Ghanaian comedian and event MC, Lekzy DeComic, has broached a conversation on the seeming disappearance of compact discs (CDs) and pen drives from official music distribution channels in Ghana, questioning why musicians are no longer tapping into that market.

In a recent Facebook post, the comedian expressed surprise at the thriving business of music piracy, after observing unauthorised vendors selling CDs and pen drives loaded with local songs in traffic. He noted that several motorists were seen purchasing the pirated content.

“If people are out here selling musicians’ songs on CDs and pen drives and I just saw a few cars actually buying from one guy, then why aren’t musicians themselves selling CDs anymore?” he asked.

He added that the dominance of streaming platforms has not reached all sections of the public and insisted that physical formats still hold value.

“Charley, not everyone understands this streaming thing, so others are cashing in big time,” Lekzy wrote.

His post has stoked debate on the relevance of CDs in the Ghanaian music industry, especially at a time when piracy remains rampant and streaming royalties are still relatively low for many artistes.

Some industry players argue that CDs may no longer be trendy, but they are still a valid and potentially profitable distribution tool.

Music producer and sound engineer Kaywa had previously stated that physical copies of albums offer an intimate connection with fans and can be sold at events to create memorable experiences. Similarly, veteran musician Akosua Agyapong once noted that CDs, when properly branded, serve as collector’s items and contribute to merchandise revenue.

Another creative personality who has been very vocal about not discarding CDs and pen drives in music and movie productions is filmmaker Socrate Safo. 

Safo, the former Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture, once emphasised the profitability of physical formats.

He said “compare the profit musicians gain from 100 people streaming your music to how much you earn from selling CDs and you will realise that CD sales are more profitable. Consumers are still there.”  

About a week ago, a popular radio presenter also took to Facebook to mock up-and-coming artiste Wan‑O for selling his music at the Accra Mall, a comment that sparked backlash from fans who argued that grassroots sales are part of the hustle and should be encouraged.

Despite the surge in digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay, the issue of access and digital literacy remains a challenge in Ghana. Many consumers either lack the know‑how or the internet bandwidth to engage with streaming fully, making physical sales a potentially untapped market.