Veteran female hiplife musician, Mzbel, has rued her inability to create a sustainable brand for her music career.
Renowned for her candid demeanor and impactful contributions to Ghana’s hiplife music scene, she recently opened up about her unconventional start in the industry, attributing it to accidental entry which hindered proper branding of her craft.
In an exclusive interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM, and monitored by ATL FM News, the Ghanaian artist reflected on how this lack of strategic branding cost her several opportunities and, notably, any major industry awards over her two-decade career span.
“I am not pointing fingers,” Mzbel clarified, “but rather acknowledging that my branding strategy fell short. If I were to begin my journey today, I would prioritize meticulous branding. Back then, I lacked the structured image needed. I would go on air and speak impulsively, wear any attire, and navigate spaces without strategic guidance.”
Mzbel wishes she crafted a solid brand for her music career
Comparing her journey to contemporaries like Becca, who benefited from the astute branding by Kiki Banson, Mzbel emphasized the importance for upcoming female artists to avoid repeating her oversight and instead, meticulously craft their brand identities.
Emerging into the limelight with her debut album ‘Awoso Me’ in 2004, Mzbel quickly rose to become a prominent figure in the African music landscape, achieving significant popularity not only in Ghana but also across Nigeria, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and beyond, but currently rues her inability to craft a sustainable brand for her music career.
Despite her widespread acclaim internationally, she lamented the absence of local industry recognition through awards in her native Ghana.
Read This Also: Mzbel reflects on two decades in music without receiving an award
Mzbel has never won any local award in her 20 year career.
Undeterred by these challenges, Mzbel affirmed her ongoing commitment to music, revealing she is currently working on a new song that addresses themes of friendship and betrayal.
Known for her hit singles including “16 Years,” “Awoso Me,” “Yopoo,” “Edey Be,” “Twe Ma Me,” “Braa Fiifi,” and “My Bonnet,” Mzbel remains a pivotal figure in Ghanaian music, blending her distinctive style with unapologetic social commentary.
