One of the main objectives of the Blackstar Experience is to encourage investment in Ghana’s creative industries.
In an interview with Rex Owusu Marfo, the Coordinator of the Blackstar Experience, on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, he explained the initiative’s goal of establishing world-class record labels in the country.
“We’ve done our research and realized that the reason why Ghanaian artistes get to a certain level and get stuck is because we don’t have well-resourced record labels in this country, whether it’s in terms of personnel or funding. You can’t release a single in Ghana, no matter how good the music is, and put in 200,000 cedis for marketing, and expect to compete with an artiste who spends 200,000 dollars in marketing. No matter how good your music is, theirs will likely blow,” he said.
He added that setting up well-resourced record labels with the means to market Ghanaian artistes to global standards is crucial.
“This is why we need to set up one or two well-resourced record labels that have what it takes to market Ghanaian artistes to that global level,” he stated.
However, Marfo emphasized that this initiative will not be funded by the government but will be achieved through partnerships with private individuals and enterprises.
“We will facilitate private investment to make this happen. If you rely on government, everything that belongs to the government belongs to everybody,” he explained.
When asked about record labels that are already performing well but need extra funding to improve, Marfo said the team would assess their track record and the success of their artists.
“We will assess and see who has been in the system, their track record, how many artistes they’ve been able to project, and based on that, we will choose,” he said.
The Blackstar Experience is the flagship programme for Ghana’s tourism, culture, and creative arts industries.
During the launch on May 1, 2025, Rex Owusu Marfo described the Blackstar Experience as more than just a project — it is a movement, a re-awakening of national pride, and an invitation to the world to experience the soul of Ghana.
He emphasized that Ghana had long been celebrated for its hospitality, history, and dynamic cultural expressions. From the rhythmic beat of its music to the captivating stories of its ancestors, from the bustling markets to the serene landscapes, these are the things Ghana can offer to the world.
Marfo further highlighted that the Blackstar Experience will be centered around seven pillars: cinema, audio, cuisines, aesthetics, style, literature, and heritage.