Jamaica singer calls for an end to exploitation of artistes

Accra (Greater Accra) 14 July '99

A Jamaican reggae singer, Mikal Asher, on Tuesday bemoaned the persistent exploitation of Ghanaian artistes by promoters and said they should be given good deals.

"Artistes work day and night to produce their work. If after this toil they are just used and dumped by a pretending helper, how would the entertainment industry survive?"

Asher was launching his reggae album "The Binghi Man", which would go on sale on Friday, July 16.

The album, which has twelve tracks, conveys his rastafarian belief, in love and social harmony.

Asher, who is scheduled to perform during the Emancipation and PANAFEST festival, said "when I first came to Ghana (1996) the only thing that made me sad was the poor state of the Ghanaian artiste".

He said his main aim is to help young artistes in Ghana realise their dreams.

"I also have a lot of interest in the welfare of children and I hope to help bring a little bit of relief to some children in this country."

Asher, who began life as a commercial aircraft pilot, called for the recognition of the rastafarian in Ghana.

"Not all people having dreadlocks are rastafarians. Many people use the name of the rastafarian to do evil, so watch out for the true rastafarian and respect him."

GRi../