Marwake triggers controversy for shooting music video at burnt Kantamanto market

As Ghanaian artiste Marwake’s latest single, "Change," gains traction for its uplifting message of resilience and hope, the musician has found himself embroiled in controversy over his decision to shoot the music video at the recently burned-out Kantamanto Market.

This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his creativity and others calling it insensitive.

The incident

A few hours after the devastating fire that gutted parts of the Kantamanto Market on January 2, 2025—leaving many traders counting their losses—Marwake and his team were spotted among the debris, shooting scenes for the music video of "Change." The fire, which is currently under investigation by the police, has raised concerns about the safety of the affected area and the plight of traders who have lost their investments.

Snippets of the video shoot, shared on social media, show Marwake and his crew navigating the charred remnants of the market. The footage quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from netizens and industry stakeholders.

Criticism

The fire devastated significant portions of the market, impacting over 30,000 traders and destroying more than 7,000 shops. Firefighting efforts were hindered by water shortages and logistical obstacles, exacerbating the extent of the damage.

Based on that, critics have labelled the artiste’s actions as opportunistic and lacking empathy. “This is a place where people’s livelihoods have been destroyed. Using their pain for personal gain is deeply insensitive,” one X user stated.

Others questioned the timing and intent behind the shoot, arguing that it overshadowed the plight of the affected traders. “...focus on assisting the victims rather than turning their misfortune into a backdrop for your career,” another critic added.

Defending the decision

However, some fans and commentators have come to Marwake’s defense, highlighting the symbolism in his choice of location. They argue that the market’s ruins align with the themes of "Change," which centers on overcoming adversity and rebuilding from the ground up.

“Art is about reflecting the realities of life, even the harsh ones. By shooting there, he is shining a light on the resilience of those affected,” a supporter commented.

Others see his actions as a bold statement, emphasizing the idea of finding opportunity in difficulty. “Even if he capitalized on the disaster, there’s nothing wrong with that. Artistes often draw inspiration from real-life events,” another defender noted.

Marwake's next step?

As the debate continues, Marwake has yet to publicly address the criticism or explain his decision to film at the market. Whether this controversy will affect the reception of "Change" remains to be seen.

For now, the music video—capturing scenes of hope amidst destruction—is set to become as much a topic of discussion as the song itself. Marwake’s message of resilience is now intertwined with a broader conversation about sensitivity, artistry, and ethics in creative expression.

In the midst of chaos, opportunity arises!

— Dr Amuzu (@ObedAmuzu2) January 3, 2025

Is he okay? I mean ghana paa de3 herrrrrrrr

— Gaby (@asantebrobbey09) January 3, 2025