Gov’t don’t understand Showbiz – Theresa Ayoade

Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, the Chief Executive Officer of Charter House, organizers of the annual Ghana music awards, has said various governments of Ghana have not understand the high value of patronage the creative Arts Industry can ascertain for the state.

According to her, individuals in the Creative Arts Industry are trying on their own to make it in the industry but government needs to lay down a proper foundation for the growth of the industry.

Nigeria does not only have a slew of great music talents but also a very vibrant urban music scene including higher Industry routine.

Songs by Nigerian artistes enjoy so much rotation on radio and television stations across the continent and even beyond which is fair to say music has become a cultural export for the West African nation due to government involvement.

Experts revealed that music sales in Nigeria recently were millions of dollars which predicts a high returns in their creative works.

The success of Nigerian music has been spurred for the most part by the rise of the afrobeats genre which has become the country’s cultural export.

This has made acts such as D’banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square and Flavour household names across the continent and beyond.

Madam Theresa Ayoade however responding to this in an interview on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM with George Quaye said, most of our Creative Arts persons have tried their best over the period like Nigeria’s but they are stuck and need government to give them a hand.

“The leaders are not paying attention, we are at the bottom…some politicians need artistes when they are going to do politics. When they are going to campaign that’s when they realize they have a following, so they want to tap into their resource.

“After using the artistes, that’s it…we don’t have a structure so it is safe to conclude we don’t have an industry,” she said.

She stated that the likes of Abdul Salam Mumuni, Shirley Frimpong Manso and many Kumawood producers all need help in terms of investments and logistics to continue production to boost the seeming dying movie Industry.

She further disclosed that, she and her team almost gave up on continuation of hosting the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards for lack of resources and support including several challenges that spearhead the scheme over the period.

According to her, government should understand the value of entertainment in the Country and make available logistics for boosting of the Sector for future betterment.