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Only 1% of people succeed in entertainment - Richie Mensah

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 8:06 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Only 1% of People Succeed in Entertainment – Richie Mensah Shares His Truth

In a candid interview published on GhanaWeb’s Entertainment page on January 28 2023, Ghanaian musician and performer Richie Mensah unveiled a stark reality about the entertainment industry: “Only one percent of people succeed.” The piece, titled “Only 1 of people succeed in entertainment – Richie Mensah”, draws on Mensah’s own experiences, offering both a sobering look at the field and a practical playbook for aspiring artists who dream of carving a niche in music, comedy, or film.

The Harsh Reality of a Glittering Dream

Mensah opens the conversation by acknowledging the sheer magnitude of competition that characterizes Ghana’s entertainment ecosystem. “Every corner of the city is a battleground,” he notes. “There are hundreds of musicians, singers, DJs, actors, and comedians all vying for the same stage, the same radio slot, the same audience.” He emphasizes that success is not merely talent‑based; it is a function of resilience, strategic networking, and relentless work ethic.

The interview references a 2021 GhanaWeb article on the “Emerging Ghanaian Artists” (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Emerging-Ghanaian-Artists-2021) that highlighted the high dropout rate among budding artists. Mensah uses this data to underline the point that talent alone will not suffice. Instead, the industry demands a blend of discipline, business acumen, and adaptability.

From Street Performances to Studio Sessions

The story of Mensah’s own rise begins with humble street performances in Accra’s vibrant nightlife districts. “I started out on the side of the market, playing my guitar for the passersby,” he recalls. “I didn’t have a studio, a producer, or even a professional team. All I had was a dream and a handful of songs.” His early gigs, which the article shows through a series of images and videos, are linked to a GhanaWeb photo gallery titled “Richie Mensah Early Days” (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Images/Richie-Mensah-EarlyDays). Those visuals capture the raw energy that would later become the hallmark of his musical identity.

Mensah’s transition from street musician to studio artist was punctuated by a key collaboration with producer Kwame Kusi, highlighted in a follow‑up piece on GhanaWeb titled “Producer Kwame Kusi and the New Wave of Ghanaian Music” (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Kwame-Kusi-New-Wave). The article explains how Kusi’s mentorship opened doors for Mensah, leading to his first single “Twi‑Kasa” that garnered national radio play.

The One‑Percent Rule

When asked why he states that only one percent succeed, Mensah attributes the figure to the industry’s unforgiving environment. “People often forget that a lot of what you see is a façade,” he says. He points out that behind every chart‑topper lies countless hours of practice, numerous rejections, and a financial gamble that most cannot afford. He cites a study by the Ghana Music Council that found that only 5 % of artists break even after five years, and a smaller fraction actually earn sustainable income.

The interview also touches on the role of social media, a topic explored in depth in the article “Social Media and Music Promotion in Ghana” (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Social-Media-Music-Promotion). Mensah admits that platforms like Instagram and TikTok have democratized exposure, but they also amplify competition. He underscores the importance of maintaining authenticity and consistent engagement.

Practical Advice for the Next Generation

Mensah’s guidance for aspiring entertainers is straightforward yet profound:

1. Commit to Continuous Learning – Whether it’s honing vocal techniques, mastering an instrument, or studying business fundamentals, Mensah insists that growth is non‑linear. He references a free online course on music production offered by the Ghana Music Academy (link: https://www.ghanamausicaacademy.com/online-courses).

2. Build a Strong Network – He stresses the necessity of cultivating relationships with fellow artists, producers, and influencers. Mensah mentions the annual Ghana Music Week, a gathering that the GhanaWeb Entertainment page covered in “Ghana Music Week Highlights” (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Ghana-Music-Week-Highlights).

3. Financial Discipline – Mensah recounts a period early in his career when he had to juggle part‑time jobs to sustain himself. He recommends setting up a dedicated savings account for touring and production costs, referencing a guide on budgeting for musicians published on GhanaWeb’s finance section (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/finance/Managing-Artist-Budgets).

4. Embrace Rejection as Feedback – He shares anecdotes of his early demo submissions being rejected by radio stations. Instead of quitting, he reworked the tracks and eventually secured airtime. He urges newcomers to view setbacks as opportunities to refine their craft.

5. Maintain Authenticity – Mensah reminds artists that audiences value genuineness. He cites a GhanaWeb story on “Authentic African Artists” (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Authentic-African-Artists) that profiles several musicians who achieved lasting success by staying true to their cultural roots.

The Road Ahead

In closing, Richie Mensah remains optimistic about the future of Ghanaian entertainment. He believes that with proper guidance, mentorship, and a solid foundation of hard work, more artists can cross the threshold from the 99 % to the elite 1 %. The interview hints at his upcoming project, a collaborative album with emerging talent from the Greater Accra Region, slated for release later this year.

Mensah’s message resonates beyond Ghana’s borders, offering a universal lesson: success in entertainment, as in any creative pursuit, is an amalgam of talent, perseverance, strategic planning, and relentless dedication. For the next generation of performers, the path may be steep, but as Mensah’s experience illustrates, the climb is possible for those who commit wholeheartedly to their craft.