Renowned broadcaster Tommy Annan-Forson has voiced his dissatisfaction with the quality of contemporary music, describing it as lacking message and meaningful content.
Speaking on CTV during an interview with Kwesi Kyei Darkwah on Monday, December 2, the veteran broadcaster lamented the shift in musical standards, stating that he rarely listens to modern songs.
“I virtually don’t listen to our [modern] music because there’s nothing to understand. There’s really nothing to understand. It’s just blabber music. There’s no storyline,” he remarked.
Tommy further criticized the notion that “bad music sells,” claiming it is exacerbating the problem. He shared his frustration with musicians who prioritize commercial success over quality content.
“They say: ‘Bad news sells, bad music sells.’ If I tell a musician today to remove these words, he’ll tell me, ‘This is what sells,’” the celebrated radio host noted.
Drawing comparisons to his era in broadcasting, Tommy revealed that such substandard practices would not have been tolerated. “You dare not in our age in broadcasting do such a thing,” he said, cautioning creatives against blindly following trends that could ultimately harm their reputations.
Highlighting the power of music as a storytelling tool, Tommy encouraged contemporary artists to create songs that resonate with their audience on a deeper level.
“When I play Country music, I’m telling a story about myself and the listener. When I play a particular Country song that makes my heart beat, or skip a beat, I know that the listener will like this. It has a good storyline – it affects you and I,” he explained.
With over 47 years of experience in media and the arts, Tommy Annan-Forson is a revered figure in Ghana’s broadcasting industry. Through his training school, RABODEF, he has mentored numerous media practitioners, leaving an indelible mark on the field.
His recent remarks serve as a clarion call to musicians and creatives to prioritize meaningful content and inspire their audiences through music with substance and depth.
