Ghana’s Rich Men Fear Risk! – Sarkodie Challenges Wealthy Investors to Back Musicians

Speaking on the When We Sit podcast with media personality Serwaa Amihere, Sarkodie said many Ghanaian musicians struggle to secure financial backing for their projects, forcing them to build their careers with limited resources.

He compared Ghana’s music industry to Nigeria’s, noting that wealthy Nigerians are more willing to invest in artistes and help them gain recognition, even when the financial returns are uncertain.

“What Ghanaian artists do is organic. I give a business plan; even with that, it is hard to get some people to come in. But in Nigeria, I think they take a lot of risks; most rich people take a lot of risks to put their people on. If I break down what it takes to do the O2 Arena, you will freak out, but then we still have to do it,” he said.

Sarkodie explained that organising major international concerts, including performances at venues such as the O2 Arena, requires significant financial investment, making it difficult for musicians to undertake such projects without adequate support.

The rapper also recounted a meeting with Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu, revealing that he was surprised by the amount Elumelu said he was investing in a Nigerian artiste he believed represented the future of Afrobeats.

According to Sarkodie, the investment reflected the willingness of some wealthy Nigerians to commit substantial resources to developing music talent and strengthening their country’s entertainment industry.