Ghana-based Nigerian artiste Zhion is urging Ghanaian musicians to actively tour Nigeria to promote their songs and build stronger cross-border recognition.
This call stems from Zhion’s observations during his two-year stay in Ghana. He noted that despite the Ghanaian music scene producing numerous hit songs and talented artistes, many of these tracks fail to break into the Nigerian market.
He stated that several mainstream Ghanaian musicians remain largely unknown in Nigeria, contrasting sharply with how easily Nigerian music dominates Ghanaian airwaves.
Speaking exclusively on At the DJ’s Mercy with Chairmolele_mic, he explained that the difference between the two music industries isn’t about talent or song quality, but rather promotional strategy and presence.
“There’s really no difference in quality,” Zhion clarified. “It’s just that Nigerian artistes constantly leave their country to tour and promote. They come to Ghana to market their songs, link up with local acts like R2Bees, and build relationships. Most Ghanaian artistes simply aren’t doing that in return.”
Zhion emphasized that Ghanaian musicians need to adopt a similar approach by traveling to Nigeria to network, collaborate with local acts, and execute promotional tours.
Bridging the Visibility Gap
Highlighting his personal experience since relocating to Ghana, Zhion revealed that he was surprised by the sheer number of huge local hit songs he had never heard while living in Nigeria.
While legendary acts like Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, King Promise, and Black Sherif enjoy cross-border fame, many other major Ghanaian hitmakers—such as Keche—are virtually unknown to the average Nigerian listener until one actually visits Ghana.
”When I came to Ghana, I realized most of the popular songs here aren’t known in Nigeria,” Zhion stated.
“Acts like Keche and many others are huge here, but back home, people don’t know them. Ghanaian artistes need to go to Nigeria just like Nigerian artistes come here. Link up with friends over there, collaborate, and run tours.”
A Personal Connection and a Call for Unity
Beyond industry strategy, Zhion’s connection to Ghana is deeply personal—a bond reflected directly in his latest music. Transitioning into his current release during the interview, the artiste opened up about the story behind his new single.
”The melody is a love song,” Zhion shared, addressing the inspiration behind the track. “It was actually inspired by a girl whom I fell in love with… She’s a Ghanaian.”
Despite his deep ties and love for the country, navigating the industry as a Nigerian artiste based in Ghana hasn’t been without its hurdles. When asked if he feels he has received the recognition he truly deserves, Zhion was candid about the support he still hopes to see.
”Not yet,” he admitted. “I need Ghanaians to really support me without trying to see me like a Nigerian, you understand? Those kinds of controversies shouldn’t be there because me, I’m just surviving. This is all we got, we just need to survive through this.”
Addressing the lighthearted internet rivalry between the two West African nations, Zhion highlighted the genuine brotherhood that exists beneath the social media banter. While online debates often flare up, Zhion emphasized that at the core, the bond between both nations remains unshakable.
”We fight online, but when we meet each other, we know that we are brothers,Ghana loves Nigeria, and Nigeria also loves Ghana” Zhion noted.
For Zhion, music remains the ultimate bridge. By blurring the lines of national controversy and focusing on mutual support, he hopes his journey serves as a testament to what both industries can achieve when they truly embrace each other.
Story by Prince Ayeh|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Anita Azawodie
