PlayGhana can’t succeed if artistes keep disrespecting us –DJs

AS if that was all they had been waiting for, a number of Ghanaian Disc Jockeys (DJs) couldn’t help but express their displeasure at what they describe as continuous disrespect meted out to them by artistes when the opportunity reared its head.

The visibly angry DJs who have probably been bidding their time to vent didn’t mince words at all at the DJs Exclusive Roundtable: A Strategic Discussion on Ghana’s Music Airplay hosted by Creative Arts Agency (CAA) in Accra recently when they disclosed that until they are appreciated by musicians, it will be difficult for the PlayGhana initiative to be successful.

They were frustrated at how they helped artistes to succeed but were quickly sidelined when the latter got to the peak of their careers.

The meeting chaired by the Executive Secretary of CAA, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, was to create a meaningful dialogue with DJs about their role in the PlayGhana initiative and the impact of the Broadcasting Bill Amendment on their craft.

But it seemed the DJs were looking for a legitimate and official platform to formally seek redress for how they have been treated by artistes over the years.

According to them, most of the artistes see them as backburners, a trend which has resulted in DJs being lowly regarded in the music industry.

Popular Nightlife DJ AD DJ, who was very vocal at the meeting, challenged the CAA to have a conversation with the artistes to better understand that they were not backburners in their careers.

“There are many musicians that you help to get to the top but they turn you down with protocols and unnecessary excuses when you even need a favour in return. How do you expect me to use my platform to promote your music to get you there only for you to turn around to disrespect me when you are a big artiste?