Fame can fill stadiums, promote out albums, and spark family catchphrases. However when the lights dim and the applause fades, too many Ghanaian musicians and actors are left struggling — financially and emotionally. Some have overtly appealed for assist. Others suffered in silence till it was too late.
From hiplife pioneers and gospel icons to veteran display screen legends, the checklist of Ghanaian creatives who confronted critical monetary difficulties is rising. And it’s a nationwide dialog we are able to’t preserve dodging.
So, who’re these beloved stars who went from fame to monetary hardship — and extra importantly, why does this preserve taking place?
The Musicians Who Fell on Laborious Instances
1. Okomfour Kwadee
A lyrical icon and storyteller from the early 2000s, Okomfour Kwadee (born Jerry Anaba) gave Ghana timeless hits like “Ka Wo Nan To So” and “Meyere Ne Me Mpena”. However behind the music was a person battling mental health issues, which led to a number of disappearances from the general public eye.
Round 2010 and once more in 2020, information broke of his dire monetary and psychological state, with visuals surfacing of him in misery. Although household and some {industry} buddies helped, sustained industry-wide help was missing.
2. Okay.Okay. Kabobo
Identified for highlife classics like “Onyame Ehu Wo”, Okay.Okay. Kabobo was a giant title within the ’80s and early ’90s. However in March 2024, it was reported that he was affected by liver illness and wanted pressing monetary help.
The Vice President donated GHS 10,000 in the direction of his remedy. Sadly, Kabobo handed away in June 2024, sparking renewed conversations about pensions and welfare for ageing musicians.
ALSO READ: Creative ways to refresh your wardrobe without buying anything new
3. Jewel Ackah
His soulful voice powered the Nationwide Democratic Congress’s iconic anthem “Come up Come up”, and his gospel and highlife tracks have been family staples. But, Jewel Ackah died in April 2018 after publicly lamenting neglect from the political occasion he helped popularise.
He suffered a number of well being issues together with stroke and diabetes, and stories confirmed he struggled financially in his remaining years regardless of his legacy.
READ ALSO: 3 bail conditions set for Thomas Partey after hearing on rape charges
4. Nana Kwame Ampadu
A real legend with over 800 songs together with “Obra” and “Ebi Te Yie”, Nana Ampadu formed Ghana’s music tradition for many years.
However earlier than his dying in September 2021, he handled monetary challenges and well being points, together with a long-standing battle with sickness that required hospital care. Many have been shocked {that a} man of his stature lacked a retirement security web.
5. Papa Shee
Identified for “Atadwe” and different 2000s hits, Papa Shee finally turned an evangelist within the US. He has shared that at one level, he slept in church buildings and had no revenue as he tried to search out his ft in ministry.
Although his religion journey introduced him peace, the monetary hardship was intense and virtually broke him.
READ ALSO: ‘I did your campaign song, but I’m hungry, don’t let me die’ – Gospel singer to Mahama
6. Fortunate Mensah
With songs like “Come Again to Me” and “Nkratuo”, Fortunate Mensah had a long term of recognition. Nevertheless, he’s been vocal about how the Ghanaian music {industry} has failed veterans.
In a number of interviews, he hinted at low royalties, poor structural help, and the way regardless of his hits, he’s not financially snug.
7. Evangelist Akwasi Nyarko
A beloved gospel artiste recognized for “Adekye Nsoroma” and “Menim Nea Ob3y3 Ama Me”, Evangelist Nyarko as soon as admitted on stay TV that he thought of suicide as a result of he was broke and depressed.
He mentioned gospel music left him with “nothing to point out” for many years of service. His tearful story stirred public sympathy and drew consideration to the plight of gospel singers.
On August a video surfaced on-line, wherein he’s seen begging President John Dramani Mahama for assist, lamenting amongst different issues that he had not eaten for 3 days, on account of hardship
“President Mahama, it appears you’ve forgotten about me. I composed a marketing campaign track for you. I’m hungry, I haven’t eaten in 3 days as a result of I’ve no cash.
My little one has dropped out of faculty as a result of I can’t afford the charges. I’m not getting reveals as a result of I sang and campaigned for the NDC within the Ashanti Area. Please come to my support; don’t let me die like Daddy Lumba and Dada KD,”Evangelist Nyarko cried.
ALSO READ: 5 reasons you should include quiet time in your daily activities
