Keeny Ice has stated that a radio station refused to play his song because it was in Ewe
Ghanaian rapper Keeny Ice has stated that the dominance of Akan language in the Ghanaian music industry is making it difficult for musicians who make songs in other local languages to succeed.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, the rapper shared an experience where a radio station refused to play his song because it was in Ewe.
“I went to a radio station and somebody told me ‘We can’t play an Ewe song. I don’t understand what you say in the song’,” he revealed.
According to him, even though music is supposed to be a universal language, songs recorded in less popular languages such as Ewe or Dagbani often struggle to gain attention and airplay. He believes this is because the Akan languages, Twi and Fante, dominate the Ghanaian music industry.
“When Twi or Fante or Akan is 70%, and they dominate the industry, how can a Dagbani or Ewe person fight his way into it?” he questioned.
Keeny Ice also explained that although he is Ewe, not all his songs are in the language. He said he chooses the language based on the type of song he is doing.
He went on to explain why many Ghanaian rappers are moving from rap to singing. He believes that rap may get you respect, but singing brings the money.
“Headless YouTuber (Kula) stopped doing music because when he was rapping, he only got compliments for his rap skills but when there are deals that involve money, it is the afrobeat artistes and those that do danceable music that get them,” he explained.
Keeny Ice added that if King Paluta had continued with rap, he might not have reached the level of success he is currently enjoying.
“Imagine if Dr Bawumia wanted to give some deal with King Paluta, he wouldn’t do it if Paluta was still rapping,” he said.
He further noted that singers are often given more importance when it comes to live shows and event bookings.
According to him, even when rappers are invited to perform, the money given to them is far less than what singers receive.
“Even if they will put you on a show, if they give the singers 100,000 cedis maybe you will take 15,000 cedis,” he stated.
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
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