Ghanaian rap heavyweight Medikal (real name Samuel Adu Frimpong) is not holding back. In a candid BBC News Pidgin interview that’s gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), the AMG-turned-independent star laid bare the harsh realities facing artists in Ghana’s music scene from sky-high performance fees to embarrassingly low royalty payouts.
The clip, posted by Medikal himself, has fans rallying behind him, with many already crowning him Artist of the Year (AOTY) for the 2026 awards season.
Medikal revealed that he commands up to GH¢1 million for a single stage performance. “When I perform at a show, I charge GH¢1 million. Sometimes they can’t afford it, so they negotiate down to GH¢500,000,” he explained.
This isn’t bragging it’s a survival strategy. In Ghana, streaming platforms and digital sales barely move the needle for most artists. Royalties from collective management organizations like GHAMRO (Ghana Music Rights Organisation) are often a joke.
Medikal contrasted the local system with global standards: “If an entity like GHAMRO can pay an artiste GH¢120, which is about $10… but in a country like America, a single song can earn you $10 or even $100 million and sustain you for years, then you can see the difference.”
His point hits hard. Many Ghanaian artists, including high-profile names like Fancy Gadam (who recently received just GH¢123.82 from GHAMRO), have publicly lamented the same issue. The organization has faced criticism for poor collection, weak enforcement, and delays in payouts — with some broadcasters allegedly owing years of royalties.
Medikal’s Journey: From Sowutuom to Stardom
Born on April 5, 1994, in Sowutuom, Accra, Medikal rose through the ranks with raw talent and relentless hustle. Signed early to Criss Waddle’s AMG, he later carved his own path with his label Beyond Kontrol (BYK). His discography including projects like Disturbation (2017), The Plug, Island, and The Truth — blends sharp Ghanaian hip-hop with Afrobeat energy.
Known for hits and high-energy live shows, Medikal has filled massive venues, including a reported 40,000-capacity stadium. Fans in the replies to his post celebrated this dominance: “Medikal filled a 40k capacity stadium. Receipt dey!” and “BYK Prez. For AOTY.”
He also touched on mentorship, crediting dancehall king Shatta Wale for teaching him key lessons in music and business. Medikal reflected on his growth, new family life, and business-minded approach that keeps him “active 24/7.”
Medikal’s interview shines a light on deeper industry challenges:
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- Weak Structures: Poor royalty tracking, minimal streaming revenue share, and reliance on live gigs.
- High Barriers: Artists invest heavily in production, videos, and promotion but see little passive income.
- Comparison to Global Markets: Where one viral track can change lives, Ghanaian creators often grind endlessly just to break even.
Other voices echo this frustration. Highlife and hiplife legends have slammed GHAMRO for inefficiency, with calls for better licensing, foreign partnerships, or outright reform to protect creators.
Medikal isn’t just complaining he’s building. Through strategic performances, branding, and independence, he’s positioned himself as one of Ghana’s top performers and a leader in rap.
🖤💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/oiww7sIub0
— Medikalbyk (@Medikalbyk) April 17, 2026
source: kaknews.com
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