M.anifest Advises Ghanaian Artistes to Build Communities Instead of Chasing Awards

Award-winning rapper M.anifest has urged Ghanaian musicians to focus on building loyal communities around their music rather than seeking validation through awards and industry recognition.

Speaking on the Morning Bite segment of the Culture Daily morning show on 3Music TV and Pluzz 89.9 FM, the rapper said artistes should concentrate on the aspects of their careers they can control instead of pursuing accolades that may never come.

“Sometimes you have to realise where your strengths lie and then keep moving,” he said.

M.anifest revealed that he has not submitted his works for the Ghana Music Awards in nearly a decade, explaining that he was never considered an “industry favourite” despite enjoying some of the best moments of his career.

“I never barely got any significant nominations of anything, so I had to focus on where I’m loved,” he said.

According to him, many talented artistes spend too much time chasing acceptance from institutions that may not embrace their work.

He cited the example of younger musicians such as O’Kenneth and other emerging talents, saying they should focus on expanding the communities that support their music instead of seeking validation elsewhere.

The rapper also stressed the importance of building direct relationships with fans, describing community-building as essential to an artiste’s long-term success.

“How do you build a community where people feel like it’s more than just music to them?” he asked.

M.anifest argued that Ghana’s music industry operates within a challenging economic environment, making it difficult for artistes to depend solely on traditional industry structures.

“Ghana economically is not there. People are struggling,” he said.

He added that the country’s music ecosystem still lacks many of the structures that support artistes in larger markets, including strong labels, venues and funding opportunities.

The musician therefore believes artistes must become more creative in finding ways to sustain their careers and engage their audiences.

M.anifest also encouraged established musicians to support younger talents, saying he has always kept his doors open to emerging artistes, particularly those pursuing alternative sounds.

“I’ve always taken an interest in younger, very talented artistes,” he said.