Ghanaian-British artiste Nana Richard Abiona, popularly known as Fuse ODG, has sparked fresh debate in the country’s music industry after stating that DJs in Ghana are not doing enough to promote local music.
According to him, the lack of strong support from DJs is one of the major reasons Ghanaian songs struggle to dominate airwaves and gain the same international traction as music from other African countries. His comments add to his long standing advocacy for stronger local industry structures that prioritise Ghanaian talent.
Fuse ODG, known globally for hits such as Antenna and his contributions to the global Afrobeats movement, has consistently pushed for increased investment in Ghanaian creativity and cultural identity. Over the years, he has argued that Ghana has enough talent to compete globally but lacks the internal systems needed to sustain consistent promotion and industry growth.
In earlier interviews, he has stressed that Ghana’s music industry often looks outward for validation instead of building strong internal support systems. He has also called for unity among stakeholders, including artists, producers, and media platforms, to strengthen the local music ecosystem and expand global reach.
His latest remarks about DJs touch on a sensitive issue in the Ghanaian entertainment space. DJs play a key role in determining which songs get frequent airplay in clubs, radio stations, and public events. As such, they are often seen as gatekeepers who can influence which artists break into mainstream popularity.
Fuse ODG’s concerns suggest that even with increasing global attention on African music, Ghanaian artistes may still be struggling to secure equal visibility at home. His comments come at a time when Afrobeats and other African genres are gaining massive international recognition, with Nigerian and South African artists dominating global charts and playlists.
Industry observers note that while Ghana has produced globally recognised acts, including Fuse ODG himself, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale, there is still ongoing debate about whether local structures adequately support homegrown talent. Some argue that audience preference, marketing strength, and industry investment all play a role in shaping what music becomes popular.
Others, however, believe that Ghanaian music is competitive but requires more aggressive promotion strategies, especially in digital streaming and international collaborations. The conversation has also expanded to include the role of media, record labels, and event organisers in shaping the country’s music landscape.
Fuse ODG has long positioned himself as an advocate for cultural pride and self belief in African entertainment. He has previously urged stakeholders to stop depending on foreign validation and instead focus on building sustainable creative industries within Africa.
His statement about DJs is likely to reignite discussions about how Ghana can better structure its music industry to support local artists while also positioning them for global success. It also raises questions about how airplay decisions are made and whether more transparent or structured systems could help balance local and international music promotion.
As the debate continues, many in the industry are expected to weigh in on whether DJs are truly under supporting Ghanaian music or whether broader structural challenges are responsible for the situation.
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