Story; Rahamatu-Lahi Zakaria || Editor in Chief || Sanatu Zambang Studios
Between 2014 and 2015 we saw the growth of two artists, Maccasio and Fancy Gadam which created a mirage that our industry was on a rise.
No, it was not an industry on the rise, it was the rise of great two artistes who were doing things differently and had the support of their respective hoods and self-centered people wanting to cash on them
People claiming to be industry players capitalized on their popularity to sell their programs and image hence, forgot that those two were not the only musicians we had in the town and that, there are other sectors that make up the entertainment industry.
A whole entertainment program will be dedicated to music and thus Maccasio and Fancy Gadam rivalry. Entertainment here is limited. When we talk of entertainment is not music, is not film, it is not fashion, it is not photography/videography, it is Macaasio and Fancy Gadam.
The self-acclaimed industry players wanted to build the entertainment industry using these two artistes but it backfired right in their faces. Awards shows were done with the intention of using these two artists. Some of these awards have collapsed because they were not meant for the industry.
What this means is that, when these two acts are not active, our entertainment industry is dormant as well. Even though, there are other hard-working acts in the town, doing their very best to get the recognition that these two people are doing. They do not just get that hype and the platform to be heard.
Fancy Gadam and Maccasio do not define the industry but the many acts that we have are what define our active entertainment industry.
It is hard you see our media houses talk about other sectors in the entertainment industry unless something negative happens. What if we give the other acts in the industry the attention that we are given to these two people?
We have great people doing marvelous work in their zone but do not get the recognition they need to get to the next stage.
There are fantastic movie producers and actors who badly need the promotion that we have given to these two musicians to prove that we are the third power entertainment industry in the country.
Tamale has the potential to become the third force of entertainment powerhouse in the country if we can regroup and give every talented person in all the field a chance to blossom.
Tamale is still a virgin place that can be explored to unearth a lot of talented people in the creative arts industry. Remember Tamale is among the fastest-growing cities in West Africa.
The industry needs investors to come and explore and the many sectors also need the support of all who claim to have the growth of the northern entertainment at heart.
