Sista Afia says her journey in music has been marked by sacrifices, hard work, and self-funding, yet she feels true acceptance in Ghana’s industry may never come her way.
Speaking on the Delay Show, the singer revealed that the release of her 2018 track Jeje featuring Shatta Wale was a turning point, making her realise that popularity within the industry might always remain out of reach.
“Since I released ‘Jeje,’ was when I realised that I may never be a favourite in the industry. I’ve invested so much effort and funded everything with my own money. If I had saved that money, I would have likely achieved more by now. It’s frustrating because I put my heart and soul into each project, even spending my last penny on a music video, because you don’t know which song might blow,” she said.
Afia explained that her career has been sustained entirely by her own resources without any outside backing, a reality that has left her questioning if the effort has been worth it.
When pressed on why she thinks the industry struggles to embrace her, she pointed to her background. She suggested that audiences often celebrate artistes who rise from difficult beginnings, but her return to Ghana after living abroad may have shaped perceptions that she does not belong.
“Many thoughts cross my mind. Sometimes, I wonder if my background is a factor; it seems people tend to prefer artistes who come from the slums, those who were once unknown and then became popular. Some people say, ‘Afia comes from abroad, so why is she trying to make music here?’” Sista Afia made it clear.
Watch Sista Afia and Delay’s interview below.
