Akan Dominating Music Industry, Songs Recorded In Other Local Languages Struggle – Keeny Ice
Ghanaian rapper Keeny Ice recently voiced concerns about the dominance of the Akan language in Ghana’s music industry, stating it creates significant hurdles for musicians who perform in other local languages.
In an interview on Hitz FM, Keeny Ice recounted an experience where a radio station refused to play his song simply 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.
He argued that while music is universally understood, songs recorded in less popular languages like Ewe or Dagbani often struggle to gain airplay and attention. He attributes this to the overwhelming presence of Akan languages, specifically Twi and Fante, in the Ghanaian music scene. “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, who is Ewe himself, clarified that he doesn’t exclusively record in his native tongue, choosing the language based on the song’s style.
Why Most Rappers Shift From Rap to Singing
Keeny Ice also shed light on why many Ghanaian rappers are transitioning to singing stating that rap earns respect, but singing brings in money.
He cited the example of YouTuber Kula, who he claims stopped making music because despite receiving compliments for his rap skills, financial opportunities largely went to Afrobeat and danceable music artists. “When there are deals that involve money, it is the Afrobeat artistes and those that do danceable music that get them,” he explained.
He further suggested that if King Paluta had continued solely with rap, he might not have achieved his current level of success. “Imagine if Dr. Bawumia wanted to give some deal with King Paluta, he wouldn’t do it if Paluta was still rapping,” Keeny Ice added.
According to Keeny Ice, singers are typically given more prominence and better compensation for live shows and event bookings. He noted that even when rappers are invited to perform, their earnings are significantly 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.
Keeny Ice’s Career Highlights
Keeny Ice has made notable strides in his career. His hit single “Frazz,” featuring Chief One, topped the iTunes chart and reached number 23 on YouTube’s global trending list. He has also earned a nomination in the “Unsung” category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Some of his popular songs include “Deja Vu” (2022, featuring Camidoh), “Ebe God,” “Made in Aflao,” “Yekoema,” “My Way,” “Hook Or Crook,” and “I like It.”
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