Legendary broadcaster Tommy Annan-Forson has expressed concern over the state of modern Ghanaian music, criticizing its lack of meaningful content and storytelling.
Speaking with Kwesi Kyei Darkwah on CTV on Monday, December 2, the veteran media personality shared his disappointment, stating that much of today’s music lacks depth and fails to connect emotionally with listeners.
“I hardly listen to our [modern] music because there’s nothing to understand. It’s just blabber. There’s no storyline,” he said, adding that music should inspire and tell relatable stories.
Tommy also challenged the pervasive mindset that mediocrity drives success in the music industry. “They say, ‘Bad news sells, bad music sells.’ If I tell a musician today to remove certain words, they’ll say, ‘This is what sells,’” he observed, lamenting the compromise of quality for commercial appeal.
He contrasted the creative discipline of his era with today’s trends, emphasizing the importance of preserving artistic integrity. “You dare not, in our time, do such a thing,” he stated, warning that blindly following trends can harm one’s reputation.
Drawing on his vast experience, Tommy underscored the timeless appeal of storytelling in music. “When I play country music, I’m telling a story about myself and the listener. If a particular country song makes my heart skip a beat, I know the listener will feel it too. A good storyline connects us,” he explained.
With nearly five decades in the media and arts industry, Tommy Annan-Forson continues to influence the next generation through his radio training school, RABODEF. His critique serves as a call to action for Ghanaian musicians to prioritize substance and storytelling in their craft.
