Ghanaian musician turned politician, A Plus, has voiced his concerns about the challenges facing the country's creative arts sector in Ghana.

According to him, many of the industry's issues are the artistes themselves rather than politicians.

In an interview with Hitz FM on August 12, 2024, A Plus emphasised the lack of unity among creatives, stating that everyone wants individual recognition, which hampers the industry's collective growth.

“The problem with creative arts is the creative arts people themselves. It's not the politicians. Everybody wants to be seen as ‘me doing this.’ They can't be united. If you want to help creative arts people, you have to help them with one hand and hold them with another hand because they will beat you,” he said.

A Plus referenced Dancehall sensation Shatta Wale, who distanced himself from the music industry and noted that the disunity and lack of seriousness among many creatives make it difficult to help them effectively.

“The creative arts issues are just too many. And that is why, I support Shatta Wale because they are not united. Most of them are not serious. It is very difficult to help them,” he added

A Plus stated that his focus is on his interests and supporting underprivileged communities, rather than fighting for artistes' royalties.

“So for me, I'm not in this for anybody's interest. I mean this for my interests and underprivileged people and communities. If anybody wants to be part of it, I'll find a place in my setting for them,” he said.

He pointed out that artistes often only concern themselves with royalties when their careers are struggling, ignoring the issue when they are successful.

“I'm not here to come and spend my time fighting for people's royalties. Because the people that you are going to fight for, only start talking about royalties when they are not getting shows and are not selling.

“Do you hear Stonebwoy or Sarkodie or all these big artists fighting over royalties? They are making money now. They are playing shows. They are okay, but once it reduces, then now you find them,” he said.

ID/NOQ

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