In a recent interview on Hitz FM, Richie Mensah, CEO of Lynx Group, shared his candid thoughts on the relationship between creatives and government support. Mensah emphasized that creatives should refrain from relying solely on government assistance and instead take initiative to drive their own success.
“I mean I’m going to say something that people are going to insult me…I say this to everyone I go to. Stop looking for help from the government, do it yourself.
“To be able to get my distribution deal set up, I had to travel a lot and I hate travelling. But I had travel to a lot of places,see a lot of different people, see how they were doing things to be able to get the connection I needed.
And one thing I noticed more and more everywhere I go is no one is waiting for their government.
“The private sector is doing great; and based on the private sector doing great, the government gives support.
“The whole thing in life is, the same mentality I had that if I need somebody in the distribution space fighting for Ghanaians, why am I waiting? Let me be that person.
“That is the same way every entertainment person, every creative needs to realize why are you waiting for the government? Do something for yourself then anything that comes after that becomes a bonus and takes it to the next level.
“But if you’re sitting there waiting for someone who’s going to be for four years is going to suddenly care so much about your sector and transform your life, it’s not going to happen,” he said.
Mensah’s statement underscores the importance of self-empowerment and entrepreneurship in the creative industry. By encouraging creatives to take charge of their own careers, Mensah is promoting a mindset shift towards independence and innovation.
This advice comes from Mensah’s own experience as a successful entrepreneur and industry expert. As the CEO of Lynx Group, he has navigated the complexities of the music industry and has established himself as a leader in the field.
Mensah’s words serve as a call to action for creatives to explore alternative avenues for funding, mentorship, and support. By fostering a spirit of self-reliance and resourcefulness, creatives can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
While government support can play a role in promoting the arts, the statement from Richie Mensah highlights the need for creatives to take ownership of their careers and destinies. By doing so, they can build sustainable businesses, create innovative content, and contribute to the thriving cultural landscape of Ghana.
