Romeo Swag photographed while performing at an event
Fast-rising Ghanaian hip-hop artiste Romeo Tevie, popularly known as Romeo Swag, has stated that performing arts schools in Ghana don’t prepare artistes for global success.
The 2025 TGMA Unsung Artiste nominee and Mentor XIII winner made this statement during an interview on 3FM, where he talked about his artistic journey and his dreams of formal music training.
According to Romeo Swag, he had always wanted to attend a music school to enhance his talent, but he was disheartened by the lack of institutions in Ghana that offer impactful training for young talents.
“I’ve always wanted to attend a music school, but in Ghana, there aren’t any music schools available. The performing arts schools don’t teach you how to become a better artiste,” he stated.
Romeo Swag noted that the few institutions that exist do not equip students with the necessary skills or exposure to thrive in today’s competitive music industry.
When the interviewer asked Romeo Swag about the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, he dismissed its offerings as inadequate for those aiming for international music stardom.
Romeo Swag explained that what is taught in such Ghanaian schools is limited to traditional dance steps, which do not translate into artistry or stagecraft.
“At Legon, they only teach a few Kpanlogo dance steps and similar things, but they don’t provide the guidance needed to develop you into an artiste like Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, or Burna Boy,” he said.
According to Romeo Swag, what many young artistes need is not just knowledge of dance or music theory, but a holistic approach that includes branding, stage performance, vocal training, and industry mentorship, where he believes reality shows are more effective at delivering.
He emphasised that reality shows provide a platform where upcoming artistes are exposed to industry experts and are also taught the business side of music, branding, and the art of performance.
“From where I sit, reality shows seem to offer that kind of support; they groom you, help you build your brand, and show you the direction you should take,” he concluded.
AK/EB
