#MusicMadeInGH: Don’t just record, sell songs – Appietus to musicians

Ghanaian music producer and musician, Appiah Dankwah known in industry circles as Appietus has advised musicians to equally pursue more of the business aspect of music as they do in recording hits.
He believes artistes should not just record music for the fun of it but must also do it, equally looking at avenues to monetize their craft.
Appietus admits he also started out without the intention of making money out of his music but, an encounter with High-life legend Daddy Lumba changed that mindset.
Speaking to Kokonsa Kester on Y107.9FM’s Weekend Rush show, Appietus said, “I used to do music for the fun of it and nothing else. I had worked with so many artistes back then and the focus was not on the money until I met Daddy Lumba. He told me to make money out of music and I listened to that advise. Daddy Lumba changed my life”.
According to him, his encounter with Daddy Lumba pushed him to go to Big Ben Music Productions with a compilation he (Appietus) had made.
“One day I went to Big Ben with my compilation and the money the woman mentioned ‘wowed’ me. I was confused and sat there for a while”.
Out of joy, Appietus called Daddy Lumba to inform him about the amount only to be told to demand for double the original sum.
Appietus who was for the first time monetizing his craft was confused a bit because he considered the original offer big enough. He however did as advised and received exactly what he demanded.
His advise to young artistes is, “don’t just record, sell the songs”.
Throughout the month of March, as Ghana celebrates 64 years of independence, the capital’s most exciting weekend entertainment show will be focused on driving our local content; music, food, products and everything Ghanaian on the show.
Also, stakeholders in the entertainment industry will be invited to educate, entertain and empower emerging talents and have conversations around topical issues in the sector.
The show has so far had guests including Reggie rockstone, Prince Bright (Buk bak), Skillions (Jayso, Kevin beats & Shaker) as well as entertainment pundits Koka and Arnold Asamoah Baidoo.
By: Joel Sanco