- Filmmaker Jeffery Nortey has ignited a conversation about how Ghanaian audiences engage with content creators, especially in the skit-making industry.
- Speaking on GhanaWeb’s X Space, he argued that many fans support creators out of pity rather than genuine appreciation, a trend he calls “watching from the angle of poverty.”
- Nortey says this mindset leads to creators being celebrated only when they appear financially unstable, and punished with disinterest once they succeed.
- He believes this dynamic discourages transparency and growth in Ghana’s comedy scene.
Ghanaian filmmaker and skit-maker Jeffery Nortey has raised eyebrows with a bold critique of audience behavior in the country’s entertainment space. According to him, many fans engage with content not because of its quality, but because they perceive the creator as financially struggling.
Speaking during a GhanaWeb X Space discussion, Nortey described this trend as “watching from the angle of poverty,” where viewers feel a sense of charity in supporting creators who appear to be hustling. He shared that some fans have even told him directly that they’re “giving him money on YouTube,” reinforcing the idea that their views are acts of generosity rather than appreciation.
The troubling part, Nortey explained, is how this mindset flips once a creator begins to succeed. As soon as fans sense financial progress, they withdraw support, believing the creator no longer needs their help. This creates a paradox where visibility and vulnerability drive engagement, but success leads to silence.
Nortey believes this dynamic forces creators — especially in comedy and skit-making — to downplay their achievements to maintain audience loyalty. He argues that it stifles growth and makes it difficult for entertainers to celebrate milestones without risking a drop in viewership.
His comments have sparked debate across social media, with some agreeing that Ghana’s entertainment culture often romanticizes struggle, while others defend the audience’s right to choose what resonates with them.
As Nortey prepares to premiere his new film Vibes the Movie in October, his critique adds a fresh layer to ongoing conversations about how creators navigate fame, finances, and fan expectations in Ghana’s evolving digital landscape.
