Ghanaian musician Mzbel has spoken out about the negative impact her vocal support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had on her career. In an interview with ghanaweb news, conducted by Kafui Dey, Mzbel revealed that her open association with the NDC led to her losing fans and paid bookings. She stated that she had built a following that included fans of the opposing New Patriotic Party (NPP) before publicly declaring her allegiance to the NDC.
Mzbel recounted a specific incident where she was set to perform at Mövenpick but was dropped from the lineup days before the show. The organisers learned that a senior NPP figure would be attending as a guest of honour and decided to remove her from the event. This was not an isolated incident, as Mzbel also lost bookings abroad, with some international shows cancelled even after promotional flyers bearing her image had already been circulated.
Despite her loyalty to the NDC, Mzbel said she faced hostility from within the party's own ranks. She endured verbal and physical attacks, online insults, and threats of violence from people she identified as NDC supporters. Mzbel expressed her disappointment and frustration with the party's supporters, stating that they were the ones who attacked her.
Mzbel's attachment to the NDC dates back to her upbringing in Jamestown, Accra, an area long associated with the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, the party's founder. She stated that her political voice grew louder during election campaign seasons, after she noticed her commentary online tended to attract significant attention.
Mzbel's experience adds to a long-running pattern in Ghana where entertainers who publicly align with a political party often face pushback from fans and event organisers loyal to the rival side, particularly around elections. For artistes who depend on shows, endorsements, and cross-partisan fan bases for their livelihood, taking a visible political stance can carry direct financial consequences.
Mzbel has declared that she is done with partisan politics altogether, saying her open association with the NDC brought her more trouble than benefit. She stated that she now wants no ties to the NDC or any other political party in Ghana. Mzbel also referenced feeling let down after the party reportedly promised her employment opportunities that she says never materialised.
Mzbel's story serves as a cautionary tale for entertainers who choose to publicly support a political party. Her experience highlights the potential risks and consequences of taking a visible political stance, including losing fans, shows, and business deals. Mzbel did not say whether she intends to make any further public statements about the NDC or Ghanaian politics going forward.
Key points
- Mzbel lost fans and shows due to her support for the NDC.
- She faced hostility from within the NDC's own ranks.
- Mzbel is now done with partisan politics.
