Ghanaian music duo Lali X Lola have officially petitioned Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, over what they describe as unpaid music royalties from popular streaming platform Boomplay. According to them, they haven’t received a single payment from streams since April 2023, despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue.
Lack of Transparency from Boomplay Raises Concerns
In their formal petition dated May 19, 2025, the duo expressed frustration at Boomplay’s silence in the face of repeated requests for clarification. They accuse the platform of ignoring inquiries and withholding revenue owed to them for over a year.
“Despite repeated attempts to engage the platform to resolve this issue, there has been consistent unresponsiveness and nonpayment, which raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and fair compensation for Ghanaian artists,” the petition read.
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Streaming Platforms Should Not Exploit Ghanaian Talent
Lali X Lola acknowledged the role of streaming services like Boomplay in boosting artists’ digital reach. However, they were quick to stress that exposure should not come at the cost of fair compensation.
“We deeply appreciate platforms like Boomplay that offer valuable opportunities for both emerging and established artists to reach fans and grow digitally. However, when such platforms fail to meet basic obligations to rights holders timely… it borders on exploitation of Ghanaian creative talent,” they noted.
This situation reflects a broader industry concern about the fair treatment of artists in the digital age. Platforms operating in Ghana’s music ecosystem, such as Boomplay, must be held to standards that ensure artists are not only visible but also fairly paid for their work.
Call for Regulatory Oversight in Ghana’s Digital Music Space
The duo is urging the minister to take immediate action by investigating the case and setting clear regulations for digital service providers (DSPs).
“We respectfully urge your office to investigate this issue and help establish better regulatory oversight over DSPs operating within Ghana’s digital and creative economy,” they appealed.
They emphasized the emotional and financial toll this situation has taken, describing it as “unjust and disheartening” for musicians who invest time, effort, and money into their craft, only to see no return.
What’s Next for Ghanaian Musicians?
This petition has sparked renewed conversation about musicians’ rights in Ghana’s streaming economy, a space still maturing regarding regulations and accountability. As artists grow their digital presence, transparency and fair compensation must be prioritized.
For background on how royalties work and the global standard, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music publish artist payout models, which may offer insights into practices that could inform better policies in Ghana.