Entertainment executive, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, popularly known as Bullgod, has cautioned Ghanaian musicians against rushing into contracts without fully understanding their terms, warning that the practice has left many artistes disadvantaged in the industry.
His comments come amid the ongoing dispute between Kwesi Arthur and his former record label, GroundUp Chale, which has reignited conversations about artiste–label relationships and contract transparency in Ghana’s music space.
Speaking on The Chat with Ekow Koomson on Channel One TV on Saturday January 24, Bullgod claimed that about 90 percent of Ghanaian artistes have signed contracts they did not understand, often driven by the excitement of fame and visibility rather than long-term career considerations.
According to him, many artistes treat music contracts the same way they accept online terms and conditions without reading or questioning the details.
“These are contracts you have signed. Terms and conditions you don’t read,” he said, likening them to social media agreements artistes accept just to get their content online.
Bullgod further criticised artistes who, after signing unfavourable deals, direct their frustrations at local managers or labels they can easily confront, while avoiding larger digital platforms and multinational systems.
“They won’t go and fight the machines. They won’t fight the white man. But they’ll come and fight George Britain because they can see him,” he stated, suggesting a misplaced focus when disputes arise.
Advising young and upcoming musicians, Bullgod urged patience and a clear understanding of control and ownership in their careers.
“If you know you don’t want control, do that route. Maybe you’ll get there in 30 or 40 years. We’ll still be here listening to you,” he said.
He cited artistes such as Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, and Stonebwoy as examples of resilience and long-term commitment, noting that their longevity is a result of persistence, learning from setbacks, and restructuring their professional relationships.
Bullgod also warned against the growing culture of impatience among emerging artistes who are desperate to “blow” quickly, stressing that not everyone understands where the rush is leading.
“Everybody’s in a hurry to blow. I don’t know where they are going,” he remarked.
Touching on the future of music, he raised alarm over the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, revealing that a song currently trending online was later discovered to be AI-generated.
“Why would I need an artist to come and sing anything?” he questioned, describing the industry as heading into “dangerous grounds” if artistes fail to adapt and protect their value.
Bullgod concluded by encouraging musicians to be smarter, informed, and strategic, warning that ignorance and haste could render many artistes irrelevant in an industry increasingly shaped by technology and complex contracts.
