Pope Skinny Reveals How Truck Driving in the U.S. Brings Him Financial Stability

Ghanaian artist Edwin Kwame Ohene Darko, professionally known as Pope Skinny  has voiced his frustrations about the state of the music industry in Ghana, claiming that the country offers little to safeguard the future of its musicians. 

During an interview with Nana Romeo on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ayekoo Ayekoo on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, he pointed out the lack of support and financial security for musicians, urging them to explore opportunities abroad.

“There is nothing in this country to secure the future of musicians. This is why you’ll see creatives who are needy and asking for funds, especially in their old age. It’s not that they are irresponsible.”

The rapper further highlighted a major issue,  the absence of benefits like social security contributions. “Our job doesn’t even come with SSNIT contributions,” Pope Skinny explained. He encouraged musicians to consider moving abroad, where better systems are in place to ensure long-term financial stability.

 “If you look at all these, you’ll advise yourself, leave and go pay your social security contributions in the West, where the scheme is not corrupt, and they’ll take care of you till you die,” he added.

Read Also: Pope Skinny is the only artist I hate in the industry – Pappy Kojo

Pope Skinny also shared his personal experience of working abroad, explaining that he now drives a large truck in the United States, a job he wouldn’t dare do in Ghana due to societal judgment. “I drive a big truck in America,” he revealed. “I cannot do it in Ghana because I will be mocked.”

He went on to criticize the current system in Ghana, which he says makes it difficult for musicians to sustain themselves financially. “If you don’t have a hit song, you will go hungry,” he stated. Even saving money doesn’t guarantee financial security, as musicians are forced to spend their savings on music videos and other expenses. “Even if you get endorsement deals, how often will they come? Not everyone gets it too.”

The musician behind the hit song ‘Oil Money’ also strongly opposed the Food & Drugs Authority (FDA) ban on celebrity endorsements of alcoholic beverages, which was recently upheld by the Supreme Court. He believes that this policy has hurt many celebrities and the entertainment industry as a whole.

“It doesn’t make sense to me,” he said, reflecting on how much money celebrities used to make from alcohol endorsements before the 2015 ban. He recalled the support from local alcohol brands and how their sponsorship of events kept the entertainment scene vibrant. “Since the leaders don’t really think about our welfare in this country, we’ll leave and go do jobs that may be below us – at least no one will see us doing it.”