Michael Okine, popularly known as Jupitar, a Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artiste, is pleading with the appropriate institutions to take action to regulate the activities of bloggers, which he claims bring the works of seasoned artistes into disrepute.
During a recent interview with Abeiku Santa on Okay FM, the Enemies hitmaker stated that the Ghanaian entertainment industry has flaws that allow bloggers to disrespect renowned artistes who have worked hard to build their careers over the years.
Jupitar believes that measures to streamline blogger operations will go a long way toward protecting their heritage and contributing to the industry’s development.
His call comes in the wake of a recent Twitter feud between dancehall musician Shatta Wale and blogger Kwadwo Sheldon.
The feud between the Kakai hitmaker and Kwadwo Sheldon erupted after the buzz surrounding Meek Mill’s music video, which captured some important sights of Ghana’s presidential seat, Jubilee House.
Sheldon chastised Shatta Wale for endorsing Meek Mill’s actions, which enraged the dancehall star, resulting in verbal spats.
“This industry has made it possible for anyone to approach you and throw jabs at you.
“Just as some celebrities have been arrested for misconduct, I believe that if bloggers are jailed for misconduct, it will serve as a deterrent to others who engage in bad behavior, thereby sanitizing the industry,” he said.
In reference to the Nigerian music scene, he claimed that it was thriving because it had developed a system that forbade contempt for its seasoned artists who had worked hard to build the industry over the years.
“When Nigerians meet Tuface Idibia, they treat him with respect, as they do with their legends,” he explained.
Jupitar recently expressed his outrage over the Ghanaian media’s failure to promote the works of a specific crop of artists due to what he perceives to be tribal discrimination.
In a series of tweets, Jupitar slammed the media, calling them hypocrites and complaining about the industry’s lack of support for Ga entertainers.