Ghanaian gospel musician Rose Adjei has publicly stated that despite her career spanning over 12 years in commercial music, her financial gains from royalties remain negligible.
Adjei, a registered member of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), expressed profound disappointment, noting that the benefits she has received are “nothing to write home about.”
Speaking in an interview with Sir Ray, host of the midmorning show on Rainbow Radio 87.5fm, the musician revealed that the highest single amount she has ever received from GHAMRO during her 12-year professional career is GHC500.
She detailed the inconsistency of the payments, stating, “In terms of royalties, I have not benefited much. The first amount I received was GHC500 for the first quarter over six years ago. Then another quarter, I received GHC500. Then subsequent ones came as GHC100, GHC150, and that was all. I have not received any amount again.” She added that receiving an instalment as low as GHC100 was “shocking,” prompting her to question whether such a system could genuinely support the progress of professional musicians.
Rose Adjei further opined that the industry’s fundamental issue lies in a lack of proper structure, which impedes musicians’ ability to thrive.
“I believe the industry lacks proper structure. I don’t think we have any industry with any laid down procedures. I think we only have a group of people who love the industry and have come together in diverse ways,” she asserted. “I see that there is no existing industry compared to other systems we have in other countries.”
Rose Adjei stressed the critical need for an industry framework that would allow musicians to retire honorably without being forced to rely on public goodwill to cover medical and other essential financial needs. While hopeful that the sector will eventually reach this standard, she concluded, “For now, we don’t have that structured system.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
