Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
Industry expert and talent manager Nana Poku Ashis has shown his backing for Sarkodie’s concerns about the dangers linked to record labels.
It is worth noting that during Sarkodie’s appearance on the Hennessy South Africa Cypher 2024, he delivered a harsh verse condemning the increasing power of major record labels in the African music scene.
During a conversation with Isaac Dadzie from GhanaWeb, Ashis pointed out that the rapper, having firsthand experience in the music industry, is well aware of the difficulties and dangers associated with record deals.
“It was a good call for Sarkodie to educate the younger ones because he has been there, done that, and he knows what risks the younger ones start to take. He’s probably gone into deals that didn’t go well with him. So when he’s talking from that angle, I think it’s very important for the younger ones to listen to what he was saying,” Ashis remarked.
He reiterated Sarkodie’s caution about the dangers of being tempted by the instant rewards provided by record labels, like cash, vehicles, and residences, that may result in lasting limitations.
“You probably would be thinking, ‘Oh, they’re giving me the money. They’ve given me a car. They’ve given me a house. You might be locked for a very long time,” Ashis cautioned.
Ashis also recommended that artists should assess their financial capacity, objectives, and career direction thoroughly before committing to a record label.
“You need to look at your financial power. You need to look at the goals you have set for yourself. You need to look at where you are going. And if you feel that you’re strong enough to handle the little that will come your way, to become a bigger person, that you can branch off and then take everything, becoming a win-win situation for you, that’s okay. Go ahead,” he advised.
However, Ashis clarified that record labels are not inherently bad, describing them as “necessary evils” in the music industry.
NKONKONSA.com
