In a recent interview on Accra FM with Nana Romeo, Ghanaian music star Sefa, known for her hit song “Echoke,” opened up about the harsh realities female artists face in the music industry, sharing a personal and traumatic experience to highlight these challenges.
Sefa recounted a distressing incident at a show in Kasoa, where she was sexually harassed after stepping off stage. “Yes, I have been harassed sexually,” she revealed. “After performing at a show in Kasoa, I felt hands all over me… my breasts, my private parts… men and women touching me. It was so frustrating… that was where I really felt it.”
When asked about why fans might act this way, Sefa explained that some fans may feel overly familiar, forgetting the importance of respecting boundaries. “They all wanted to see me; however, they should know there have to be boundaries. People shouldn’t take advantage of such opportunities to do that,” she stressed. While she has faced verbal harassment before, this particular incident left her feeling vulnerable and shaken.
Beyond her own experience, Sefa also touched on a broader issue within Ghana’s music industry—the overemphasis on female artists' appearances rather than their talent and hard work. “I don’t know about other female artists, but that’s what I’ve noticed,” she noted. “A lot of Ghanaians forget about the hard work and focus mainly on looks.” For Sefa, this mindset detracts from the dedication female musicians pour into their craft.
Currently promoting her new single, “All Over,” Sefa hopes her story will raise awareness of these challenges. She advocates for greater respect and appreciation for the talent, resilience, and hard work that women contribute to Ghana’s music industry.