Mr Bessa Simons, Acting President of Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), has urged artists to be truthful and unique about themselves to promote their brand.
His assertion comes in the wake of the arrest of Shatta Wale, who the Police are currently investigating over his involvement in a ‘fake’ shooting incident.
That has aroused a debate in the showbiz circles about the need for artists to exercise decorum in the public space, especially on social media, where they connect directly with their fan base.
But according to Mr Bessa, a celebrated music icon, some artists were copying blindly by churning out controversial or fake news, adding that it doesn’t keep artists relevant.
“Some of our artists are copying blindly, and they think by putting out some controversial news, it will keep them relevant all the time. As a celebrity, young people look up to you, so any negative behaviour could impact their lives.
“Too much bad publicity is not good for the industry itself. Artists should find something truthful or unique about themselves to communicate with their audiences. Telling lies would not help them excel.
“Fans already know the capabilities of their favourite artists, so falsifying something about yourself undermines your credibility,” he told Ghana News Agency in an interview.
Mr Bessa also added that the negatives about the industry do not propel its growth, with investors feeling reluctant to invest their monies.
GNA