VETERAN MUSICIAN KAAKYIRE KWAME APPIAH HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STRUGGLES PLAGUING GHANAIAN ARTISTS
Highlife legend calls for support fund as musicians face depression amid dwindling royalties.
Veteran Highlife musician Kaakyire Kwame Appiah has shed light on the increasing financial and emotional challenges confronting Ghanaian musicians, especially veterans, during their careers.
In an interview with Neat FM on May 19, 2025, Kaakyire revealed that while musicians might not be destitute, the heavy burden of family responsibilities and unstable income sources is pushing many into depression.
“Many musicians are going through a lot. Demands from our loved ones are a lot. So the little you are making to take care of yourself, you also have to sacrifice to support your family and relatives. That is one of the causes of depression among musicians,” he shared.
He also expressed concern about the sharp decline in royalty payments, blaming digital piracy and unregulated use of music in bars, clubs, movies, and public transport for eroding artists’ incomes.
“In those days, we had cassettes and CDs, so we could get a little money. But now, with the rise of digital platforms and smartphones, our works are being pirated. We are not getting anything from them,” he lamented.
Kaakyire called on stakeholders to establish a dedicated fund to support veteran musicians, stressing that such an initiative could alleviate the struggles they face.
His remarks come shortly after the death of Highlife musician Dada KD on May 16, 2025, who had been outspoken about the hardships faced by Ghanaian artists.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
