Support Local Talent — Arnold Urges Ghanaians
Entertainment pundit Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has called on Ghanaians to show consistent support for local talents instead of rushing to criticise their creative expressions.
Speaking in an interview, Arnold addressed ongoing discussions surrounding a recent music video by Sarkodie, which featured actress and socialite Efia Odo. The video has sparked mixed reactions, particularly over Efia Odo’s appearance and performance.
Arnold expressed concern about what he described as a growing culture of harsh judgment directed at Ghanaian creatives. According to him, many critics fail to appreciate the artistic direction and storytelling elements that shape such productions.
“Ghanaians, we are very funny. When we see the likes of Rihanna and Beyoncé, we clamour to watch, but when our very own people do it, we criticise. We need to support our own,” he said.
He argued that while international stars are often celebrated for bold and expressive content, local personalities are frequently subjected to disproportionate scrutiny for similar displays.
Touching on Efia Odo’s role in the video, Arnold maintained that her appearance should be viewed strictly within the context of performance and storytelling. He explained that music videos, much like films, require individuals to embody specific characters in order to convey a message effectively.
“It’s an act, everyone who knows movies knows. A music video is like a mini movie, and that is what Efia Odo did. It doesn’t mean that is who she is. Some people also know that, but because it is Efia, they just want to criticise,” he added.
Arnold further noted that Efia Odo’s involvement played a key role in amplifying the visibility of the project. He indicated that her influence, combined with Sarkodie’s established brand, helped generate significant public interest and online engagement.
According to him, not many personalities could have delivered the role with the same level of impact, stressing that her performance contributed meaningfully to the overall success and conversation surrounding the video.
He reiterated the need for Ghanaians to nurture and promote their own creatives, emphasizing that sustained support is essential for the growth and global competitiveness of the country’s entertainment industry.
