Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has delivered a blunt assessment of the country’s creative arts ecosystem, arguing that artists are forced to operate within what he called “broken with non-existent infrastructure.”
He made the remarks during the “Protecting What You Create” seminar, a session later shared on Instagram on February 28, 2026. Reflecting on his own journey, the award-winning musician disclosed that more than a decade into his career, he has yet to earn royalties from within Ghana.
“As a Ghanaian creative or businessperson, you are dealing with broken infrastructure and, sometimes, a non-existent one. I was very glad to hear that some strides were made back in those days, but I’ll tell you, I’ve not received a single cedi in royalties from Ghana in my life.
“So the bad news is that this is where you’re beginning from. You’re starting from a broken place,” he said.
Beyond highlighting the structural gaps, M.anifest urged creatives to rethink how they navigate the system. He pointed to technology as a critical lever, insisting that digital tools now serve as a level playing field for artists working in constrained environments.
“You have to use technology as a tool. We have to use technology more than anybody else because that’s our equalizer right now, because this system is broken. I mean, how many places can you perform in Ghana? If you release an album and decide to tour Ghana, how many venues are there across the country?
“I can go on and on about the broken or sometimes non-existent infrastructure, but it’s not to be pessimistic or cynical, or to tell you that you’re handicapped. It’s simply to remind you that the work you’re doing is an uphill climb,” M.anifest further stated.
