Ghanaian rapper Medikal has pushed back strongly against the long-standing perception that local artistes are not financially successful, insisting the reality is different from what many people believe.
Sitting down with Paul Adom-Otchere on Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV, the “Too Risky” crooner said the narrative that Nigerian artistes earn more than their Ghanaian counterparts is largely based on perception, not facts.
“I don’t think Ghanaian artistes don’t make much money,” he stated, arguing that industry insiders are aware of the real figures musicians earn from shows and deals.
According to him, performance fees and live shows remain a major source of income, and they are often more rewarding than people assume.
“If you get into talks with promoters, they’ll let you know how much Medikal charges for a show,” he said.
Medikal revealed that contrary to popular belief, travelling abroad does not always guarantee higher earnings.
“Sometimes you end up making more money from home than travelling abroad,” he explained, noting that artistes often have consistent bookings within Ghana.
He added that he performs frequently, sometimes up to three times a week, across different locations including private events and large public shows. This steady demand, he said, translates into strong income streams.
The rapper also pointed to the spending power of fans outside major cities as evidence that the industry is financially viable.
Recounting his recent performances, he said events in smaller towns draw large crowds who are willing to pay.
“They’re paying good… they’re having fun so they can pay,” he said, highlighting how gate fees and table sales contribute to artistes’ earnings.
Medikal believes the gap people see between Ghanaian and Nigerian artistes is more about branding than actual wealth.
“It’s just perception… the media has created in the heads of Ghanaians that Nigerians are living better than Ghanaians,” he said.
He explained that strategic promotion and storytelling often make foreign artistes appear wealthier.
“Packaging… that’s what we call it,” he added.
According to him, similar lifestyles exist among Ghanaian artistes, but they are not always projected the same way to the public.
While acknowledging challenges in the industry, Medikal maintained that the financial opportunities are real for artistes who build strong fan bases and stay active.
