Worlasi Raises Alarm Over Music Royalties, Calls for Stronger Support Systems in Ghana’s Creative Industry

Ghanaian musician Worlasi has sparked fresh debate about the state of music royalties and institutional support for artists in Ghana, following comments made during an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey

The rapper and singer described the music industry as financially challenging, arguing that structures meant to ensure artists earn from digital and broadcast plays remain ineffective or inaccessible to many creatives. Concerns Over Digital Monetisation and Royalties

Worlasi referenced a proposed system aimed at digitalising music payments so that artists receive earnings whenever their songs are played online. According to him, the implementation cost quoted for such a system was around $270,000, a figure he questioned as unrealistic within the local context.

He also alleged that radio stations contribute payments to certain collective entities for music usage, but said the distribution of these funds remains unclear to many artists.

While clarifying that he had received royalties on limited occasions, he suggested the process was discouraging and not transparent enough to sustain confidence in the system.

“The only time I collected money from a group of people in this country because of music and royalties was once. Till date I have not collected again”, he added.

Call for Institutional and Government Support Beyond royalties, Worlasi criticised the lack of structured funding for music projects, arguing that countries elsewhere actively invest in their cultural exports. He cited examples such as state or parliamentary-backed sponsorship of artistic works, saying similar initiatives could help preserve Ghana’s musical heritage.

“This album we did to celebrate Osibisa. Somebody in parliament could have sponsored it to keep the name of Osibisa going. But we will not do it. And those same people will go to Nigeria and go and visit Fela shrine”, he said.

He further pointed to the global recognition of cultural icons in other countries such as the celebration of Fela Kuti’s legacy in Nigeria as evidence that Ghana could do more to promote its own pioneers.

“It’s a Hard Path” — Life as a Musician Despite his frustrations, the artist acknowledged the passion that keeps musicians going, describing music itself, travel, and audience connection as the key rewards of the profession.

However, he maintained that many artists are under strain, urging reforms that would create sustainable opportunities rather than reliance on inconsistent earnings.

Broader Debate Reopened His remarks have added to ongoing conversations about copyright management, royalty collection agencies, and state involvement in the creative economy issues that continue to shape discussions within Ghana’s entertainment sector.