Ghanaian music icon Samini has opened up about why he prefers music over acting, citing the significant pay disparity between the two industries. According to him, acting is a physically and financially draining profession, yet actors in Ghana are not compensated fairly for their efforts compared to musicians.
0
Speaking on a podcast, Samini explained that while he has dabbled in acting, he finds the financial returns unimpressive.
1
He revealed that top musicians can earn between GHS 150,000 and GHS 250,000 for a single full-band live performance, with even lesser-known artists making between GHS 15,000 and GHS 20,000 for a 30-minute set in Accra.
2
However, the situation is entirely different for actors, who often spend weeks on set but earn significantly less.
3
Samini disclosed that even A-list actors struggle to secure GHS 10,000 to GHS 25,000 for an entire movie project, which could take up to three weeks of filming.
4
He pointed out that some of the biggest names in the industry might push for GHS 20,000 or GHS 25,000, but that largely depends on the production house hiring them.
5
Meanwhile, lesser-known actors reportedly earn as little as GHS 2,000 for weeks of work—an amount far below what musicians make for just a few songs on stage.
6
“It’s crazy when you think about it,” Samini said. “A musician can go on stage for 30 minutes and earn GHS 15,000, while an actor spends weeks filming and barely makes that. Something has to be done about it.”
7
As an advocate for fair pay, Samini called for the introduction of a standardized salary structure for actors, similar to what exists in the music industry.
8
He proposed that A-list actors should not be paid below GHS 50,000 per movie, B-list actors should earn at least GHS 30,000, and no mainstream actor should be paid less than GHS 15,000 per role.
9
“If for nothing at all, there should be some form of regulation so that actors are fairly compensated,” he emphasized.
10
Samini believes that a structured pay system would not only improve the livelihoods of actors but also enhance the quality of Ghanaian films. He urged producers and industry stakeholders to re-evaluate their compensation structures to ensure actors receive what they truly deserve.
11
His comments have reignited discussions about the financial realities of acting in Ghana and whether reforms are needed to bridge the pay gap between musicians and actors.
12
