Ghanaian songstress Sherifa Gunu has raised concerns about the treatment of creatives in the country, particularly veteran artists who have made substantial contributions to Ghana’s music industry. She believes that these seasoned individuals are often overlooked and disrespected, despite their significant role in shaping the nation’s cultural landscape.
In a recent interview with The Daily Graphic, Sherifa highlighted that while other nations celebrate their cultural icons, Ghana tends to honour its legends only after they are no longer around or when they gain international recognition. She underscored the pressing need for more proactive and meaningful recognition of veteran musicians during their lifetimes.
Sherifa Gunu expressed her disappointment with the prevailing trend in Ghana, which she believes reflects a profound lack of respect for the artists who have paved the way for the current generation. She called for a fundamental shift in the nation’s approach to valuing its artistic contributors, emphasizing that the narrative must evolve to properly honor the achievements of those who laid the foundation.
Reflecting on her own career, Sherifa suggested that her journey might have been more successful had she been Nigerian, where artists consistently receive support and recognition from their homeland. She remarked, “Ghana only celebrates you when you die or when foreigners notice you. If I were Nigerian, I’d be bigger by now. We don’t respect our legends until it’s too late.”
She further pointed out that while Ghana is home to extraordinary talent, the support infrastructure for artists remains insufficient. In contrast, Nigerian artists are often celebrated regardless of the quality of their work. “Ghana has talent but no structure. Nigerians support their own, even if the song isn’t that good. In Ghana, you can release a classic, and people ignore it until someone from abroad praises it,” she added.
Sherifa also addressed the often-dismissed value of traditional music, arguing that critics fail to appreciate its depth and cultural relevance. She noted that many who reject traditional sounds unwittingly enjoy them in contemporary music, citing artists like Burna Boy and Angélique Kidjo, who skillfully incorporate traditional elements into their work.#newsafro_
