Popular Ghanaian comedian Abdul Waris Umaru, popularly known as Comedian Warris, has suggested that public support for rising artists often begins with ridicule particularly with those considered "crazy."

He mentioned the likes of Ay Poyoo, Bosom P-Yung, among others who were supported in the initial stages of their comedy crafts because several Ghanaians belittled them.

Comedian Waris shared during a discussion on GhanaWeb's X Space, August 29, 2025, hosted by Joseph Henry Mensah and Isaac Dadzie, that;

"In Ghana, people support people they know they are better than. That is the truth. People support people they know, “this one is mad. I am ok. I am better in a way than them. Look at the track record. Look at somebody like Ghana Tupac. Look at somebody like, when we started, they were supporting Bosom P Yung. They were all looking at them like they were mad. People like KIVO, TWILIGHT. All these people, including AY Poyo. All these people in the beginning thought they were better than them, until they realized management had handled them to redirect their brand and to make it better,” he expressed.

Comedian Waris further lashed out at media houses that promote artists extensively when news about them is completely negative.

"The only time some of the media appear on your pages is when there is a failure. You will see a media house posting who the comedian is that you don't like. Do you think the Nigerian government and the media will put out Burna Boy like they did to Shatta Wale?" he said.

He made this statement on the back of Shatta Wale's recent case with EOCO, which in his view, the media amplified far more than his artistic achievements.

Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, was detained by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

He was detained on Wednesday over an inquiry related to the tax obligations of a yellow Lamborghini vehicle that was seized over a month ago.

On Wednesday night 20th August, he was granted bail of GHC10,000,000 with two sureties to be justified in investigations surrounding a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, a car identified by the FBI and the US Justice Department as proceeds of a $4 million crime.

Meanwhile, Ghanaian reggae/dancehall artist Abdul Razak, also recognized as Iwan, voiced frustration over the media's perceived lack of support for his songs, attributing it to the lyrical content he selects.

He asserted that despite his endeavors to promote his music, he feels overlooked by the media.

“The issue is always straightforward. The media is not promoting me. I am doing all I can, but I am not getting support. The media have sidelined me, making it appear as if some of us are not trying,” he expressed.

The “Who Is Bad” hitmaker claims that his talent is underappreciated and that people want him to sing about immoral subjects, which he will never do. He declared that he wants to sing about uplifting issues that society needs to hear about.

“Some people don’t understand how a talented artist like Iwan is not gaining traction. Perhaps, they want us to conform to the trend of singing about immoral subjects, but I will always decline that and speak about positive issues that urgently need attention in our society”, he added.

He also encouraged fellow musicians to leverage their art to address societal issues that hold significance for them, including homosexuality.

He emphasized that he will always uphold the truth through his music, acknowledging that many artists shy away from discussing such topics due to concerns about losing their audience.

“I will always speak about it because that is what our songs are supposed to do. Let us be bold and address these issues, as our songs are meant to help correct societal ills,” he said.

Contributing to efforts to give artists more exposure, Dr. Hassan Ayariga, presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), last year announced a comprehensive plan to nurture emerging talent in the creative arts sector if elected in the December 7, 2024, polls.

In his vision for the future of Ghana's music industry, Ayariga emphasized the importance of artist education, innovation, and investment. He proposed establishing regional platforms where established artists and producers can mentor young talents, helping them develop their skills and navigate the industry from an early age.

Additionally, he planned to launch an online radio platform that allows budding artists to showcase their music through accessible technology.

To foster growth and elevate the global standing of Ghana's music scene, the APC government outlineed ten strategic initiatives:

Investment in Infrastructure and Education:

The APC aims to create state-of-the-art music schools and training programs focused on the artistic, technical, and commercial aspects of music.Mentorship programs will be established, pairing seasoned professionals with new artists to guide them in refining their craft and understanding industry dynamics.Leveraging Digital Platforms:

The APC will support artists in utilizing global streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, helping them reach wider audiences beyond local markets.Musicians will be encouraged to harness social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote their work and engage with fans internationally.Enhancing Production Standards:

The government will invest in high-quality recording studios to elevate production standards and encourage collaborations between artists and top producers.Training programs for sound engineers and video directors will be implemented to enhance overall production quality.Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights:

The APC will focus on bolstering copyright laws to protect artists' rights and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.Educational initiatives will inform artists about the importance of copyright registration and provide legal support for contracts and royalties.Creating Exposure Platforms:

The APC plans to organize local and international music festivals, providing artists with opportunities to perform and gain recognition on a global scale.Collaborations between Ghanaian and international artists will be facilitated to increase visibility for Ghanaian music.Support from Government and Private Sector:

A music production fund will be established through partnerships with private investors to support artists and industry events financially.Policies will be introduced to simplify international touring and distribution for Ghanaian musicians.Building a Unified Industry Network:

Strengthening organizations like the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) will advocate for artists’ interests and address industry challenges.Collaboration among artists, managers, and producers will be encouraged to create a more cohesive music ecosystem.Promoting Ghanaian Music Globally:

The APC will leverage music for cultural diplomacy, showcasing Ghanaian artists at international events and festivals.Efforts will be made to push for global recognition through international awards, including the Grammys.Encouraging Genre Diversity:

While focusing on Afrobeat and Highlife, the APC will encourage artists to explore genres such as hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and reggae, broadening their audience reach.Developing Music Business Acumen:

Training programs will be established for music managers to help artists navigate contracts and effectively market their music.Stronger distribution networks will be created to ensure that Ghanaian music is accessible worldwide, including the establishment of a Music Royalty Collection Agency to guarantee fair compensation for artists.This comprehensive approach aims to nurture talent, enhance production quality, and elevate Ghana's music industry on the global stage.