Revolutionizing Ghana's Music Scene: Insights from NYB Live and Ato Kilson

On the latest episode of 3Music TV's Big Conversation, the stage was set ablaze as music executives NYB Live and Ato Kilson, flanked by the culture squad, delved deep into the intricacies of managing Ghana's music industry.

The crux of the matter, as passionately articulated by both NYB and Ato Kilson, revolves around the indispensable need for a cadre of professionals—entertainment lawyers, accountants, business managers, strategists, and data analysts etc —to steer Ghana's entertainment realm into a multibillion cedi juggernaut. Surprisingly, despite the wealth of expertise available, these professionals often steer clear of the industry, citing a perceived lack of financial rewards.

NYB, a stalwart in the Ghanaian music scene, laid bare the unsettling truth that many industry professionals, even within the sector itself, treat it as a mere hobby rather than a field deserving of serious priority. He called for a paradigm shift, advocating for a deeper understanding of the industry's untapped potential beyond the surface.

Comparing the situation to their counterparts in Nigeria, NYB spotlighted the undervaluation of professionals in Ghana. These key players, crucial to the success of the entire musical machinery, often find themselves relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by the spotlight on artistes. Ato Kilson chimed in, dropping knowledge bombs about professionals' reluctance to engage due to the perceived financial unrewarding nature of the business.

The discussion took a riveting turn when host Jay Foley zeroed in on the fundamental flaws plaguing the entertainment space. Drawing parallels with thriving sectors like real estate and engineering, he emphasized the absence of proper structures, laying bare the industry's Achilles' heel.

NYB, in response to Foley's poignant observations, pointed fingers at a prevailing mindset problem. Citing Nigeria once more, he underscored the stark difference in valuing every cog in the wheel of an artiste's success. The crucial call for a revolution in attitude, coupled with the establishment of financial structures, echoed through the conversation as a panacea for transformation.

Ato Kilson re-entered the ring, calling out artistes for their skewed belief that talent alone can navigate the intricate path to success. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach encompassing production, design, packaging, and distribution to truly elevate an artiste's brand.

As the conversation unfolded, Jay Foley shed light on a significant challenge faced by emerging acts. The transition from grassroots supporters to seasoned professionals becomes a make-or-break moment for many. Ato Kilson suggested a "sink or swim" approach, urging inexperienced supporters to step up or make way for professionals when the time is right.

However, co-host C-Real dropped a bombshell, unveiling a more profound issue in Ghana's music space—the money-grabbing culture during this transitional period. C-Real pointed to ignorance and a plethora of amateur musicians, teams, and executives operating in professional capacities they aren't equipped for.

As the discussion reached its crescendo, C-Real urged the acknowledgment of this endemic problem as the first step toward a solution. He emphasized the need for a shift from predatory practices to strategic planning, ensuring the proper development and transition of amateur artistes into consummate professionals. The artiste's attitude also came under scrutiny, with C-Real citing personal experiences and revealing that the psychology of celebrity often leads to entitlement issues.

In conclusion, this electrifying episode of the Big Conversation served up a feast of revelations and insights, challenging the very fabric of Ghana's music industry. The call for a holistic transformation echoed loud and clear, leaving us eagerly anticipating the winds of change in the nation's vibrant musical landscape.