M.anifest Says He’s Received No Royalties in Ghana

Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has revealed that he has never received royalties from Ghana throughout his music career, citing deep structural challenges within the country’s creative arts industry.

Speaking at the “Protecting What You Create” seminar, which was shared on Instagram on 28 February 2026, the award-winning musician described the local system as “broken, with non-existent infrastructure”

M.anifest, who has been active in the music industry for over a decade, said the lack of royalty payments highlights the broader difficulties creatives face in Ghana.

“I have not received a single cedi in royalties from Ghana in my life,” he stated during the seminar

Industry Infrastructure Under Scrutiny

The rapper explained that Ghanaian creatives often operate within weak or, at times, non-existent structures. According to him, this reality makes career growth an uphill task.

“As a Ghanaian creative or businessperson, you are dealing with broken infrastructure and, at times, non-existent infrastructure,” he said

He added that the situation should not discourage artists but rather push them to adapt strategically.

Call to Leverage Technology

M.anifest urged creatives to embrace technology as a tool to level the playing field. He noted that digital platforms could help musicians bypass some of the structural limitations within the local industry.

“You have to use technology as a tool. We have to use technology more than anybody else because that is our equaliser right now, as the system is broken,” he said

He also questioned the availability of performance venues across the country, pointing to limited touring opportunities for musicians

The seminar focused on protecting copyrights and creativity in Ghana, as highlighted in an accompanying Instagram post shared by zionfelixdotcom

Source: Pulse Ghana