Ghanaian rap icon Sarkodie has urged investors to channel resources into Kumasi’s creative arts sector, stressing that music is a lucrative and sustainable industry capable of generating wealth and transforming communities.

He made the call on Thursday when he delivered the keynote address at the Kumasi Rising: Music, Media & Tourism Dialogue, held at the IDL Conference Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The summit was part of activities leading up to Rapperholic: The Homecoming, Sarkodie’s highly anticipated concert set for Saturday, September 27, in Kumasi.

The event, hosted by broadcast journalist Serwah Amihere, attracted a high-profile audience, including Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister; Abeiku Santana, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Nabil Alhassan, CEO of Event Factory Ghana; artists, journalists, students, and other industry players.

Speaking on the global impact of African music, Sarkodie highlighted the role of Afrobeats in reshaping cultural pride and identity.

“We are in a great space now because of where Afrobeats is. Now we have AfroNation worldwide. Africans in the diaspora are more confident to call themselves Africans because of what we have been able to do,” he said.

He challenged investors to look beyond traditional business ventures and recognize the profitability of music.

“Music is one of the safest and most lucrative businesses you can get into. I can compare music to any other product you can talk about, be it water or real estate,” Sarkodie stated.

The rapper also underscored the importance of innovative investment models that extend beyond wealthy stakeholders, urging individuals to explore ownership and partnerships in the creative space.

“It’s about ownership. Whether it’s partnership, you can partner and own 20% or 50% depending on what you bring on board. Even as an individual, you can buy shares and make revenue from there,” he explained.

The Kumasi Rising dialogue sought to position Kumasi as a hub for music, media, and tourism while sparking conversations around sustainable investment in the city’s creative economy.

With his homecoming concert just days away, Sarkodie’s call adds weight to ongoing discussions about unlocking Kumasi’s cultural and economic potential through the arts.