In a recent development that has shed light on the challenges facing Ghanaian musicians, award-winning artist Bisa Kdei publicly rejected a royalty payment of GH₵ 500 from the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO).
The decision came after GHAMRO informed Kdei of the amount earned from his globally recognized hits, “Brother Brother” and “Mansa.”
Kdei’s reaction was one of surprise and disappointment. The musician, known for his chart-topping songs and significant contributions to the Ghanaian music scene, expected a more substantial royalty payment given the success and reach of his music.
During an interview with Kumasi-based Angel FM, Kdei revealed that upon learning of the amount, he expressed his dissatisfaction to the GHAMRO official and requested not to be contacted for such minimal amounts in the future.
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The situation highlights a recurring issue within the Ghanaian music industry regarding royalty distribution. Many artists have voiced concerns over the transparency and fairness of GHAMRO’s operations, pointing to inadequate compensation for the extensive airplay and usage of their works.
Kdei’s rejection of the GH₵ 500 underscores the broader frustrations within the music community, where the expectations of artists often clash with the realities of royalty payments. This incident calls attention to the need for reforms within GHAMRO to ensure that artists receive fair and adequate compensation for their creative efforts.
As the debate continues, the Ghanaian music industry faces a critical moment to address these issues and improve the system of royalty distribution, ensuring that musicians are fairly rewarded for their contributions to the cultural landscape.
