Recently, Shatta Wale, a popular Ghanaian artist, chastised Nigerians for failing to support Ghanaian artists and music. This has caused a lot of tension between citizens of both countries; while Ghanaians believe Nigerians are unsupportive, Nigerians simply say, Make better music, and not just Nigeria, but the entire world will show support.
The Nigerian music industry has seen significant growth in recent years. Nigerian songs are now topping international charts and breaking new ground. The Nigerian music industry is also seeing increased collaboration with international superstars such as Beyonce, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Kanye West, Meek Mill, and others.
What are the causes of this enormous success?
Ghanaians believes that the reason is that by Law Nigerian radio stations are required to play 70 percent Nigerian music, which limits the amount of music from other countries that can be played. As a result, they are advocating for legislation in Ghana to support the promotion of local music.
However, this law is not the only reason Nigerian music is so popular around the world. South Africa, for example, has a law requiring that 55 percent of local content be played, but Nigerian music is still popular in South Africa.
In the age of social media and the internet, any music can travel across borders in a matter of days. Tiktok has been an important promoter of songs from various countries. People all over the world have discovered new songs thanks to content creators on tiktok and Instagram, who create interesting viral videos with songs from their countries.
This has really led to the discovery of many afrobeat songs, Nigeria songs been the most popular.
Watch the original dance challenge for jerusalema
The viral dance video that accompanied Jerusalema, a South African song, contributed to the song’s global success. The video went viral on all social media platforms, which contributed significantly to its success.
Additionally, When it comes to Nigerian artist, they are known to network and collaborate with international artists in order to increase their influence in the music industry.
tiktok Afrobeat challenge Tiktok compilation
Prior to Wizkid, Davido, or Burna boy collaborating with international artists, there was P Square‘s collaboration with Akon and Rick Ross, and Dbanj‘s collaboration with Kanye West and Snoop Dogg.
Furthermore, the Nigerian diaspora helps to promote Nigerian music wherever they go. There are 50 million Nigerians in the diaspora alone, in addition to Nigeria’s current massive population of 200 million.
Nigerians in diaspora have economic, cultural, and social value that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and development. Annual remittances to Nigeria from Nigerians in diaspora amount to approximately $25 billion. The Nigerian creative industry does not wait for government funds to help it. Nigerians in the diaspora are simply investing heavily in the creative industry.
Also, Nigerians make better music, as confirmed by Afrobeats fans all over the world; Nigerian music is simply better.
There are numerous reasons why the Nigerian entertainment industry is so large, and these are just a few of them.
WHAT CAN GHANAIANS DO TO PROMOTE THEIR ARTISTS ON A GLOBAL SCENE?
Ghanaian artists should work more with Nigerian artists, travel to Nigeria, and work with producers and industry people. At the end of the day, Ghana retains the glory, but your artist must foster relationships with other artists and establish a presence in the largest market.
Ghanaians should use social media and create content centred on their music. There is no border control over music in this era of the internet. Show your appreciation for your music.
One thing I’ve noticed a lot of Nigerian artists do is create a dance challenge around their songs and have people dance to it on TikTok and Instagram, which helps to spread the song’s popularity.
Furthermore, Ghanaians should support their artists in the same way that Nigerians do.
Ghanaians should also collaborate with Ghanaian entertainers in diaspora to help promote their music on a global scale.
Culture Beyond the Mainstream 