Stella Seal Condemns Rising Disrespect in Music Industry
Veteran gospel musician Stella Aba Seal has expressed concern over what she describes as increasing disregard for industry pioneers, revealing that many young artistes now use her songs without seeking permission.
Speaking on Onua Showtime, the celebrated singer described the trend as both painful and discouraging. “They don’t ask for permission before using my songs,” she stated.
Seal noted that the problem reflects a broader cultural issue in Ghana, where she believes recognition for trailblazers is limited across creative sectors. According to her, while sports personalities occasionally receive public honour, veteran musicians, actors and boxers are often overlooked. “In Ghana, honouring is not part of our culture. We don’t respect trailblazers and pathfinders. It happens rarely, unlike in sports where international footballers have built houses for communities and offered support,” she said.
She added that older artistes are sometimes dismissed as attention seekers when they speak up. “When you try to correct them for not relating properly to grown adults, they say you just want to trend, even when you are old enough to give birth to them and they met you at the workplace,” she lamented.
Stella Aba Seal emphasised that veteran musicians laid the foundation for the industry’s progress, often funding their own recordings and educational efforts. Comparing Ghana with Nigeria, she praised the culture of respect shown by Nigerian creatives. “In Nigeria, young actors and musicians visit legends with gifts and receive blessings. In Ghana, it’s only Nana Ama McBrown that I have seen replicating that,” she noted.
Addressing the unauthorised use of music, she revealed that some young artistes either fail to call before using a veteran’s song or only inform its owner after recording. “Sometimes, you only see that they have already done it without your permission,” she said.
She also issued a spiritual caution, stressing that actions carry consequences. “There are laws governing this universe: spiritual laws, physical laws and universal laws, and they work. If I don’t say anything, the laws in the air will deal with you,” she warned.
Citing the principles of sowing and reaping and karma, she added: “It doesn’t matter how much you pray or speak in tongues; karma will catch up with you, if not today, then tomorrow.”
Seal ended with a reminder to the younger generation to remain mindful and principled. “As humans, we must do good,” she urged.
