Daddy Bosco: Great artistes are remembered for legacy, not hit songs

Veteran music executive Daddy Bosco has urged some of Ghana’s biggest musicians to focus on building lasting legacies, arguing that great artistes are ultimately remembered for their impact, not hit songs.

Vice Chairman of the Ghana Culture Forum and Director of Communications and Special Projects at the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, popularly known as Daddy Bosco, said established artistes such as Shatta Wale, Samini and Kwabena Kwabena have already cemented their place in Ghana’s music history.

According to him, musicians who have attained legendary status should shift their attention from constantly chasing chart-topping songs to creating enduring brands and institutions that will outlive their music careers.

“One of the issues with the Ghanaian music industry is that we tend to applaud trending artistes more than legacy artistes. Shatta Wale is now a legacy artiste. Samini is a legacy artiste and so is Kwabena Kwabena. They don’t need to chase another hit,” Daddy Bosco said.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about longevity and sustainability in Ghana’s entertainment industry, where many veteran musicians continue to compete for chart dominance despite having already achieved significant success.

Daddy Bosco noted that the music industry is driven by trends that change rapidly, making it difficult for artistes to remain at the top of the charts throughout their careers. He said musicians who have spent decades building successful careers should recognise when they have crossed into a stage where their influence matters more than their popularity on streaming platforms.

He cited highlife legend Kojo Antwi as an example of an artiste whose reputation and influence continue to command respect despite not releasing recent chart-topping records.

“Look at Kojo Antwi. When was the last time Kojo had a hit? Yet, he is still playing some of the biggest shows. I think sometimes the artistes themselves have to appreciate that they have crossed over into legacy status. At that point, they should stop worrying so much about trends,” he stated.

Daddy Bosco stressed that legacy is not only about music but also about the contributions artistes make to society and the opportunities they create for future generations.

He encouraged veteran musicians to use their influence and popularity to establish businesses and initiatives that can provide long-term benefits while strengthening their personal brands.

According to him, successful artistes possess valuable platforms that can be transformed into sustainable ventures beyond music, helping them remain relevant even after their active recording careers have ended.

“Look at Okyeame Kwame, he has made the name, now what he’s doing is brand extension. Shatta is also doing well with Shaxi, he should continue with that and probably do more for the Shatta Wale brand,” Daddy Bosco said.

He also highlighted examples of other Ghanaian musicians who have ventured into business, including Reggie Rockstone and Tic, noting that such initiatives demonstrate the importance of diversifying income streams and building wealth beyond music.

He further pointed to international figures such as American rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, whose business ventures have transformed him into a global brand that extends far beyond the music industry.

He believes Ghanaian artistes can achieve similar success if they focus on developing businesses, mentoring young talent and creating projects that contribute to the growth of the creative industry.

He added that recognising legacy artistes is essential for preserving the country’s musical heritage and inspiring younger generations of performers.

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