Lights, camera, action !!!
Ghanaian and Nigerian entertainment industries present audiences with socially complex problems and questions, which wake up people’s consciousness when encouraging reflection on them.
Ghanaian and Nigerian Music: A Global Phenomenon
The music industries of the two countries have expanded significantly across the globe. These artists, such as Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Burna Boy, have featured global musicians like Justin Bieber and Travis Scott and elevated Afrobeats and other African music genres to international relevance.
On the other hand, Ghanaian musicians such as Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, and Okyeame Kwame have taken the +233 vibe to the world by collaborating with foreign artistes like Beyoncé, Sean Paul, and Keri Hilson in reggae, dancehall, rap, and highlife.
Both nations have effectively incorporated cultural aspects such as dressing, dancing, and even the use of proverbs in the music they produce. These achievements have earned them numerous BET and Grammy awards, including invitations to perform at high-profile festivals such as Coachella.
The impact the duo has brought to the global music platform cannot be doubted, also the approach to narrative, dance, and digital platforms has been instrumental in pushing African music to the next level.
Ghana’s Film Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Summarizing the Ghanaian film industry, one cannot but note that the latter releases comparatively few critically acclaimed movies but is unable to achieve global acclaim due to Nollywood’s enormous production and popularity. Some of the possible obstacles to film production in Ghana include limited funding, fluctuating quality of production, and inadequate legal structures.
While the Nigerian movie industry has been fortunate to have investors willing to invest in it and support it with funds that could go a long way in developing this industry and marketing it to the world, Ghana has not been so lucky. It is these challenges that may very well help realize the full potential of the cinema of Ghana and share its untold narratives with the world.
Reviving Ghana’s Film Industry
Ghanaian cinema was once vibrant and competitive with Nollywood within the African continent. While it may seem low compared to other countries, it can still be increased given certain incentives. The most important factors are
- Government investment
- Better storytelling and quality production
- The growth of film schools and training centers
These are some of the ways through which Ghana’s cinema can rise again and tell more people its stories.
Final Thoughts
Yet it remains an important cultural initiative that has so much more to offer in the future despite the current challenges it is facing. It can be re-awakened and its creative voices heard worldwide if we fill the gaps and seize the opportunities. In light of this, the future of Ghanaian cinema is bright and can once more produce and host great stories from the African continent if there is commitment.
Source: Vincent Doh
