Ace musician Kojo Antwi once revealed that in his opinion, there are no music stars in Africa, not to talk of himself or any Ghanaian musician of old or now.
‘A day in the life’ was a television program shown on Viasat 1 and hosted by AMMA 2010 Best African Actress, Ama K. Abebrese. The concept of the program was basically about the host spending time with a celeb to bring to their fans or audience, how such celebs live their daily life or how their typical day’s activities are, hence the name of the show – ‘A day in the life(of the celeb)’
The Maestro or the Lady’s Man, Kojo Antwi was once hosted on the show. Chronicling his past and daily activities, Kojo Antwi revealed how he started singing in the 80’s, the challenges, opportunities, writing of his songs, rehearsing and recording of songs, his favorite morning delicacy (Hausa “Koko” and “Koose”), wife, large fruits plantation at Dodowa, plans to establish a music school, amongst others.
It was through their conversation that Ama asked Kojo if he is a star. “Star (laughed)? I am not a star.” What about Africa, do we have music stars, asked Ama. “No, there are no stars in Africa. All African musicians are still struggling; including the established ones.
“There are no record labels, non-payment of royalties, piracy is preying us, no proper systems and structures! Yes we have the Salif Keitas, Youssou N’Dour, Fella Kutis, and others but in my opinion, there are no music stars in Africa,” Kojo concluded with his strong averment.
To you and me, Kojo Antwi is a music star. For him to make such remarks is most strange and extremely puzzling for inceptive minds to easily comprehend. The series of follow up questions I was expecting the host to ask were: Kojo what is your definition or understanding of a star? What is your yardstick for measuring who is a star? Unfortunately, Ama K. Abebrese left Kojo off…
I wouldn’t have wasted this space and my time on this issue if a rookie musician had made those remarks, but for it to come from the deep oesophagus of a well informed and celebrated musician like Kojo Antwi, it bewilders me.
I guess I now understand why he does not compromise on quality and professionalism. Indeed, Kojo Antwi’s standard for measuring success in life will be very high. But, do you think or believe we don’t have music stars in or from Africa? Do you agree with Kojo Antwi? Let the discussion roll. Until then…….MOTWUM!!