Veteran Highlife musician, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, has strongly advised his colleagues in the Ghanaian music industry against relying on music royalties, stating that the current collection and distribution system in the country is deeply inadequate.
He emphasized that dependence on royalties as a primary income source in Ghana is unsustainable and could lead to financial hardship for artists, urging them to actively seek and maintain alternative revenue streams.
Kwame Appiah made these candid remarks during an appearance on the Mid-Morning Drive show on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, hosted by Eddie Ray.
When prompted to disclose the specific amount of royalties he had personally received throughout his career, the musician politely declined, citing the discouragingly low figures. He stated that revealing the amount would be unnecessary and demoralizing to other artists.
“The system in Ghana is regrettable; there is nothing commendable about it. What I have received in the past was dismal, and I do not want to disclose it just to discourage anyone,” he explained. “That is why I consistently advise that Ghanaian musicians should not rely on royalties alone. You must depend on your professional music activities and any other legitimate source of income.”
Kaakyire Kwame Appiah attributed the poor state of royalty payments to a fundamental lack of understanding and compliance within the ecosystem. He noted that many entities legally obligated to pay music levies—such as bars, restaurants, and other commercial facilities—fail to do so. Furthermore, he highlighted a lack of unity among Ghanaian musicians in advocating for systemic change, asking rhetorically, “Who is going to fix it?”
The musician suggested that a more effective and comprehensive collection mechanism could be developed, proposing, for instance, a system where a levy is applied to individuals upon the registration of their vehicles.
He added “Because we are not united and fighting [for change], any incoming government does not take us seriously, and so I don’t want us to dwell on that. If I were to mention the royalties I have received, you would be moved to tears.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
