Ghanaian musician Article Wan has called for a change in how artistes are treated by the public and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the need to prioritize talent over character.
Speaking in a interview, Article Wan observed that Ghanaians tend to focus more on respect, which often overshadows the creative potential of musicians.
He noted that this mindset can limit opportunities for artistes who possess great talent but may not fit societal expectations of character and demeanor.
The musician urged industry players and fans to shift their focus towards artistic ability, allowing musicians to be recognized for their craft rather than being judged primarily on their personalities.
“Ghanaians are mostly into ‘respect.’ Everyone wants somebody to behave a certain way. I think it’s about time we forget about an artiste’s character and focus on pushing his talent regardless of his antics,” Article Wan stated.
He pointed out that creative individuals often have unique personalities, and their differences should not lead to them being shunned by the public despite their artistic contributions.
Using his godfather, Shatta Wale, as an example, Article Wan pointed out that despite the dancehall star’s strong character, his hard work and talent have made him a role model for many up-and-coming musicians.
“Like my godfather Shatta Wale, he has a strong character. But he is very hardworking and talented. Why not give him the necessary support? You look at many up-and-coming musicians, and they all say they want to be like Shatta. So I feel like we should forget about looking at an artiste’s character and focus on his talent,” he added.