Afrobeat and dancehall artiste Atumpan says music awards in Ghana lack transparency and credibility.

In an interview with Abrantepa on Radio Univers, the Best International Afrobeats act at the 2013 BEFFTA Awards said his purpose of doing music is not to win awards especially in Ghana because there is no transparency in the whole process. According to him, music awards are not based on merit.

“I have not won any award in Ghana. The only award I have got is the fact that my fans love my music. I am the third Ghanaian to have a MOBO nomination but I’m not sure Ghanaians even talk about it. I have won International awards; but in Ghana, I haven’t. Awards aren’t my focus especially in Ghana because the system is not transparent and credible. I will say it wherever I find myself. And those of us who are knowledgeable are not contacted for relevant inputs because they are afraid of us. I can’t call myself “talking drum” and always hide things. I will say it as it is.”

Atumpan disclosed to the host of Weekend Mix that, he has realised that Ghanaians do not appreciate music with real message and positive content. He conceded that though he composed such songs in the past, it was to keep him in the game.

“I used to compose some songs that lacked substance. After I travelled abroad, I got to know the kind of songs that people really want. So if you study my new songs, I try to come out with songs with good content. So 2014, Atumpan is a new brand. But what I have noticed is that, in Ghana people do not appreciate good music. I have a song titled ‘music is life’. It was never played on air. But go to YouTube and see for yourself the views of ‘sisimuden’. I’m telling you, Ghanaian do not appreciate good music.”

Atumpan is out with a single “Regina” which features Samini and produced by Mixmaster Garzy.