Music Executive Gomski Speaks On Ghanaian Music: "One Of Our Biggest Problems Is Dancehall"
- Gomski, in an interview, opined that the dancehall music genre was one of the biggest problems in Ghana
- The music executive said that the dancehall music genre was not part of authentic Ghanaian sound
- Gomski added that international record labels had 'suppressed' dancehall because of its association with vulgar content
- YEN.com.gh spoke with Entertainment analyst Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, who shared his thoughts on Gomski's remarks
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Ghanaian music executive and manager Ike Otoo Arhin, better known by his stage name Gomski, has weighed in on the issues facing the Ghanaian music industry.
Source: Twitter
Gomski speaks on dancehall music in Ghana
In an interview on 3Music's Culture Daily show, Gomski opined that the dancehall music genre was one of the biggest issues plaguing the Ghanaian music industry.
The music executive explained that the dancehall genre was not part of the authentic Ghanaian sound that people could identify with on the international scene.
He said:
"I think that one of our biggest problems in Ghana has been dancehall. I have loved dancehall since day one, but I think it has been our biggest problem."
Gomski noted that it was easier for people living abroad to identify Nigerian and British artistes based on their use of the pidgin language and rap style, respectively.
The Crux Global co-founder said that many international record labels are 'suppressing' dancehall music because of the vulgar language and content associated with dancehall songs.
Gomski, who manages the Tema-based group R2bees, said that the international music market appreciates Afrobeats songs over dancehall because the Nigerian songs are catchy and have a 'feel good vibe'.
The music executive added that Afrobeats' international appeal was one of the main reasons why the genre received massive recognition in recent editions of the Grammy Awards.
Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh disagrees with Gomski's claims
In a conversation with YEN.com.gh, entertainment analyst Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh disagreed with Gomski's claims.
He said:
"I disagree with Gomski's claim that dancehall is one of Ghana's biggest problems. At a point in time, our music sunk, but dancehall kept us relevant and in touch. I believe we need to analyse our industry, and we will find the actual problems that have kept us where we are. We will realize it isn't about a genre of music but structural problems."
Watch the video below:
Reactions to Gomski's comments
YEN.com.gh has gathered some comments from social media users in reaction to Gomski's remarks below:
mrr_hillary commented:
"Someone finally said what I’ve been saying."
7riches_ said:
"It’s nonfa."
thatdaywillcme11 commented:
"The guy makes a lot of sense."
togbeghana remarked:
"Facts. We just have to sing more in our language and sell Ghana 🇬🇭 stop all these wannabes 🔥."
mccallkwadzo commented:
"Because we have Stonebwoy heading Afrodancehall which helps not only the use patois but any Ghanaian language in it. So 🤷♂️."
kana_kre8tes commented:
"We just have to be authentic. Send what we have as Ghana to the world. When we tell the artistes they would say "We are exploring new sounds". If those who brought that sound didn't project it to the world, would they have heard it? Our artistes."
o_jay073 said:
"He is really saying a whole truth!! We way back.. lol."
SAFA album hits 30 million streams
In other related news, YEN.com.gh previously shared a post of Shatta Wale celebrating, revealing on social media that his recently released SAFA album had surpassed over 30 million streams.
The dancehall musician expressed excitement at the rapid success the body of work had achieved in about two months.
Shatta Wale also applauded his SM fanbase for their contribution to the achievement and giving him the numbers on digital streaming platforms.
Proofread by Samuel Gitonga, Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
Kofi Owusu (Entertainment Editor) Kofi is an Entertainment Editor at YEN.com.gh. He graduated from the African University College Of Communication (AUCC) in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies. He has 3 years of experience as an entertainment journalist. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024. You can contact him via e-mail: kofi.owusu@yen.com.gh
Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh (Music Executive) Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh is an experienced Music Executive with over a decade of experience in the Music Industry. He is also a media personality with production and on-air experience on Television and Radio. He has worked with 3x Grammy-winning Reggae group Morgan Heritage, Mr Drew, King Paluta, Renner, Kwesi Valley, Ugandan star Azawi, and many others. NYB, as he is referred to in some quarters, is also an event producer and talent manager associated with events such as AfroNation Ghana and Guinness Accravaganza.
