The Ghanaian music duo Lali X Lola have taken their concerns about unpaid streaming revenue directly to the top, appealing to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George. Their public statement casts a spotlight on what they describe as a systemic issue with Boomplay, the popular streaming platform, and the impact it’s having on artists in Ghana. At the heart of the matter is a question of transparency and fair compensation in an increasingly digital music landscape, a landscape where platforms like Boomplay hold considerable sway over artists’ earnings. Lali X Lola’s appeal underscores the ongoing tension between creators and distributors, and the potential for governmental intervention to level the playing field.

Since April 2023, Lali X Lola allege that their distributors have not received reliable accounting or revenue statements from Boomplay. The duo has made multiple attempts to engage with the platform, but claim their concerns have gone unaddressed. “When such platforms fail to meet basic obligations to rights holders timely, especially by withholding payments, it borders on exploitation of Ghanaian creative talent,” Lali X Lola stated, highlighting their frustration. This lack of payment and transparency, they argue, raises serious questions about Boomplay’s practices and its broader impact on the financial stability of Ghanaian artists who rely on streaming revenue.

Lali X Lola emphasize that they recognize the opportunities platforms like Boomplay provide for artists to connect with their fans and expand their reach. However, they also stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and fair compensation, particularly when revenue from digital platforms does not reach creatives in a timely manner. “Making and promoting music is neither easy nor inexpensive. It takes time, effort, and significant financial investment—often from the artistes themselves. It is therefore unjust and disheartening when musicians are denied revenue for their work,” they said, highlighting their concern about the potential exploitation of creative talent. This potential exploitation, they argue, can stifle the growth and dynamism of the music industry in Ghana.

Now, Lali X Lola are directly seeking the Minister’s intervention, urging Samuel Nartey George to investigate the issue and establish better regulatory oversight of digital service providers operating in Ghana. They express confidence in the Minister’s commitment to digital fairness and innovation, and are hopeful that he will implement measures to protect and compensate Ghanaian creatives. According to Kimathi, Lali X Lola’s manager, there is a desire for a meeting between relevant authorities and Boomplay to address this situation and prevent further harm to other Ghanaian artists. “Even though they have taken their catalogue from Boomplay, they would urge powers that be step in and have a meeting with them, so their recent operations don’t affect more Ghanaian artistes,” Kimathi said.

The music community is now waiting for the Minister’s response, hoping for a swift resolution to this payment issue. The ideal outcome, according to many artists, would be fair compensation for Ghanaian artists and increased transparency from digital streaming platforms like Boomplay. The appeal by Lali X Lola to Minister Samuel Nartey George underscores the critical need for greater accountability within Ghana’s digital music industry.

Addressing the issue of unpaid streaming revenue is essential to protect the rights and livelihoods of Ghanaian artists. The Minister’s intervention could set a precedent for fair practices and sustainable growth within the digital creative economy, ensuring that platforms like Boomplay fulfill their obligations to artists and contribute positively to the Ghanaian music scene. The situation highlights the delicate balance between technological innovation and artistic rights, a balance that governments around the world are grappling with as the digital landscape continues to evolve.