Michael Adangba urges young musicians to embrace uniqueness to cross borders and build lasting careers

Renowned music artiste Michael Adangba has encouraged young musicians, particularly those from the Kasena land, to prioritize uniqueness, creativity, and cultural authenticity if they hope to make lasting impact and break into international markets.

Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, November 27, ahead of his maiden music festival dubbed ‘Adangba Legacy Music Fest’, Adangba stressed that in an increasingly competitive global music industry, simply following trends is not enough to achieve cross-border success.

“In this industry, if you only follow trends and do what everyone else is doing, you shouldn’t expect your music to travel, you cannot outdo South Africans or Nigerians at their own sound. Why should people stop listening to their well-produced music to listen to you in Kasena land?

“But if you want to cross that barrier, you must create something they cannot do. It doesn’t even matter if you’re doing it in Kasem, you just have to be unique.”

Adangba shared an experience where a major Ghanaian media house used one of his songs as a theme song for a reality show without permission. When he confronted them, producers initially insisted the song was Malian until he proved ownership.

He attributed the confusion to the song’s distinctive style, which blended innovation and cultural richness in ways that resonated beyond borders.

The artist, who began his career playing instruments in church and has since released 15 albums, said his decision to produce music in Kasem was rooted in his identity and pride in his heritage.

“I identify as a Kasena, even though I was born and raised in the south, and I am proud of my language. When I started, people said Kasem music wouldn’t go far, but I refused to accept that. Music itself is a language.”

The Adangba Legacy Music Fest is slated for December 21, at the Paga Town Park.

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