While acknowledging that following trends in music can seem appealing, Ghanaian traditional musician Sherifa Gunu is advising upcoming artists to avoid chasing “fast food” music fads. Instead, she urges them to remain true to their roots and build originality into their craft if they wish to have lasting careers.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, April 7, Sherifa Gunu—born Osman Sherifa Gunu—emphasized that she has never followed musical trends, and she credits this choice for the timeless quality of her work.
"I have never been one to follow musical trends," Sherifa shared. "I want to encourage our young musicians, especially the newcomers, to remain grounded in their Ghanaian identity. Authenticity is what creates timeless music."
Sherifa expressed concern that many of today’s young artists seem to be losing touch with their cultural heritage in a rush to achieve quick fame. She pointed to legendary musicians like Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo as examples of artists who stayed true to their styles and cultures, thereby cementing their legacies.
"Look at Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo. They remained authentic to who they were and, in doing so, they became legends who are celebrated even today. If you copy too much from others without establishing your own identity, you will eventually disappear," she warned.
Sherifa Gunu’s Journey in the Music Industry
Sherifa Gunu’s advice carries weight, considering her extensive experience in the music industry. She first gained national attention in 1998 when she finished as the runner-up at the Embassy Pleasure dance competition, a widely popular event in Ghana during the 1990s.
Since then, Sherifa has built an impressive musical career that includes several albums such as Dagbon, Akwaaba Wo Africa, African Woman, and Salamatu (released in 2017). Her music blends traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary influences, a style that has earned her awards and critical acclaim.
Despite her success, Sherifa has not been immune to the challenges that come with being a woman in the entertainment industry, especially one who does not fit the stereotypical image of "glamour" often demanded of female artists.
Challenges Facing Women in Ghana’s Music Industry
Sherifa candidly opened up about the hurdles she has faced, noting that the music industry often marginalizes women, particularly those who do not conform to certain beauty standards.
"I have encountered many obstacles," she admitted. "Sometimes, I am overlooked when it comes to major performance opportunities simply because I don’t fit into the ‘preferred’ image. There is constant pressure on female artists to prioritize their looks over their talent."
She lamented that event organizers often fail to include female musicians in their lineups and, even worse, some expect women to use their bodies to gain attention before their music is recognized.
"The industry is not fair to women," Sherifa said. "It’s very hard for women to break through unless they are willing to compromise who they are, and that’s something I’ve always refused to do."
For young female artists trying to find their footing, Sherifa’s message is simple: Let your talent do the talking.
"It may take longer for your work to be recognized when you stay true to yourself, but the respect and the success you achieve will last much longer," she advised.
The Pressure of Trends and the Value of Authenticity
Sherifa’s comments are particularly relevant in today’s fast-moving music industry, where viral hits and social media trends often overshadow artistic integrity. Many new artists feel immense pressure to mimic what is popular at the moment in order to gain quick recognition. However, Sherifa believes that following this path is ultimately unsustainable.
"Fast fame often leads to fast failure," she said. "If you want a career that lasts for decades like Osibisa or Amakye Dede, you need to build your brand on authenticity, not imitation."
She also highlighted that trends change rapidly, but true artistry endures.
"Music that is built on real stories, cultural identity, and originality never goes out of style. That’s why people still listen to highlife classics today, and that’s why Angelique Kidjo remains relevant across generations," she added.
Sherifa’s Hope for the Future of Ghanaian Music
Looking ahead, Sherifa Gunu expressed hope that young Ghanaian musicians will embrace their roots and create a future where the country’s music is known worldwide not just for catchy beats, but for rich culture and authenticity.
"I dream of a Ghana where our music tells our stories in our own way, not borrowed from somewhere else," she said. "We have such a beautiful heritage—our rhythms, our languages, our dances. We should showcase that to the world proudly."
She encouraged music educators, industry leaders, and event organizers to support initiatives that nurture authentic talent rather than rewarding those who simply follow trends.
Final Words to Young Artists
In her final words during the interview, Sherifa issued a strong call to action: "Be original. Stay true to yourself. Honor where you come from. That’s the only way to stand the test of time."
She emphasized that while it may seem difficult at first, the rewards of authenticity are far greater than the fleeting fame that comes from copying others.
"If you build your career on imitation, you might enjoy the spotlight briefly, but it won’t last. Your fans will eventually move on to the next trend. But if you build your career on authenticity, you create music that speaks to the soul and lives forever," Sherifa concluded.
