The government’s October 30 launch of the GMX App, a music streaming platform designed to promote Ghanaian music globally, has drawn criticism from industry stakeholders over a perceived lack of consultation and transparency.
While the platform has been praised for its potential to elevate Ghana’s music industry, key players have expressed frustration over being excluded from its development. Speaking on The Chat on Channel One TV on Saturday, November 16, 2024, Seven Xavier, President of the Music Alliance, accused the government of sidelining experts in the music and technology sectors.
“They should talk to people who actually know the business,” Xavier said. “It looks as if they only consulted individuals who lack the expertise required to launch a successful streaming platform. They didn’t involve tech experts, music business professionals, or even artistes.”
He criticized the platform’s apparent lack of refinement, comparing it unfavorably to established global streaming services. “We are in 2024, and we’ve seen how platforms from other countries have evolved through feedback from consumers and industry professionals. Someone likely benefited financially from this project but failed to deliver a product suited for the modern market.”
Xavier also raised concerns about the absence of details on revenue sharing, a key issue for artists. “The number one thing a rights holder cares about is the money, but they haven’t disclosed the rates for artistes,” he noted.
Software Engineer Solomon Appier-Sign echoed these sentiments, pointing out technical and financial gaps in the GMX App’s framework. He highlighted the lack of a clear revenue-sharing model as a major flaw in the platform’s design.
As the GMX App rolls out, these concerns have sparked calls for greater stakeholder engagement and adjustments to ensure the platform can truly benefit Ghana’s music industry and its creators.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
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