giving his listeners a good time through the songs he chooses.

He recommended music promoters to go all out to sell their artistes and desist from relying only on Radio and Television to do that.

Credit: Adomfmonline