“Jah Phinga Is Bigger Than the Volta Tag”: The Hitz FM Interview That Exposed Ghana’s Music Industry Bias

Jah Phinga speaking on Hitz FM about Volta Region labeling, global streams, and Ghana music industry challenges

The Afrima Awards nominee, 3Music Awards nominee, and Volta Awards Artiste of the Year 2020, Jah Phinga (The Gongman), stirred conversations across Ghana’s music space after his revealing appearance on Hitz FM.

Also Read, Jah Phinga - Time Will Tell (Prod By Deprinze Beatz). Mp3 Download

What was supposed to be a routine interview turned into a bold reality check for the Ghanaian music industry—touching on regional labeling, language barriers, fandom toxicity, and how international audiences sometimes value Ghanaian artistes more than their own country does.

Watch the full interview here👇

This wasn’t just another radio interview. It was Jah Phinga challenging the system.

“Volta Region Artiste” – A Compliment or a Cage?

When host Kwame Dadzie asked how he felt being described as a Volta Region Artiste, Jah Phinga didn’t shy away from the truth.

Yes, representing your people is beautiful.
But labels can also become ceilings.

“It doesn’t matter where recognition is coming from, but it limits you sometimes.”

This statement hits hard because it exposes an uncomfortable truth:
Ghana’s music industry still boxes artistes by geography instead of talent.

Ironically, Jah Phinga revealed that his music resonates massively outside Ghana.

He’s huge in Togo
Has performed at concerts there
Receives calls from Benin
And enjoys strong international streaming numbers

So why is Ghana still struggling to fully embrace him?

Language in Music: Advantage or Barrier?

One of the most insightful moments came when Jah Phinga addressed language in music marketing.

His take was refreshingly honest:

Music connected to a particular language travels better globally—if people understand it.

This challenges a long-held myth in Ghanaian music that local language limits reach. Instead, Jah Phinga suggests the opposite: clarity creates connection.

When listeners understand lyrics, they:

Feel the emotion
Relate to the story
Share the music more organically

This explains why African music with clear linguistic identity often performs better internationally than music trying too hard to “sound global.”

The Shocking Spotify Revelation: America Loves Jah Phinga

Perhaps the most controversial revelation of the interview was Jah Phinga’s Spotify Wrapped data.

His top streaming country is the United States—not Ghana.

Ranking:

United States 🇺🇸
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Ghana 🇬🇭
South Africa 🇿🇦
Nigeria 🇳🇬

This statistic alone dismantles the narrative that Jah Phinga is a regional act. It also raises a troubling question:

Why do foreign audiences sometimes value Ghanaian artistes more than their home country does?

Also Read, Jah Phinga - Time Will Tell (Prod By Deprinze Beatz). Mp3 Download

Independent but Not Alone: Life Without Management

Jah Phinga confirmed he is currently an independent artiste, not by choice but circumstance.

He previously signed a deal that led to collaborations with:

Ice Prince
Yaa Pono

Then COVID-19 hit, halting momentum and freezing opportunities.

While he has no official management now, he emphasized that:

He has a solid team
His brother Castino plays a key role

This highlights a common struggle in African music: talent without sustainable industry support.

“Biggest Artiste in Volta?” Jah Phinga Thinks Bigger

Asked whether he considers himself the biggest artiste in the Volta Region, Jah Phinga delivered a line that deserves headlines:

“The dream big pass Volta Region.”

This isn’t arrogance—it’s ambition.

For Jah Phinga, music isn’t about regional supremacy. It’s about global impact. And that mindset alone separates artistes chasing local validation from those building lasting legacies.

Relationships with Volta Artistes: Respect Without Distraction

Contrary to rumors of tension, Jah Phinga described his relationship with other Volta artistes, including Agbeshie, as purely musical and respectful.

He made one thing clear:

Everyone works differently
Not all relationships need to be personal
Focus beats forced unity

In an industry obsessed with fake alliances, this honesty feels refreshing.

“Keep Winning” – A Song for the Black Stars

Jah Phinga’s song “Keep Winning” wasn’t just another release—it was a prayer and motivation for Ghana’s Black Stars.

“I just want to see them keep winning to bring the love back.”

At a time when national morale around football has been shaky, the song reflects an artiste still deeply invested in national pride, despite industry frustrations.

Stonebwoy, Fans, and the Problem of Idol Worship

One of the most controversial moments came from a fan question about Stonebwoy.

Jah Phinga was clear:

He has nothing against Stonebwoy
His issue is with fan extremism

“People idolize people so much they think they are saints.”

This statement exposes a dangerous trend in Ghanaian music:
Fans attacking anyone who criticizes their favorite artiste, even respectfully.

Healthy critique is not hate—but Ghana’s music culture often blurs that line.

Top 5 Ghanaian Musicians According to Jah Phinga

In a bold and self-assured move, Jah Phinga listed his Top 5 Ghanaian musicians:

Jah Phinga
Shatta Wale
Sarkodie
Medikal
Mugeez

Placing himself at number one is guaranteed to spark debate—but confidence has always been part of greatness.

Edem Ayigbe & Public Apologies

Jah Phinga confirmed he’s cool with Ayigbe Edem, shutting down speculation of beef.

He also used the platform to publicly apologize to Andy Dosty of Hitz FM for any past misunderstanding—an act that shows maturity rarely seen in the industry.

Also Read, Jah Phinga - Time Will Tell (Prod By Deprinze Beatz). Mp3 Download

Conclusion: Jah Phinga Is Not the Industry’s Comfort Zone

Jah Phinga’s Hitz FM interview wasn’t polished PR—it was raw truth.

He represents:

Artistes tired of regional boxing
Musicians succeeding abroad but struggling at home
Creatives demanding respect beyond labels

Love him or criticize him, one thing is certain:
Jah Phinga is not playing small—and the industry must catch up.

“Join the conversation: Share your messages on his interview in the comments session below.”

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