Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, has shared a strong message for up-and-coming artists in the Western Region: raw talent is a good start, but without strategy and branding, many will struggle to make a lasting impact.
Speaking recently at a gathering of young creatives, Hon. Darko-Mensah urged them to think beyond just making music or putting out visuals. He encouraged them to develop plans, build their identity, and position themselves in ways that attract sustainable growth rather than temporary fame.
Key Points from His Advice
- Branding matters: The MP stressed that having a clear and consistent brand helps artists stand out in a crowded space. This includes how they present themselves visually (logotypes, artwork, fashion, image), what message they send, and what value they offer their audience.
- Strategy over spontaneity: Hon. Darko-Mensah suggested that artists should set goals—short-term and long-term—plan their releases, manage finances, promote properly, and use digital platforms wisely. He noted that planning helps artists avoid being reactive and instead prevents wasted resources and time.
- Self-drive and discipline: Beyond networking and opportunity, he emphasized self-motivation. Those who push themselves, stay consistent, keep learning and refining their craft, and adapt to feedback tend to fare better.
- Sustainable mindset: The MP encouraged artists to see their creative work as more than hobby or side hustle. He called for them to treat their artistry like a business—invest in marketing, collaborations, revenue streams (streaming, performances, merchandise), and building relationships with fans.
Why This Matters
In Takoradi and Ghana more broadly, many talented artists find themselves stuck — excellent music but little visibility; memorable singles but no growth; lots of hype, but no lasting fanbase. What Hon. Darko-Mensah is pushing for aims to bridge that gap. With strategy and branding, emerging artists can:
- Create recognition beyond local scenes
- Monetize their work properly
- Build loyal audiences
- Expand into regional or international markets
What Artists Can Do
Here are practical steps, inspired by the MP’s advice, that emerging artists can begin today:
- Define your brand: What do you stand for? Who are you making music for? What story do you want to tell?
- Plan your releases: don’t just drop songs spontaneously—build anticipation, marketing, visuals.
- Use digital tools well: social media, streaming platforms, content creation. Understand your audience.
- Invest in presentation: quality audio, visuals, artwork, videos matter.
- Seek collaborations: network with producers, other artists, promoters.
- Track finances: know your costs, revenues; ensure performances and merch add value.
