If artists continue to treat DJs disrespectfully, PlayGhana will fail

The PlayGhana initiative won't succeed until musicians recognize them, according to the clearly irate DJs who have likely been bidding their time to vent.

They made this revelation at the DJs Exclusive Roundtable: A Strategic Discussion on Ghana's Music Airplay, recently held in Accra and sponsored by Creative Arts Agency (CAA).

When artists reached the pinnacle of their careers, they were soon sidelined, which infuriated them. They had helped these artists prosper.

In order to have a meaningful conversation with DJs regarding their involvement in the PlayGhana project and the effects of the Broadcasting Bill Amendment on their profession, the meeting was presided over by Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, the Executive Secretary of CAA.

It appeared, however, that the DJs were searching for a respectable and official forum to formally demand compensation for the treatment they had endured at the hands of musicians over the years.

They claim that most musicians see them as side projects, a tendency that has led to DJs' low status in the music business.

"There are many musicians that you help to get to the top but they turn you down with protocols and unnecessary excuses when you even need a favor in return.

How do you expect me to use my platform to promote your music to get you there only for you to turn around and disrespect me when you are a big artiste? If we really want to promote PlayGhana and make it successful, we should have a mutually beneficial relationship, not one where the artiste feels he is too special."

Prominent Nightlife DJ AD DJ became quite animated during the meeting and challenged the CAA to have a conversation with the artists to better understand that they were not backburners in their careers. The truth is that DJs have built a lot of resentment against artistes,” he said. 

DJ Slim, for one, claimed that the idea that social media influencers were instrumental in turning musicians' songs into blockbusters was merely a myth that some musicians have fallen for, further solidifying their disdain for DJs.

Lynx Entertainment's DJ Vyrusky concurred with his colleagues, but he also urged them not to dwell too much on the drawbacks since this could work against the PlayGhana objective.

Still, he pleaded with the CAA to set up a framework so that the PlayGhana project will be a "360 Approach," gaining advantages for all important stakeholders, not only the performers.

The submission from Andy Dosty made the point that PlayGhana might happen provided the DJs are dedicated and there is a framework in place to support its proper implementation.

He stated, "I believe that a policy should be implemented that can compel radio managers to play a certain amount of Ghanaian music, and that those who disobey the order will face consequences."

DJ Black added that concerted efforts should be made to promote Ghanaian music outside of the nation and to strategically position Ghanaians in the international music industry.

In order to better grasp the PlayGhana goal, he also asked for increased education for those involved in the music industry.

In an effort to reverse the downward trend of Ghanaian music on the radio, CAA launched the PlayGhana initiative in December of last year.

It wasn't well welcomed and caused outrage. Gyankroma Akufo Addo claims that several discourse sessions are being held to provide players with a platform to meaningfully contribute to the project.