O'hene Savant Returns to Ghana: Empowering Artists with Global Music Insights

O’hene Savant, the multi-talented Ghanaian-American record producer, instrumentalist, rapper, and visionary, is back in his homeland with a mission to reshape the local music industry. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to music and culture, O’hene’s return marks a significant moment for Ghanaian artists and stakeholders eager to gain from his wealth of international experience.

O’hene Savant, who began his music journey in Ghana, played a pivotal role in the foundation of Hiplife. He was instrumental in producing music for the pioneering pidgin rap group Native Funk Lords (NFL), alongside Eddy Blay, and has performed on grand stages, including the celebrated Panafest festival, which drew tens of thousands of fans.

After years in the United States, where he honed his craft and gained deep industry insights, O’hene is on a mission to empower Ghanaian artists with tools for long-term success. His vision focuses on artist ownership, sustainable artistry, and innovative music business practices.

During his time abroad, O’hene Savant learned invaluable lessons about the importance of ownership in the music industry. He emphasizes the critical need for artists to retain control over their master recordings, publishing, and image rights:

Master Recordings: Owning these grants total control over music distribution, royalties, and copyright issues. “When you hear a song in a film, it is earning money. The person who owns the master recording gets this money,” O’hene explained, highlighting the long-term financial benefits.

Publishing: This generates income separately from royalties through radio play and streaming. According to O’hene, publishing ensures artists can retire from live performances while maintaining a steady income.

Image Rights: “If you do not want your face or music to represent things you do not agree with, it is important that you own the rights to your image,” he advised.

O’hene acknowledges the financial pressures artists face, but he urges them to exercise patience when negotiating deals. “Many times, it’s just a matter of a little patience, and the reward far outweighs the inconvenience,” he shared.

He also highlighted the benefits of licensing deals, which allow artists to share their music temporarily without relinquishing ownership. “The music returns to you after a set period. If you like how they did business, you can continue; if not, you don’t have to deal with them again.”

O’hene’s return to Ghana coincides with the rollout of his new album, WATS (We Are The Salt). This ambitious project celebrates collaboration and legacy.

“I am working with more Ghanaian legends and new talents. My main focus this time is spreading awareness and promoting my new album,” he revealed. The album features standout collaborations with stars like Feli Nuna and AJ Nelson, with more surprises to come as remixes are finalized.

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With his deep understanding of the global music landscape, O’hene Savant’s message to Ghanaian artists is clear: take ownership of your craft, value patience in business decisions, and aim for long-term growth. His return brings not only inspiration but also actionable strategies to help Ghanaian artists thrive in the global music scene.

O’hene’s homecoming is a testament to the power of returning to one’s roots to make an impact. His dedication to empowering the next generation of Ghanaian artists ensures that his legacy will resonate for years to come.

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