‘President Buhari’s Govt FAILED Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry’ –Francis Goldman, Ace Reggae Sensation
…Greed and Dishonesty ‘Killed’ PMAN
*Says: Music Sector is Poor, Much Noise, No Content’
*Lament: ‘Show Promoters Can’t make Payment due to Inflation’
* Explain: ‘I Believe Strongly in Rastafaniarism’
*Confess: ‘I Can Live without Smoking Marijuana’
* Echoes: Fela’s Kuti’s Ideology, Rebellion against Oppression Attracts me to him’
*PLUS Latest Released Reggae Album
Francis Goldman Aporiegah is a famous reggae musician born in Ghana and lives his life in Nigeria. He has released various albums and never looked back. Since 1989 when Goldman went solo and recorded two albums with Tabansi Music from 1990-1995, he has not looked back in his rising music profile. In this Exclusive Interview with SOLA ANDU/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, Lagos, the deadlock-wearing musician talks about how the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government have not impacted on the lives of musicians, actors, other entertainers; Why the Performing Musician Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) rendered the music union useless, His lessons from the lifestyle of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Reasons he can stay off Marijuana as a Rastafarian and his latest reggae music.
How will you rate Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry presently?
Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry is presently low (poor), much noise no content.
Will you say Nigeria’s Entertainers have gained from this present government of President Muhammadu Buhari?
Nigeria’s Entertainers have not gained nothing from the administration of President Buhari.
How is Inflation affecting Nigeria musicians regarding their shows, concerts?
I can tell you that we have not been having much shows. Most show promoters complain that they cannot pay much to musicians due to inflation since there is no money.
What is the problem with Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN)?
Let me use this medium to say greed and dishonesty killed PMAN.
Do you believe in Rastafarianism?
I believe in Rastafaniarism and I live a life of a Rasta.
Many people share in the belief that Rastafarianism lead musicians into smoking Marijuana (Weed). Do you believe it?
I strongly believe in your opinion
Why do you believe in smoking Marijuana (Weed)?
I don’t believe in smoking Marijuana. I do not like alcohol.
How do you get music inspiration?
My inspiration comes naturally.
Can you describe the Nigerian President either living or dead whose tenure impact positively on the lives of Nigerian musicians?
I must give it to Goodluck Jonathan. Never before then was the Nigerian Entertainment Industry so assisted and supported by the Federal Government.
Can you live without Marijuana (Weed)?
Yes, I can live without smoking Weed.
What are the highest points of your reggae career?
The messages in all my music contents gives me inner fulfillment as I have seen peoples lives turn around for good for just following after messages in my lyrics.
Can you name the best and worst President of PMAN you ever knew?
I will give that to Tony Okoroji and Femi Lasode.
What current music are you working on now?
I just released my latest reggae album and so much more
What attracts you majorly to late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, originator of Afrobeat music?
Fela Ainkulapo Kuti’s ideology, rebellion against oppression phenomenal.
How do you think President Buhari would be able to able to empower Nigerian musicians?
Let Buhari take the issue of piracy more seriously. Walk his talk, not talk the talk.
Tell us about your Ghanaian and Nigerian background
I was born and bread in Ghana. I live and work in Nigeria.
What is your message to your fans worldwide?
Grab some fun where ever you go since it may be your last.
A beautiful and truthful talk from the heart. Rasta lives always.