Competition is absolutely indispensable and ineluctable in every domain. It stimulates the growth and efficient management of every business. The reason for competition may differ in every orbit.
However, it has it’s merits and demerits on how well it is utilised by competitors.
Our music industry accents on this. In recent years, lyrical feuds or beefs as it is popularly known have become a norm in the industry. Everyone seemed to enjoy it until a recent one nearly turned bloody.
Beefs date back to the 90’s with American rapper, songwriter, and actor, considered by many to be one of the most influential rappers of all time Tupac Shakur and American rapper and songwriter, rooted in the New York rap scene and gangsta rap traditions, who was also considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, The Notorious B.I.G, Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie making the first and biggest beef of all time. These acts feuded lyrically until their death.
Fast forward, we witnessed that of Sarkodie and Manifest, Shatta Wale and Samini, Stinebwoy and Shatta, Shatta and Sark, MzVee and Kaakie, Medikal and Strongman, Eno, Sista Afia and Freda Rhymes whose own at a point escalated into something physical, and nearly started a fight between Sista Afia and Freda Rhymes if not for the intervention of go-betweeners.
Many have opined that, beefs contribute a lot to the the music industry, and yes it does!
Beefs create a competition. No one in a competition would want to lose to the other party. It puts the artiste in a position where they have to work extra and do more than expected. Interestingly, most artistes drop more tracks around this time. It has however been noticed that, artistes on this table release more tracks as compared to other ones.
Beefs serve as a medium for the realization of potentials: A rare scenario is the recent beef between Sista Afia, Freda Rhymes and Eno. She triggered the beef after she targeted female rappers in a rap song she released. Even though it didn’t really go down well with her, it gave her a chance to try a different genre of music, something different from her usual genre.
Ghanaians, on the other hand advised her to constantly work on her rap because she would do better with time.
Beefs throw more light on budding artistes and artiste who have been lost in the industry for a while. Beefs are a medium for artistes in this group to sell their work. It is basically what we call “Grace Period” for most of these artistes. It gives them the opportunity to increase and solidify their fanbase, and create awareness on their brand, and as well makes the public realize how good an artiste you are.The beef between Strongman and Medikal falls in this category.
Beef defines entertainment: The controversy and comparison associated with beefs makes it more interesting to trigger or rekindle a beef. That doesn’t also dispute the fact that the constant clashes between the artistes especially when they are being compared is sometimes irritating. Nonetheless, it keeps the industry alive since there’s more to watch out for.
Beefs generate income and recognition for most artist: Most artiste tend to make some dollars huge $ through beefs with the help of fan bases and event organizers. Shatta Wale is an example of an artiste who has gained an international recognition through beefs.
