“We don’t need unity in the Music industry” – M.anifest sparks

Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has sparked debate within the country's creative industry after challenging the long-held notion that unity is the key ingredient for the growth of the music sector.

In a post shared on social media, the award-winning musician argued that calls for unity within the industry are often misguided and, in some cases, motivated by personal interests rather than the collective good of creatives.

According to M.anifest, the industry should place greater emphasis on collaboration, professionalism, ethical conduct and high standards rather than pursuing what he described as the myth of unity.

“We don’t need unity in our music/creative scene. Unity is a myth and a banner often waved by selfish people when they want everyone to rally behind them. What we need is cooperation, a modicum of ethical behaviour, quality control, ball knowledge, as well as application of best practices creatively and in business,” he wrote.

His remarks have generated widespread reactions on social media, with some industry players and fans agreeing that meaningful cooperation and professionalism are more important than superficial displays of unity. Others, however, maintain that a united front remains essential for addressing common challenges facing musicians and creatives.

M.anifest's comments come at a time when conversations about the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Ghana's music industry continue to dominate discussions among stakeholders.

While the rapper dismissed the idea of unity as an industry goal, he stressed the importance of fostering a culture of cooperation, accountability and excellence, arguing that these values are more likely to drive progress and long-term success within the creative sector.