Ghanaian music sensation AratheJay has opened up about the challenges he faced breaking into the music industry as a man from a traditionally strict African household.
In a revealing interview on Talkertainment on GhanaWeb TV, he described some challenges in his journey, like not being able to perform at major stages and being forced to sleep outside after being locked out of the house.
Sharing his story further, he added, “If you have to go out and you come late, you have to sleep outside because no one will come to open the gate for you. Or you’ll end up going to your friend’s place.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWebTV’s Elsie Lamar, he said, “Your folks would be thinking that you are with your friend, having a good time,” he said
He added, “I remember Promiseland 2022 0r 23. I couldn’t perform. I needed to go and I couldn’t go. There were so many things preventing me from going.
“So many things. These are the prices you had to pay. Yeah. There was a time. They had to send a message to everyone on my contact list that ‘No one should call me,” he shared with Elsie Lamar.
He said there were times he had to go against the wishes of his loved ones in pursuit of his dreams, sometimes resulting in consequences.
“As time goes on, as you believe that this is the purpose. I mean, there are some things you need to sacrifice,” he stated.
Despite the interference, AratheJay said he holds no grudges.
He emphasized that every “no” from his loved ones was never meant to hurt, but to protect.
“I don’t want it to be like, when someone says “no,” it means they are bad. I don’t want it to be like it was a problem. Maybe they saw it as an issue. But I want you to see it as an issue. I want you to take everything as ‘This is the price you have to pay for what you believe as a purpose,” he added.
Reflecting on his sacrifices, AratheJay urged young talents to view obstacles as part of the journey.
“Everything is a sacrifice. You choose what you want to sacrifice. Choose your heart and you go hard for it,” he shared.
According to AratheJay, these were all prices paid in pursuit of a higher purpose.
“But it wasn’t anything. We dey,” he said.
ID/EB
Watch the full video below:
