Okyeame Kwame Warns Musicians To Embrace AI Or Risk Losing Relevance

Story By: Zainab Ali

Ghanaian rapper Okyeame Kwame has urged musicians, particularly emerging artistes, to embrace technological advancements and adapt to the changing dynamics of the music industry, warning that those who refuse to evolve risk becoming irrelevant.

Speaking in an interview on Pulse One on One, the musician discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on music production, explaining that technology has made it easier for artistes to create songs, develop lyrics and explore new musical ideas.

According to him, although AI has transformed the processes involved in producing, marketing and distributing music, the fundamental principles of creativity remain unchanged. He noted that musicians can now generate lyrics and develop musical concepts through AI prompts, but questioned whether songs created almost entirely through artificial intelligence can genuinely be considered creative work.

Reflecting on the industry’s transformation, Okyeame Kwame recalled the traditional recording methods artistes used during his early years, including reel-to-reel tapes and physically cutting and joining recordings. He contrasted those methods with today’s digital environment, where musicians can create and promote their songs through social media platforms such as TikTok.

He encouraged young musicians to study changing audience preferences, understand emerging trends and use technology to improve their craft.
He summed up his advice with the expression, “If you don’t evolve, you dissolve,” stressing that adaptability is essential for survival in the increasingly competitive music industry.