WHILE admitting following music trends is attractive, Ghanaian Traditional act, Sherifa Gunu, cautions young artistes not to be swayed by ‘fast food’ music.
They should instead be authentic and walk in the paths of music greats such as Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo who are still relevant after many years because of their style.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz on Monday, April 7, Sherifa, born Osman Sherifa Gunu disclosed she never follows trends.
“I don’t and never follow trends and the result is timeless music, so l, I want to entreat our artistes especially the budding ones to be themselves as Ghanaians.
“Unfortunately, it appears many of our artistes forget where they come from just to gain quick fame. But look at legends such as Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo—they stayed authentic and still made history. All I want them to know is that, if you copy too much, you’ll disappear,” she said.
The showbiz path hasn’t been without thorns for Sherifa Gunu who made her first appearance on the scene when she came second at the then 1998 Embassy Pleasure, a popular national dance championship in the 1990s.
In 2017, she released Salamatu. She also boasts of a number of albums including Dagbon, Akwaaba Wo Africa, and African Woman as well as a number of awards.
Notwithstanding her notable gains, Sherifa openly declared the industry is hostile to women, especially those without the supposed “standard” beauty.
“I have faced many challenges, including being overlooked when it comes to performing at major shows and being pressured to focus on appearance than my talent.
“I must say the industry isn’t fair to women. Event organisers hardly feature us, and some even expect us to sell our bodies before selling our music. So I never stop telling young female artistes to let their talent speak for them. It may take longer, but it lasts,” she stated.
Source: Graphiconline