DopeNation says record labels can help musicians climb the ladder of success, but they are far from a guaranteed formula for stardom.
In a recent interview with Daily Graphic, the twin brothers behind the brand, Michael Boafo (B2) and Tony Boafo (Twist), reflected on their journey from being signed to Lynx Entertainment to carving their own path as independent artistes. They admitted that labels can open doors but stressed that the price tag attached isn’t always worth it.
“Record labels can be useful, no doubt about that. But they are not for every artiste. They can provide crucial support, such as financial backing, marketing assistance, exposure to larger audiences, among others,” they explained.
But the duo cautioned that contracts often come with restrictions that can limit an artiste’s freedom. “Signing with a label comes with adhering to contractual commitments such as strict deadlines, creative directives, profit-sharing arrangements, etc.
“Record labels aren’t evil, just that they’re not for everyone. Artistes must fully understand these commitments before deciding to work with them. The important thing is knowing the game—before the game plays you,” they added.
Beyond the record label debate, DopeNation underlined why reinvention is essential for survival in today’s music scene. For them, standing still is not an option.
“Music never stands still and neither do we,” they noted. “To keep our sound fresh and relevant, we immerse ourselves in new trends, techniques and styles. It’s more than just keeping up—it’s about understanding the pulse of each generation. So our music resonates deeply, no matter the era.”
Rather than dividing them, their creative differences as siblings serve as their advantage.
“People always ask if we argue over creative choices, but it’s quite the opposite. Our differences give us an edge—multiple perspectives mean richer, more dynamic music. We push each other, refine every detail and hold ourselves to the highest standard. In this industry, we are our critics in this line of business,” they said.
Despite their success in delivering major hits, the brothers lamented how music groups have been sidelined at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA). According to them, four years without nominations have caused groups to lose recognition despite their contributions.
“There are a lot of groups in the country doing amazingly well. However, the four-year ‘hiatus’ due to lack of nominations at the TGMA has sort of erased their shine. Yet, we can mention several groups who contributed to most of the bangers’ jobs last year,” they remarked.
Asked about what they would change if given the chance, DopeNation emphasized the need to prioritize producers.
“We will put producers first. They are the heartbeat of music—fix their support system, and the entire industry levels up. It’s simple: focus on the source and everything else falls into place.
“Music producers are the foundation of creating music and by focusing on them, many other things in the industry would improve naturally,” the duo stated.
