‘We now have beginners advising veterans in the creative arts industry’ – Mark Okraku-Mantey

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed his dissatisfaction with entertainment pundits and up-and-coming artistes who are quick to judge veterans in the country.

In an interview on Hitz FM on November 21, 2024, Mark noted that some people are impulsive in advising veterans, even though such individuals have less experience and knowledge.

“In the creative industry in Ghana, you would see someone who has done one job and has less experience advising me on how to do my job. It is the beginners who are advising the veterans and that must change. I am a role model to your role model, so if you have not done any project in the arts, how would you appreciate my pain? But you have been given the microphone to advise me, and another veteran who has bigger achievement than you,” he said.

Mark Okraku-Mantey also called on entertainment pundits who are fond of criticising veterans to stop such behaviour.

“Who are you to advise Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and other big artistes who have achieved a lot in the industry? So tell some of the people who sit here and talk against veterans to stop. Kaywa told me his role model is Zapp Mallet, so Kaywa can’t talk to him anyhow, but you would see someone whose role model is Kaywa speaking to Zapp Mallet anyhow. It is a culture we have inherited,” he added.

Mark Okraku-Mantey is a Ghanaian producer and politician who has been in the creative arts industry for over a decade.

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