Sarkodie has called on Ghana's business leaders and wealthy individuals to put more money behind the country's musicians, arguing that Nigerian artistes benefit from investors who are willing to take bigger risks.
According to a report by Graphic Showbiz, credited to Daily Post Nigeria, the rapper made the comments on the When We Sit podcast.
Sarkodie said many Ghanaian artistes have built their careers largely without outside funding. "What Ghanaian artists do is organic," he said, according to the report.
He added that even with a clear plan, it can be difficult to attract investors. "I give a business plan; even with that, it is hard to get some people to come in," he said.
By contrast, he said, wealthy Nigerians are more willing to back their artistes. "But in Nigeria, I think they take a lot of risks; most rich people take a lot of risks to put their people on."
To illustrate the scale of investment needed for big international projects, Sarkodie pointed to the cost of headlining major venues. "If I break down what it takes to do the O2 Arena, you will freak out, but then we still have to do it," he said, according to Graphic Showbiz.
He also recounted a meeting with Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu, who told him about a large investment in a Nigerian artiste he considers the future of Afrobeats. Sarkodie said he was surprised by the amount, though the report did not name the artiste or give the figure.
Nigeria's music industry has grown into one of the most powerful in Africa, with stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tems and Rema achieving global success. Part of that growth has been driven by significant investment from record labels, international partners and wealthy individuals who fund marketing, tours and production.
Tony Elumelu is one of Africa's best-known businessmen, the chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa, and the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which supports African entrepreneurs.
Ghanaian artistes and industry players have long complained about limited funding for music projects. Without large investors, many musicians pay for recording, videos, promotion and tours themselves, which can make it difficult to compete with well-funded rivals in international markets.
Sarkodie's comments add to a wider conversation in Ghana's creative industry this month about money and growth. At the launch of MTN One TV, government officials described plans to make culture "bankable", while Entertainment Week Ghana's incubator is trying to link creative businesses with investors.
Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo, is one of Africa's most decorated rappers. He won the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2012 and has built his career largely through independent releases under his own label, Sarkcess Music.
His comments come as he prepares for Rapperholic 2026 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, October 24, one of the biggest concerts on his calendar.
Some industry observers argue that Ghanaian music needs not only investors but also stronger structures, including management, legal support and data on streaming and touring revenue, to make the business more attractive to people with money to invest.
Sarkodie is one of the most respected voices in Ghanaian music, and his call is likely to resonate with younger artistes who struggle to fund their careers. If more Ghanaian investors respond, the country's music industry could gain the resources needed to compete more strongly on the global stage.
At the same time, investors will want clear business models and returns, and the industry's ability to offer that could shape whether his appeal turns into real funding.
