'I can't mentor any young artiste now, they always want everything I have now in short time' - Ofori Amponsah
Celebrated Ghanaian Highlife musician Ofori Amponsah has opened up about the growing challenges of mentoring the new generation of artistes, describing the experience as increasingly frustrating.
Speaking in an interview with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio on Hitz FM, the “Otoolege” hitmaker revealed that, just as Daddy Lumba guided him early in his career, he had also mentored several musicians, including Kofi Nti and the late Kofi B.
However, Ofori Amponsah said his recent attempts at mentoring young artistes have been disappointing, as many of them prefer to compete with their mentors rather than learn from them.
“It’s a difficult thing; sometimes you lift someone to your level, and they want everything you have,” he lamented.
He further explained that most upcoming musicians are unwilling to go through the learning process or put in the years of hard work required to succeed.
“If I have a car, they want the same. If I have women, they want some, so it’s difficult for me now,” he added.
According to him, this attitude has discouraged him from taking on more mentees, as many lack the humility and patience needed to grow under experienced guidance.
Ofori Amponsah emphasized that true mentorship requires respect, patience, and a willingness to learn—qualities he believes are fading among today’s emerging artistes.