Amerado: Grammys Shouldn’t Be Used To Measure Success

Ghanaian rapper Derrick Sarfo Kantanka, best known as Amerado, has criticised the use of Grammys as parameter for a musician’s success in the industry.

The award scheme by the Recording Academy of the United States recognises “outstanding” work in the music industry and is regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant award in the music industry.

A handful of Ghanaians including Fuse ODG, Killbeatz have won Grammys and Rocky Dawuni earned a nomination.

Some music lovers tend to measure success in the industry by the number of Grammys an artiste has.

This perception about the Grammy Awards goes beyond Africa but in an interview, Amerado said that shouldn’t be.

“Sometimes you read articles and it seems Grammy is the standard. I don’t feel like it is.”

Asked what should be the standard, he said, “doing the Lord’s work; doing songs that touch people. That’s it because the awards will come when you put yourself out there and position yourself well.”

He said there are other similarly important schemes like BET awards which have seen Ghanaians like Sakordie and Stonebwoy win and Black Sherif earn a nomination.

He explained, “Let’s say if Amrado does songs for a long time, gets money to be able to take care of his family and Amrado doesn’t get a Grammy, does that mean Amrado failed? No. It should be seen as a bonus not the target.”

Like all artistes, he hopes to get one but if that is not achieved, “it shouldn’t be a worry.”