At the launch of Crux Global Academy on August 28 in Accra, Crux Global Agency’s Chief Operating Officer, Ike Otoo Arhin—known in the industry as Gomski—stated that Ghanaian music has deteriorated in quality over the past ten years. Arhin blamed the rapid spread of technology for a generation of artists who are less motivated to learn and work hard.
He noted that while digital tools have made recording more accessible, they have also created a culture of laziness. “Getting studio time back in the day wasn’t easy. Modern‑day artistes can virtually record from their bedrooms, but they don’t grasp the opportunity to learn,” Arhin said. “Ghana music has declined over the last 10 years. Anybody who sits here in this room today and tells me Ghana music is doing better than 10 years ago knows that is a lie.”
Arhin highlighted the story of the duo Ruff N Smooth as an example of how past constraints fostered creativity. He recalled how the group recorded their hit “Swagger” after listening to R2Bees at Kaywa’s studio, where studio time was expensive and limited. “They used to sleep at Kaywa’s studio because studio time was quite expensive then. They would wait until the day’s recordings were over,” he explained. “When R2Bees finished, Ruff N Smooth would ask the producer to open the file so they could listen and get the Afrobeats vibe.”
The Crux Global Academy, launched this week, will offer free online courses aimed at giving creatives practical knowledge of the music business and helping them make informed career decisions. The academy’s launch was accompanied by a panel discussion led by CEO Kofi Kyei, which focused on strategies for navigating and succeeding in the music industry.
Founded in 2019, Crux Global has expanded beyond music distribution into talent development, entertainment, sports, media, education and cultural strategy. Arhin’s comments reflect a growing concern among industry insiders that the ease of production is eroding the craft that once defined Ghanaian music.
Industry observers will watch how the Academy’s curriculum addresses these challenges and whether it can reverse the trend of declining musical standards in Ghana.
