Veteran Ghanaian musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has raised concerns about the growing dominance of technology in today’s music industry, warning that digital shortcuts are undermining creativity and artistic discipline.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Time show on Wednesday night, the highlife pioneer criticised the current wave of music that prioritises speed and convenience over depth and effort.
According to Ambolley, many young artists now rely too heavily on computers and software rather than learning instruments or honing strong lyrical content.
“Shortcuts in music are not good. It makes your music ‘sharp sharp’; it doesn’t last,” he stressed, explaining that “sharp sharp” refers to a fast-food style of music production that lacks soul, substance, and staying power.
Ambolley, who is credited with pioneering rap-infused highlife in the 1970s, lamented that many artists are bypassing the learning process that once shaped musicianship. He noted that in earlier times, artists had to study music theory, master instruments, and perform live—disciplines that fostered originality and patience.
“Now, a beat can be downloaded, lyrics patched together, and a song uploaded within hours, often without much human interaction or creative collaboration,” he said.
The veteran also criticised the impersonal nature of modern collaborations, recounting how some younger artists send him tracks for features but release them without his input on the final version. “When they send the music, I do my part, but after that, they don’t come back for me to listen to the entire song. Before I know it, it’s on air,” he explained.
Despite his criticism, Ambolley acknowledged bright spots in the industry. He praised songwriter and performer Kofi Kinaata for maintaining storytelling and lyrical depth while remaining relevant in the modern scene. To him, Kinaata represents a balance between old-school discipline and contemporary creativity.
Ambolley also highlighted the importance of mentorship, warning that many upcoming musicians lack honest guidance. “If you don’t have good people around you, there’s no one to advise you when the path you’re taking is not the right one,” he cautioned.
He urged young artists to treat technology as a tool rather than a substitute for skill, practice, and cultural grounding, adding that Ghana’s music future depends on musicians returning to the fundamentals of their craft.
Prime Time airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Joy Prime, featuring in-depth conversations with cultural icons, artists, and thought leaders shaping Ghana’s creative landscape.
Source: Lois Ampea-Badu
