'How did we get here?' – Ernest Kumi laments TGMA venue issues

Entertainment pundit Ernest Adu Kumi has expressed disappointment over challenges facing the Ghanaian music industry, particularly the struggle to secure venues for major events.

Speaking during a discussion on Hitz FM on April 27, 2026, he mentioned that the industry has been forced to adapt its event structures due to limitations in space and changing trends.

“The way that we’ve experienced over the years, it’s unfortunate that we’re forced to change it because of space,” he said.

He explained that the COVID-19 era introduced virtual events, which, despite their challenges, offered new opportunities for revenue generation if properly managed.

“When COVID came, we had a lot of virtual events, which went so well that it’s all about making sure the planning goes into it so that the streaming, the viewing can be properly monetised,” he stated.

We have no major venue to host big events in Ghana – Ernest Adu Kumi

According to him, relying heavily on ticket sales is no longer sustainable, especially when audience capacity is limited.

“You can’t sell many of the tickets, so if the tickets add up to your revenue, you will be at a loss. The question is how to capitalise on the digital space to make sure you can rob in some amount, at least to augment the cost that you’re incurring,” he explained.

Despite these possibilities, Ernest Adu Kumi expressed deep concern about the current state of the industry, particularly the inability to secure a venue for the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

“However, I’m so disappointed, but in the organisers, but I’m disappointed in us as industry people. How did we get here? To the extent that a whole event like TGMA, we struggled to get a venue,” he shared.

He emphasised the significant role musicians play in society and the need to properly recognise their contributions.

“Look at the contribution of musicians to society. Can you imagine a day without music? These guys are breaking their backs, and when it comes to the time to honour them, we struggle to find a space,” he added.

FG/EB

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