Veteran Ghanaian musician and producer Slim Buster has urged greater unity and collaboration in the country’s music industry, saying some contemporary artistes are too focused on their own interests.
Speaking during a live phone interview on Onua 95.1 FM, Slim Buster said a number of popular musicians were unwilling to work with fellow artistes, particularly veterans who had contributed to the development of Ghanaian music.
He argued that musicians should look beyond individual success and recognise the wider benefits of working together. In his view, collaborations can create opportunities, introduce artistes to new audiences and help strengthen the industry as a whole.
Slim Buster pointed to his own career as an example of the support he believes musicians should offer one another. He said he had produced songs for several artistes without charging them, regardless of whether they were already established or still trying to make their name.
Among the projects he mentioned was Tic Tac’s hit song Philomena, released in 1999. Slim Buster said his involvement in the song reflected his willingness to assist other musicians without making fame or commercial standing a condition of working together.
The veteran musician explained that some of the artistes he supported were relatively unknown when they began working with him. He said he was nevertheless prepared to contribute to their development and help them pursue their musical ambitions.
According to Slim Buster, that generosity was more common in earlier years but is now absent among sections of the current generation. He suggested that the industry has lost some of the cooperative spirit that previously encouraged musicians to support one another.
He also said Ghana’s status as a developing country made unity particularly important. Rather than operating independently, he believes local musicians should combine their efforts to build a stronger national industry and improve the international competitiveness of Ghanaian music.
Slim Buster’s comments have renewed discussion about the relationship between veteran musicians and younger artistes, as well as the role of collaboration in supporting the industry. Although commercial considerations can influence decisions over which partnerships take place, he maintained that popularity and personal interests should not outweigh the collective value of working together.
His central message to Ghanaian musicians was that collaboration should involve both established and emerging artistes. He believes sustained support between the two groups is necessary to create an industry in which artists can develop and thrive.
During the interview, Slim Buster described some artistes as “selfish”, while making clear that his wider appeal was for musicians to put aside individual interests and work towards the future of Ghanaian music.
