Help emerging musicians – Kokovelli to star artistes

Established musicians in the country have been urged to support new and upcoming artists to succeed in showbiz.

Hiplife musician Kokovelli gave the advice in an interview on Accra100.5FM’s Entertainment Capital on Saturday April 1.

He said big name artistes like Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, and Stonebwoy were “doing everything right”, having learnt from the “mistakes” of their forebears like him.

However, he said, having risen to the top, the artistes should not be only content to have hit the limelight but offer a helping hand to new musicians, just as most A-list Nigerian artistes do for their compatriots trying to make a name for themselves.

Asked by show host Bismark Boachie (DJ Premier) to give some advice to colleague artistes, the Zaaza composer praised the likes of Samini, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, among others for working their way to stardom and counselled: “… They should try and help upcoming artistes. Now they have become big, so they should cut down on the diss. Let’s build the industry.”

He said the reason for the success of Nigerian musicians on the global stage was because they “support whoever is performing”, something he said builds the confidence of new ones and gives them the prominence upon which they ride to fame, revealing that successful Nigerian artistes like 2Face Idibia and D’banj began modestly, performing as curtain-raisers for the main artiste until they had their breakthrough and shot to fame.

Kokovelli, who is out with a new track, Kill Me Again, featuring Shatta Wale, condemned artistes who, after making it big, sever ties with those requesting their support to develop their career, saying helping others would propel Ghana’s music industry and musicians.

“So they should just keep cool and help build the industry, rather than being envious of each other and fighting. That’s not right. Artistes riding high should enjoy their stay at the top, but they should help those below,” he urged.