Veteran reggae musician Julius Amua Sekyi, known widely as Shasha Marley, has shared a sobering account of how Ghana’s once thriving music business was shaken by the political upheaval of 1979, arguing that the period marked a major turning point for live entertainment and the wider creative economy.
In a recent interview, he recalled a time when live bands toured regularly, nightclubs were active, and performers could build careers through steady shows, recordings, and public events. He said the atmosphere changed sharply after the coup, describing an era of fear and uncertainty that, in his view, weakened nightlife and made it difficult for musicians to operate freely.
Shasha Marley suggested that the disruption did not only affect concerts and venues, but also the entire ecosystem that supported performers, including rehearsal culture, band investments, and the confidence of event organisers. With entertainment slowing down, he said many creatives were forced to pause their progress, rethink their plans, or look for opportunities elsewhere.
Researchers of Ghana’s popular music history have similarly noted that the late 1970s into the early 1980s brought economic decline and political instability that weakened commercial music activity, with restrictions such as curfews later limiting night time entertainment and shrinking opportunities for live performance.
While opinions differ on the wider legacy of that era, Shasha Marley’s recollection adds a personal, industry level perspective, highlighting how national events can reshape culture, livelihoods, and the survival of creative spaces.
