JAMAICAN Reggae musician Gramps Morgan has called on Ghanaian musicians and creatives to take an active role in building the country’s economy, stressing that the responsibility must not be left to political leaders alone.
The Reggae artiste explained that Creatives have real economic power and must use it intentionally.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz on the sidelines at the recently launched Ghana-Jamaica Homecoming Festival, he said national development required collective effort, especially from influential voices within the creative space.
“Building the economy takes teamwork. If we leave everything to leaders of the country alone, progress will be slow. Everyone with influence, especially Creatives has a role to play. This is about growth and opportunity”, he noted.
According to him, musicians can help drive growth by promoting local industries through their music, endorsements and public influence, encouraging Ghanaians to support made-in-Ghana products and services.
“We must encourage young people to see value in farming, producing and exporting. We cannot depend on one leader alone. Everyone must act,” he added.
Also, he noted that musicians can contribute by investing in creative enterprises such as studios, record labels, events and talent development platforms.
These ventures, he believes can create jobs for producers, sound engineers, dancers, designers and other young people within the creative value chain, helping to reduce unemployment while strengthening the industry.
Touching on Ghana’s Reggae space, the Morgan Heritage member singled out Stonebwoy for special praise, describing him as one of the country’s strongest global exports in the genre.
“When I first saw him, I even thought he was Jamaican because of his sound and energy. That shows how authentic he is,” he said.
He recounted how he later gave Stonebwoy an opportunity to perform on a Morgan Heritage European tour, a move he believes contributed to his growth.
“From that moment, he kept pushing and today he is one of the prominent artistes representing Ghana on the global Reggae stage,” he shared.
On the Ghana-Jamaica Homecoming Festival, Gramps Morgan explained it was not just a cultural event but a strategic platform aimed at deepening trade, education and collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
“We are here in the spirit of Africa. This vision has taken 11 years of travel, planning and challenges, but we stayed committed. It is about reconnection, unity and shared growth.
“This is not just about Jamaica. We are bringing Barbados, Cayman and Trinidad, while Ghana connects with countries such as Kenya and Botswana. It is about trade, culture and exchange under one umbrella. This is about coming home. What unites us is stronger than what divides us,” he added.
The Wash the Tears singer also revealed the homecoming project was deeply personal, especially after discovering his Ghanaian roots through a DNA test.
“This is no longer just a vision. It is personal. I have found family here,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative was focused on long-term impact, particularly for young people.
“We are creating opportunities for the youth, entrepreneurs and creatives. This is about education, empowerment and growth,” he stated.
Describing the moment as significant for both regions, he invited the global diaspora to be part of the experience.
“This is our moment as Africa and the Caribbean. Come and reconnect with your roots. Come and help build the future. This is more than a festival. It is about moving forward together,” he said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh