Let’s be real — getting booked as an underground artist in Ghana is tough.
No manager, no label, no hype crew… and you’re out here trying to turn your craft into income.
But here’s the truth: You don’t need to be famous to get gigs. You need a game plan, consistency, and visibility.
Here’s how to start getting booked even as an upcoming artist with no big team.
🎯 1. Build Performance Footage — Even If It’s Small Gigs
Promoters don’t book artists just because they “sing well” — they book performers who can move a crowd.
So start here:
* Perform at campus events, birthday parties, street jams, karaoke, church, anywhere.
* Get someone to record short videos — 30 secs to 1 min max.
* Post these regularly on IG, TikTok & WhatsApp Status with your name + song tag.
🔥 One solid video of you hyping a crowd = more powerful than 10 flyers.
📲 2. Turn Your Social Media Into a Booking Tool
If your page doesn’t show you’re a performer, no one will book you.
Update your bio to include:
* Artist / Performer / Booking info
* A WhatsApp link or email
* Pin your best freestyle or performance video
* Add “Open for Bookings” in your captions sometimes
💡 Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp are your digital CV. Treat them like it.
🧠 3. Target Local Promoters, Not Just Big Names
You don’t need Charterhouse or Afrochella to put you on. There are dozens of independent event organizers, DJs, student unions, MCs, and bar owners who need talent.
How to find them:
* Search local events on IG & Facebook
* Slide into their DMs with a short intro and performance clip
* Attend their events and connect in person
Example DM:
“Hi, I’m Nii Young, a rising artist from Accra. I love what you’re doing with [Event Name]. I’ve got a short, high-energy set that works great for live crowds. Let me know if I can be part of your next lineup — I’ve attached a performance clip.”
📧 4. Create a Simple EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
If you want to look serious, even without a manager, have an EPK ready.
It should include:
* Your artist name, photo, and genre
* A short bio (2 paragraphs)
* 1–2 performance videos
* Social links
* Contact info
PDF it or use Google Drive to make it shareable. Send this to promoters, DJs, bloggers, and MCs.
💬 5. Offer Value First
Instead of begging to perform, offer to bring something to the event.
Example:
* “I can pull a few friends to the show.”
* “Let me hype the crowd with a 2-song set before the headline act.”
* “I’ll repost the event and promo it on my page.”
Sometimes, it’s this small value exchange that gets you in.
👥 6. Build Face-to-Face Connections
Social media helps, but in Ghana, links move faster than likes.
Make it a point to:
* Attend open mics and creative meetups
* Introduce yourself to DJs and MCs
* Offer freestyles or short sets at events, even unplanned
* Tag and follow people you meet that night
Artists who are seen, heard, and approachable get more bookings.
🧼 7. Be Reliable — Word Travels
Nothing kills your name faster than no-shows, lateness, or attitude.
Even if you’re not getting paid yet:
* Show up early
* Deliver your best energy
* Respect the schedule
* Say thank you to the organizers publicly
Good reputation spreads. So does bad one. Protect yours.
💡 Final Advice from KAKNEWS
Being “underground” doesn’t mean you should move blindly.
You’re your own manager until the world catches up.
Use every show, every video, every contact to level up.
Keep it humble, keep it hungry.
CHECK THIS: Top Music Distribution Platforms for Ghanaian Artists in 2025
source: kaknews.com
