Story By: Rahamatu-Lahi Zakaria || Sanatu Zambang
Over the last few years, the northern region has seen the rise of artists changing the game in the music industry, giving hope to thousands of youth that they can make it in their region if only they believe in their talent. One such export is Maccasio who has risen above all doubts and criticisms from fans and entertainment pundits in the town.
Speaking to Sanatu Zambang Writers Retreat team ahead of the launch of his Glory Album, the Oshilankpe hit maker bemoaned the lack of support from authorities in developing the arts industry in the northern region. According to Maccasio, the necessary investments and structures that need to be there for arts to thrive in the region are not there. The lack of these structures he says does not create enabling environment for them, thereby killing the youth’s talents.
Authorities are not ready to help the arts industry- Maccasio
‘’The authorities are not ready to help the art industry. It is not in their plans to support us. There should have been a movie theatre in the city, where movies can be screened and artists can premiere their music videos for conversations to happen but we do not have them. Sometimes when you meet them, they promise you but end up failing you.
For one of my concerts, I was promised by a politician that, he would take care of the venue for me but in the 11th hour, he disappointed me. I have to quickly mobilise funds for the venue. The headlines in the media would have been a different story if they had seen my stage and sound outside the stadium. They would not have bothered to ask why the logistics were outside.’’ He said
He also lamented the cost involve in organising his latest concert for his Glory album at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. ‘’The show I am going to do this October, we cannot get four artists in the region to do same. Forget the number but the money involved is the problem. We have the talents. Can you believe that they are charging me 60,000.00 for the empty stadium? And I am paying 45,000.00 to bring the stage and sound from Accra to Tamale. I have not even mentioned promotion on media platforms or other costs involved in staging the concert. The lack of venue is affecting our craft.’’ He added
Maccasio also pointed out the gap that exists between northern politicians and the creatives when it comes to having conversations to promote arts in the region saying ‘’Our northern ministers and MPs could have called us to discuss the development of the industry but they are not doing it. You can call them severally and they would not answer. They only reach out to you during the election period when they need you to perform at their rally.’’
Though he still believes that politicians can still help the industry. He says it would only happen if we have young people in the corridors of power. ‘’The entertainment has brought peace and a good name to the region. But I am hoping that one day, the story would change. The old people don’t like entertainment, maybe one day when we have young people in power, they would champion the development of the creative arts industry in the northern region’’.
